Euro Foot 2020 Final Marred by Disorder and Near Misses
The Euro Foot 2020 final at Wembley Stadium, a day meant for celebration, was overshadowed by widespread disorder and near-fatal incidents. A commissioned review, led by Louise Casey, revealed a terrifying picture of security breaches, crowd violence, and a near miss of fatalities. This article delves into the findings of the report, highlighting the chaos that unfolded and the lessons learned from the Euro 2020 final.
A National Shame: Unprecedented Disorder at Euro Foot 2020
The Casey report describes the events of July 11th, 2021 as a “national shame.” Thousands of ticketless individuals attempted to storm Wembley Stadium, while tens of thousands more created anarchic scenes on Olympic Way. Over 2,000 people gained access without tickets through 17 mass security breaches, often targeting disabled entrances. A previously unreported detail reveals a 6,000-strong crowd outside the stadium, poised to charge the gates if England won, posing a significant threat to exiting fans.
Fans attempting to breach security at Wembley Stadium during the Euro 2020 final.
Euro 2020 Security Breaches and Near Misses
The report details numerous “near misses” where lives were at risk. A young man suffered a seizure after being trampled during a charge on the Spanish steps. At Gate G, a young woman was trampled and rescued by a fellow supporter, while a man with a small child was knocked to the ground in a stadium rush. Disturbingly, a ticketless fan impersonated a steward and attempted to abduct a disabled child from his father to gain entry.
Breakdown in Planning and Crowd Control at Euro Foot 2020
The review identifies a series of failures that contributed to the chaos. Crowds gathered early on Olympic Way, engaging in heavy alcohol and drug consumption, exceeding authorities’ expectations. A planned and organized effort to storm the stadium further exacerbated the situation. Wembley officials described being overwhelmed by the “constant for six hours” attempts to breach security.
Police presence at Wembley Stadium during the chaotic Euro 2020 final.
The report criticizes a lack of clarity regarding responsibility for controlling the Olympic Way area (“Zone X”), hindered security measures due to land ownership complexities, and police inflexibility with late deployment. Government decisions, including initially denying extra fan zones and then insisting on expanding the final’s capacity, also contributed to the unsustainable situation.
Lessons Learned from the Euro Foot 2020 Final Debacle
Casey concludes that planning failed to anticipate the scale of the event, treating security issues tactically rather than strategically. The “perfect storm” of factors, including Covid regulations, created an unprecedented challenge. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham apologized for the ordeal, accepting the review’s findings and acknowledging the need for a different approach to planning for events of national significance. While recognizing the heroic efforts of stadium staff under immense pressure, he admitted that “we didn’t get everything right.” The Euro Foot 2020 final serves as a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive planning, robust security measures, and clear lines of responsibility for major events. The lessons learned from this near-disaster are crucial for preventing future incidents and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of fans at large-scale gatherings.