Fans have reacted with disappointment as England lost to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final. Around 60,000 fans at Wembley witnessed the Three Lions’ defeat, while millions watched in pubs, fan zones, and homes across the country.
London’s Metropolitan Police:
Secondly, London’s Metropolitan Police said 49 arrests were made as of 02:00 BST; amid pre-match unrest at the stadium. It added that 19 officers “were injured while they confronted volatile crowds”. “Heartbreaking. Congratulations Azzurri on a great victory,” the royal couple wrote on Twitter. Moreover, “England, you’ve all come so far, but sadly this time it wasn’t our day. You can all hold your heads high, and be so proud of yourselves – I know there’s more to come.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said England “played like heroes”, adding: “They have done the nation proud and deserve great credit.”
That was a heartbreaking result to end #Euro2020 but Gareth Southgate and his @England squad played like heroes. They have done the nation proud and deserve great credit 🏴
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 11, 2021
Later he also tweeted condemnation of racist abuse directed at England players who missed penalties. He said: “This England team deserves to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media. “Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.”
This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.
Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 12, 2021
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan about England:
Lastly, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said there was “absolutely no place for racism in football or anywhere else” and called on social media companies to remove and prevent hate. Furthermore, He also tweeted that England had “made history this tournament”, adding: “Few have seen an England performance – or team – like the one you gave us this summer.”
There is absolutely no place for racism in football or anywhere else.
Those responsible for the disgusting online abuse we have seen must be held accountable – and social media companies need to act immediately to remove and prevent this hate.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) July 12, 2021
Meanwhile, newspapers delayed their first editions as they attempted to sum up the feelings of a nation. “Lions did us proud,” the Metro’s main headline said.