The Football Association and Football Supporters’ Association have launched investigations after England fans say they were ‘lucky’ to avoid a disaster after allegedly receiving ‘unnecessary’ treatment from Greek police.
Testimonies on social media detail how some of the 3,500 travelling fans struggled to get inside the Olympic Stadium before England’s 3-0 victory over Greece in the Nations League.
Police in riot clothing with shields and batons marshalled the supporters as they queued to get into the 70,000 sell-out, with many not getting into the stadium before the kick-off at 9.45pm local time. Some have complained about the use of tear gas and say fans were pushed as they queued.
“We are aware that some of our fans had a difficult experience outside the ground and are obtaining more information on exactly what happened,” said an FA spokesperson.
The FSA’s Free Lions Fans’ Embassy posted on X: “Unfortunately, once again, we are having to ask England supporters to send in their witness accounts to ourselves regarding the situation outside of the Athens Olympic Stadium.
“Despite being told how things would operate in advance, to see the exact opposite occur in some cases, and to see the treatment of our fans by local police using shields and tear gas to do something as simple as rearrange a queue, is so incredibly frustrating.
“On a night where we had a great result on the pitch, there is still clearly so much needed to do off it to ensure our supporters aren’t put in unjustifiably dangerous situations.”
England fan Isaac Bloomfield added: It was disgusting, they’re lucky to have avoided a disaster. Got to the ground 90 mins before KO and got in 15 mins in, ridiculous. We decided to leave on 65 mins to avoid being a sitting duck at FT.”
More fans shared claims of being pushed and receiving heavy-handed treatment from Greek police outside the stadium with footage on social media showing fans crowded into a small area as they attempted to get into the match. Others suggested there were only two toilets for the away end and they were located outside the stadium.
Jack Loftus, from Telford, who was at the match said: “It’s been mental. They went to adjust the queue at the front to make it narrower and longer and just did it with force. They were pushing the crowd amongst the fence.
“They ultimately treat us like animals, then they’ll act the victim if there’s retaliation. Sick of the foreign police.”
Bellingham targeted with laser
During the match, Jude Bellingham was targeted by supporters with a green laser. The Real Madrid midfielder, 21, had the green light shone on him from the stands when he touched the ball.
Bellingham had helped open the scoring with an incisive pass in the build-up to Ollie Watkins’ seventh-minute goal, after the Aston Villa striker was a shock inclusion ahead of Harry Kane.
But it was noticeable that Bellingham had the green light pointed towards his face and body when he touched the ball and also after an early booking for dissent.
