Fights erupted between England and Argentina fans outside Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium following the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat. Police made multiple arrests as isolated clashes broke out while supporters left the stadium after the final whistle.
Violence Erupts Outside Stadium
Videos circulating on social media showed several fans being escorted into police vehicles in handcuffs, while others appeared with bloody faces. The exact number of arrests has not been confirmed, but initial reports suggest the disorder involved only a small number of supporters.
There were also reports of disorder in London, where footage appeared to show an Argentina supporter being escorted into the back of a police van for his own safety after being surrounded by a group of England fans.
England's Heartbreaking Defeat
England's World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after Thomas Tuchel's side squandered a late lead against the reigning champions. Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead, but Argentina levelled through Enzo Fernández's long-range strike five minutes from time before Lautaro Martínez headed home a stoppage-time winner to send the holders into the final.
One England fan said he was “so upset” after the Three Lions’ loss to Argentina, saying the team had not “shown up”. Harry Fine, from London, said: “Miami in the quarters, the semis here against Argentina – we haven’t shown up. What are we doing? What are we doing? Harry Kane the last two games – I love him and I’m an Arsenal fan, I want him to do everything for our country. Where were you Harry? I’m so upset. I’m so upset. I want to say it’s rigged but it’s not. We bottled it.” Asked if he thought England had the opportunity to go all the way, he said: “Yes. It was ours.”
Argentina Fans Display Controversial Banner
Argentina fans celebrated their victory, with some holding a banner which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, translated as the Falkland Islands are Argentinian. The banner made its way to the players, who held it up as they revelled in their win. They could face the prospect of disciplinary action from governing body Fifa for violating rules banning political messaging on the pitch.
Asked about the Argentinian players’ move, Business Secretary Mr Kyle told the BBC: “My reaction is that it was entirely inappropriate. Politics needs to be separate from football. That is now a matter for Fifa. I expect Fifa to do its investigation thoroughly.” He continued: “We expect Fifa to undertake an investigation into this. I think it was certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football.”
