UK police are set to investigate claims of heavy-handed tactics used by Greek authorities on England supporters prior to the Nations League match against Greece. According to reports, local police in Athens allegedly used riot shields and tear gas to manage the crowd of England fans outside the Athens Olympic Stadium. The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) was present at the match and worked actively with local officials to help change their approach during the incident.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) has called on fans to share their experiences of the event, which saw around 3,500 England supporters travel to Athens for the sold-out fixture. Some fans reported being “pushed” and receiving rough treatment as they attempted to enter the stadium. The FSA expressed concern over the safety of fans, stating that while UEFA has been informed, much more needs to be done to ensure fans are not placed in dangerous situations in the future.
UKFPU Actively Involved in Change of Tactics
Following the incident, the UKFPU stated that officers were present at the stadium and worked with local police to alter their tactics. The investigation into the matter will be conducted in partnership with the Football Association (FA) and the FSA.
Fan Accounts of the Incident
One fan, Mark, took to social media to express his frustration with the treatment, calling it “completely unnecessary.” Another fan described how local officers were “funnelling hundreds of fans (including children) into a few entrances” and became aggressive when crowding occurred. Many supporters were disappointed to witness such treatment, especially after being informed of how the situation would be handled beforehand.
Football Association and UEFA Respond
The Football Association is gathering information to understand the full scope of what happened during the match. The FSA also stressed that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of England supporters when attending international fixtures. UEFA, European football’s governing body, has been informed of the situation, and further updates are expected.
This investigation comes at a time when fan safety remains a key concern for football authorities, particularly when it comes to managing large crowds at international events.
Key Insights:
- Fan Safety Remains a Priority: This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding fan safety at football matches, especially when large numbers of supporters travel abroad for away games.
- The Role of the UKFPU: The UK Football Policing Unit’s involvement in ensuring the safety of English fans abroad underscores the importance of international cooperation between police forces.
- The Aftermath of the Incident: As the investigation unfolds, it’s clear that more needs to be done to prevent such confrontations in the future, ensuring that police forces handle crowd control with respect for supporters’ safety.
