Riot police were forced to intervene in shocking scenes outside Wembley Stadium on Tuesday evening as violent clashes erupted between Serbia supporters and authorities ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier against England.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they made several arrests after being called to deal with "disorder" involving a group of Serbia fans. Disturbing footage circulating on social media shows officers in full riot gear attempting to contain the situation, with loud bangs, believed to be from pyrotechnics, heard in the background.
The trouble is reported to have begun at a bar near the national stadium, where a large group of Serbian supporters had gathered hours before the 8pm kick-off. The atmosphere, already charged, quickly turned hostile, necessitating the police response.
UEFA Investigation Looms
The unsavoury incidents are almost certain to attract the attention of UEFA's disciplinary body. European football's governing body has strict regulations against fan violence and the use of pyrotechnics inside stadiums or in designated fan zones.
This is not the first time the Serbian Football Association has faced scrutiny from UEFA. The national team has a history of fan-related disciplinary issues, including charges of racist behaviour, leading to previous sanctions.
Heightened Security and a Focus on the Pitch
In anticipation of potential trouble, security was significantly ramped up for the high-profile fixture. A robust police presence was visible around the stadium perimeter throughout the day.
Despite the alarming start to the evening, the match itself proceeded without major incident inside the ground. The focus returned to the pitch where goals from Harry Kane and a stunning long-range strike from Aleksandar Mitrović ensured a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
The disorder outside Wembley serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing modern football, where national team matches can sometimes be marred by the actions of a minority, overshadowing the sport itself.
