June 6 – Ugly scenes between a minority of England fans and Portuguese police marred the Nations League semi-final in Guimaraes, tarnishing the image of travelling England fans once more. The Football Association has condemned the fans involved as “an embarrassment”.
Two England fans were arrested as after clashes between English supporters and riot police. Footage shows bottles thrown at Portuguese fans in a fans zone as supporters watched Portugal beat Switzerland 3-1.
It was the second night supporters have been unruly. Tonight England play the Netherlands in the second semi-final of the Nations League and the Three Lions – estimates say between 15-25,000 fans have travelled from England.
Last week the FA released the ‘Don’t be that idiot’ campaign, warning fans about anti-social and ‘embarrassing behaviour,’ but that had little impact on same. In a statement the English governing body called out its own supporters.
“Anyone responsible for these disturbances cannot be seen as true England supporters and are not welcome in football,” read an FA statement. “They are an embarrassment to the team and the thousands of well-behaved fans who follow England in the right way.”
The Football Supporters’ Association, a national fans organisation, said it “unreservedly condemned the anti-social behaviour and violent disorder.” Last Match dozens of England fans were also arrested in Amsterdam ahead of a friendly game. At Euro 2016 England – Russia in Marseille also turned violent.
In Porto Cristiano Ronaldo ensured the hosts and defending European champions Portugal’s passage to the final of the maiden Nations League with a hat-trick to dispatch the Swiss 3-1. Switzerland had surprisingly eliminated Belgium to reach the last four.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714039232labto1714039232ofdlt1714039232rowed1714039232isni@1714039232ofni1714039232