England supporters faced chaotic scenes and tear gas outside Athens’ Olympic Stadium on Thursday night ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Greece.
Fans attempting to enter the 75,000-capacity venue were met with aggressive tactics from riot police, causing significant disruption before the crucial Group B fixture.
The disturbing incidents saw supporters still attempting to gain entry as the 8pm kick-off approached, with multiple reports of tear gas being deployed against peaceful fans.
“Incredulous how bad the organisation has been tonight,” one witness told talkSPORT, as scenes of disorder unfolded outside the historic stadium.
The troubling pre-match events cast a shadow over what would ultimately prove to be a successful evening for the Three Lions on the pitch.
Serious organisational failures emerged as supporters reported tickets were not being properly checked at the stadium’s perimeter.
Exit gates had to be opened as tensions escalated, with basic security protocols appearing to have been abandoned in the chaos.
“Our tickets not checked at second perimeter and could have photocopied them to get through first,” a witness explained to talkSPORT.
The breakdown in crowd management led to dangerous bottlenecks as thousands of travelling supporters attempted to access the ground.
Multiple social media posts corroborated accounts of the mismanagement, with fans being forced into enclosed spaces near the stadium entrance.
JUST IN: Tensions erupt as fans fight at France vs Israel despite police beefing up security after Amsterdam attacks
Images shared online showed supporters packed tightly together as they attempted to navigate the disorganised entry points, while riot police maintained an aggressive presence.
Distressing testimonies from England supporters detailed aggressive police tactics and indiscriminate use of tear gas.
“F****** disgrace getting to the stadium. Police went mental tear gassed and battered England fans. Wife fell over barrier trying to get out of way,” one fan reported on social media.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu’s press conference attire does not go unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans amid Porsche saga
Another supporter described being “tear gassed and ambushed against fences for no f****** reason,” whilst questioning why England fans were “always the problem.”
The heavy-handed response from Greek authorities drew widespread condemnation from travelling supporters.
“The Greek police are an absolute disgrace tear gassing innocent people trying to queue,” wrote one witness, expressing frustration at the likelihood of England fans being blamed for the disorder.
Reports indicated that riot police were “tear-gassing and hitting any England fan that moved” on the approach to the ground.
There were pyrotechnics from the home fans in Greece
Reuters
UEFA responded to the concerning events by distancing themselves from the security issues, with a spokesperson telling talkSPORT it was “a matter for the local authorities.”
Despite the pre-match chaos, England’s players managed to deliver an impressive performance on the pitch.
The Three Lions secured a commanding 3-0 victory, though players faced additional challenges with a green laser pen being shone in their eyes during the match.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring after seven minutes, followed by a fortunate own goal from Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos off a Jude Bellingham shot.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
England fans had been tear-gassed outside the stadium in Athens
Reuters
Debutant Curtis Jones completed the scoring with a clever back-heel finish.
The result puts England in a strong position to top their group ahead of Sunday’s final match against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
Post comments (0)