FA faces UEFA charges after ticketless thugs smashed into Wembley

The Football Association are facing UEFA charges after a night of shame that saw hundreds of ticketless thugs smash their way into Wembley for the European Championship final.

European football’s governing body are investigating and could decide to throw the book at the FA following lawless scenes at the national stadium that may have ramifications for the 2030 UK and Ireland World Cup bid.

The Metropolitan Police are also facing serious questions with numbers inadequate and stewards – many of whom on less than £10 an hour – left powerless to prevent thugs breaking down a door to pour into the concourses and seats, while others violently tailgated those with tickets after evading woefully inadequate security checkpoints. 

Football fans storm through the security barriers at Wembley just moments ahead of England’s nail-biting fight against Italy

A group of football fans storm through the security barriers at Wembley as stewards desperately try to hold them back

Dozens of football fans were spotted pushing through the security barriers outside the Wembley stadium ahead of the game

Crowds of fans are seen pushing through security and running up to the stands at the Wembley Stadium ahead of the game

While UEFA takes control of the stadium for the duration of the tournament, security is down to the local organising group which is made up of the FA and local authorities. 

And the FA may now be handed charges over the disturbing scenes, which also triggered concerns over the likelihood of a Covid outbreak, with fans packed in together at various pressure points.

Around 300 officers were at the venue, with that figure rising to 450 by the final whistle of England’s penalty defeat.

But one senior officer, from a different force, has described that figure to Sportsmail as ‘woefully inadequate’, amid conservative estimates that more than 100,000 had gathered for a fixture which had a limited capacity of 66,000. 

One football fan invades the pitch at the Wembley Stadium as stewards attempt to tackle him to the ground

Thousands of England fans cheer on their team outside Wembley Stadium ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 final football match

Police in riot gear stand guard near the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square as hundreds of fans arrive to watch the game

Police officers form a line in front of the Wembley Stadium last night as thousands of fans descend upon the scene 

Fans draped in England flags gather outside the Wembley stadium during the game between England and Italy 

Police try to disperse fans after they gather in central London ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 final football match between England and Italy 

Police officers stand around the National Gallery in London’s Trafalgar Square during the UEFA Euro 2020 final 

Thugs stormed into Block 102, where fans had paid £812 for a ticket. Some were too afraid to confront those who had stolen their seats with stewards powerless to prevent the carnage. 

In section C10, footage emerged of outraged supporters taking matters in their own hands and aiming punches and kicks at a group who appeared to have smashed through a door.

Children were in tears amid a dark atmosphere under the arch.

Many have asked why no ring of steel was in place around the stadium. Fans – many of whom without tickets – were allowed to gather from 11am. 

Many were drunk by early afternoon with bottles and cones launched at the police officers who were there. Attention will now switch to UEFA’s response. 

The intervention of the UK government in the European Super League fiasco is known to have won many allies at UEFA’s Switzerland HQ but the damage from Sunday now threatens to undermine that position.  

A football fans in held to the ground by police officers as members of the force try to control disorderly behaviour in Westminster

Scores of police officers arrive to disperse fans after they gather in Trafalgar Square in central London before the match

Police clash with football fans at Trafalgar Square as the match between the Three Lions and Italy kicks off 

Hundreds of fans descend upon Trafalgar Square and cheer on the Three Lions as England prepare to face Italy in the Euro final

Riot police try to control disorderly behaviour as fans gather in Westminster ahead of England vs Italy match final

Fans and police officers gather outside the Wembley Stadium as England face Italy in a nerve-shredding final

Police in helmets arrive to Trafalgar Square ahead of the match between England and Italy at the Wembley Stadium

Police monitor fans at Trafalgar Square, London, as chaos begins to ensue ahead of the match between the Three Lions and Italy

Members of the force detain a football fans in Leicester Square prior to the England vs Italy game at the Wembley Stadium

Police officers carry shields and wear helmets as they arrive to Leicester Square in London and watch over football fans

A England supporter wears a flag in front of a police as they form a  line near Trafalgar Square in London during the Euro 2020 final

Litter is strewn across the street at Trafalgar Square as hundreds descend upon the capital to watch England play Italy 

Fans stand near the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square during the UEFA Euro 2020 final between Italy and England

Police form a line as they try to disperse fans after they gather in central London ahead of the highly anticipated game

It came as England fans flocked to Wembley in their thousands to be part of one of the biggest nights in English football history

Main rivals Spain and Portugal, also vying for the right to represent UEFA in the bidding process, will undoubtedly find their position strengthened.

The FA, which is also investigating, released a statement. ‘We strongly condemn the behaviour of a group of people that forced their way into Wembley Stadium before the EURO 2020 Final,’ a spokesperson said. 

‘This is entirely unacceptable. These people are an embarrassment to the England team and to all of the true fans who wanted to enjoy one of the most important matches in our history. We will work with the relevant authorities to take action against anyone who is identified to have illegally forced their way into the stadium.’ 

Forty-nine arrests were made with 19 officers injured. Met Police have been asked for a response.