The Football Association and the Football Supporters’ Association have initiated inquiries following complaints from England supporters who felt they were treated like animals by police prior to the Nations League match in Greece on Thursday night.
Lee Carsley’s team was backed by 3,500 traveling fans, but the atmosphere turned sour outside the away end before the match. Supporters reported inadequate turnstile operations and claimed that riot police employed shields and tear gas to manage the queue. Photographs have emerged showing officers donning gas masks.
“It’s been mental,” Jack Loftus, who traveled from Telford to attend the game, told PA Media. “They tried to adjust the queue at the front to make it narrower and longer, using force. They were pushing the crowd against the fence. They treat us like animals and then act like victims if there’s any retaliation.”
The FSA’s Free Lions embassy took to X, stating, “Unfortunately, once again, we are asking England supporters to submit their witness accounts regarding the situation outside the Athens Olympic Stadium.” They expressed frustration, noting that despite prior assurances, fans witnessed the opposite, with local police using shields and tear gas to merely rearrange a queue. “On a night where we had a great result on the pitch, there is still much to be done off it to ensure our supporters are not placed in unjustifiably dangerous situations.”
A Free Lions representative described the situation as unnecessary, adding that tensions initially flared as fans queued at the first ticket checkpoint, with police using shields to manage the line. Hundreds of fans missed the kick-off.
The FA is currently gathering information. “We are aware that some of our fans had a challenging experience outside the stadium and are seeking more details on what transpired,” an FA spokesperson said.
Uefa is awaiting further reports before deciding on any potential action. England secured a 3-0 victory, moving to the top of Nations League Group B2. They will host the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
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