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 in Athens 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.”
