POLICE chiefs have slammed England fans who injured officers during chaotic scenes before and after the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
A total of 19 Metropolitan Police officers were hurt while confronting “volatile crowds”, the force announced, with 49 arrests made.
Those who participated in the violence were branded “thugs” by the Metropolitan Police Federation.
Before the game, drunken supporters were seen lobbing glass bottles in crowded areas. At the stadium itself, scores of fans barged past stewards to force entry into the stands, sparking fights with other attendees.
The Met Police announced in a statement after the game: “Our policing operation for the #Euro2020 final is drawing to a close. Thank you to the tens of thousands of fans who had good spirits and behaved responsibly.
“We made 49 arrests during the day for a variety of offences. We will have officers on hand throughout the night.
“Frustratingly, 19 of our officers were injured while they confronted volatile crowds. This is wholly unacceptable.”
Frustratingly, 19 of our officers were injured while they confronted volatile crowds. This is wholly unacceptable.
— Metropolitan Police Events (@MetPoliceEvents) July 12, 2021
A big thanks to officers across London and our blue light colleagues for their part in keeping Londoner's safe and moving tonight.#Euro2020
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The Metropolitan Police Federation, the body which represents thousands of London's police, responded: "These people should be ashamed of themselves. They are not fans. They are thugs. We wish our injured colleagues well."
England lost the game on penalties to Italy.
The team’s first final in 55 years was marred by violence, as well as racist abuse directed at players who missed their spot kicks.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were the unlucky players who failed to score.
The trio's social media pages were quickly flooded with racist comments, leading the FA to release a statement condemning the "disgusting behaviour".
The Met Police also condemned the "unacceptable" abuse, adding it will be investigating the "offensive and racist" posts.
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