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Trouble broke out in the lead-up to the Euro 2020 final as England fans went wild in London, with bottles thrown and scuffles breaking out.
The scenes of jubilation seen across the capital this afternoon turned to chaos ahead of kick-off, with some fans even managing to force their way into Wembley Stadium.
Footage posted online showed police and stewards trying to separate brawling fans as they pushed through crash barriers.
Fans in Leicester Square were also seen throwing bottles and cones and the area was left littered with rubbish. Other images showed fans burning an Italian flag in central London.
England fans burn an Italian flag in central LondonAFP via Getty Images
As scenes of mayhem unfolded, fans were urged to stay safe and look after each other. Police said there had been people “jumping off street lamps or hoardings” and warned “this could easily end in injury”.
Rio Ferdinand also made his own plea:
Officials confirmed that ticketless fans had managed to breach security at Wembley to get into the stadium.
They said: “There was a breach of security and a small group of people got into the stadium.
“We are now working closely with stadium stewards and security to remove these people. Anyone inside the stadium without a ticket will be instantly ejected.”
Former player turned pundit Chris Kamara said he had an “horrendous walk down Wembley way” and had to dodge bottles being thrown by the crowd.
The Metropolitan Police said there had been 45 arrests by officers policing the Euro 2020 final.
Huge crowds of people had been in party mode in London today.
Leicester Square, which has been the scene of much jubilation during the tournament, has been packed with supporters, who could be seen singing, chanting and waving flags, with some throwing flares into the air.
There were similar scenes in Liverpool Street, where supporters were filmed standing on tables, singing and hugging one another.
Fans also created a lively atmosphere outside Wembley while, near the Uefa fan zone in Trafalgar Square, pubs were packed and large crowds could be seen holding England flags.
Here are some of the images and videos from Leicester Square.
The crowds in Leicester Square, hours before the gameREUTERS
Fans wearing England kits and waving flags in Leicester Square REUTERS
Supporters have been chanting the likes of It’s Coming Home REUTERS
A brass band plays among the crowd in Leicester SquareREUTERS
An England fan climbs a lamp post at Leicester SquarePA
But, as the number of people in the square reduced, it was clear how much rubbish had been left behind.
A lone England fan was pelted with bottles by a crowd in central London ahead of the Euro 2020 finalGetty Images
Rubbish and plastic bags have been left at the square Liam James
After the square emptied out, all the rubbish that had been left behind could be seenGetty Images
Some people had raised concerns earlier about the number of people gathered in the area, including X Radio’s Danny Wallace, who said the crowd was “brewing up trouble”.
Elsewhere, in Liverpool Street, fans were getting excited...
And outside Wembley Stadium, fans proudly sported the team colours and were draped in England flags.
England fans enjoy the pre match atmosphere on Wembley WayGetty Images
Supporters have climbed onto one another’s shoulders PA
Some boisterous supporters even climbed on top of a bus outside the grounds, while others outside King’s Cross station in the capital let off red and white smoke during the celebratory build-up.
British Transport Police said there had been “multiple cases of flares being set off within the vicinity of railway stations” in the capital and warned that “these incidents are offences and will be investigated”.
Some boisterous supporters even climbed on top of a bus outside WembleyPA
England fans outside King's Cross station in LondonPA
Although, it seems like it’s already got a bit much for some...
An England fan takes nap near to Wembley StadiumPA
Elsewhere in central London, the streets were lined with England fans chanting and cheering which can be heard blocks away.
Fans walking up and down Tottenham Court Road in Soho were wrapped in England flags and wearing Three Lions merchandise.
A few people were seen kicking a football around on the main road as cars honked along to chants supporting England, Gareth Southgate and Harry Maguire.
Police could be seen on horseback close to Trafalgar Square as thousands are at the location for the England game.
Football fans gather ahead of the match in Trafalgar Square Getty Images
Fans climbed on top of traffic lights as they gear up for tonight’s clashAP
Fans sit outside the national Gallery in Trafalgar SquareAFP via Getty Images
Fans gather at tables in the fan zone at Trafalgar SquareAP
Although the official fan zone at the landmark has a capacity of just over 1,000, supporters are piling in to the area ahead of kick-off.
The Metropolitan Police had urged fans not to come to London unless they have match tickets or somewhere booked to watch the game.
Police arrive to disperse fans after they gather in central London ahead of the finalAFP via Getty Images
The force said it will be deploying “a great many officers and specialist units to prevent crime and disorder and respond to any incidents right across London”.
NHS London also put out a reminder, urging people to stick to social distancing rules
Let’s hope fans listen to the advice.
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