A serious problem at EURO 2024

“International tournaments are often described as ‘football festivals,’ but EURO 2024 resembled a rock festival more than a football festival, with fans throwing millions of beer mugs and plastic cups from the stands onto the pitch. It wasn’t just about expressing anger; it seemed fans also wanted to attack the players for their poor performances at EURO 2024. England played weakly, Belgium didn’t dare attack despite having a star-studded squad, and Italy fared no better due to a lack of fighting spirit – all suffered the same fate,” commented The Guardian , a British newspaper, on the serious problem at EURO 2024.

Beer glasses were thrown by fans after the match between Italy and Croatia ended in a draw.

Of course, fans throwing beer glasses at players and coaches needs to be punished appropriately. In previous EURO tournaments, unruly fans could be fined tens of thousands of euros, banned from stadiums, or even face criminal charges. But the opposite happened at EURO 2024; the organizing body chose not to comment on the series of incidents mentioned above. Fans across Europe were still free to buy beer and bring it into stadiums in Germany. Even the Disciplinary, Ethics and Control Body of the European Football Federation worked slower than usual, repeatedly postponing complaints from players and coaches.

But while the criticism wasn't directed at the players and coaches, fans across Europe also attacked television broadcasters. In the final Group B match between Italy and Croatia, the BBC commentary team was drenched in sweat after Luka Modric scored the opening goal.

“We’re soaking wet here, it feels like we’re under attack,” said commentator Jonathan Pearce. After quickly wiping his face and shirt with a towel, he continued his commentary: “Beer is flying, towels are flying, Croatia is flying!” Sitting next to him, Danny Murphy described the BBC commentators as being on duty in the rain, having to quickly change their shirts.

The players faced difficulties when beer mugs were thrown at them while the match was still ongoing.

For England fans, throwing beer into the air to celebrate their team's goals has become an integral part of the celebration since the 2018 World Cup. Scenes of millions of fans dancing under beer cans in London venues like Boxpark and Croydon went viral on social media. However, English fans are unfamiliar with being allowed to bring drinks into the stands, as this is prohibited in domestic leagues. And on their first attempt, they decided to go all out, throwing beer cans at manager Southgate.

“ The world of the England team is very different now, things are difficult and perhaps that's my fault. However, I will not back down at EURO 2024. I understand the fans' feelings and I don't know what more to say. England still have a chance and the players are working hard for the top spot,” coach Southgate admitted.

Coach Southgate has faced much criticism for England's playing style at EURO 2024.

Following the incident, England captain Harry Kane also spoke out: "I know there were some things after the match with manager Southgate. England fans all have high expectations and want the team to win the championship. Some things went too far, like the beer glasses thrown at us, but that's life and you have to accept it. In my opinion, England must continue, ignoring the criticism. Perhaps after all this, the fans will know that we are giving everything, trying our best to succeed."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nem-coc-bia-xuong-san-phan-doi-cau-thu-hlv-van-nan-nghiem-trong-tai-euro-2024-18524062715382272.htm