England fans throwing pints at World Cup fan parks are spoiling the experience for others, according to Metro columnist Jacob Hawley. Writing after England's group game against Croatia on June 17, 2026, Hawley described how he was repeatedly drenched by flying beer at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, a fan park venue.
Hawley said he chose the fan park to avoid crowded sports bars and local pubs, but quickly regretted it. When Harry Kane scored a penalty after a retake, a spectator behind him pre-emptively threw his pint in the air, soaking nearby tables. Hawley noted that the man looked sheepish when the penalty was initially saved and apologised after receiving death stares.
Multiple pints thrown during celebrations
When Kane buried the retake, Hawley and his mates celebrated, only for another plastic cup of beer to land inches from them, soaking their crisps and white trainers. Turning to confront the culprit, Hawley realised the problem was widespread: he counted at least six pints thrown into the air. "Rather than enjoying England scoring, I’m bathing in a fountain of warm liquid falling onto replica jerseys," he wrote.
Hawley criticised the tolerance of such behaviour, noting that viral videos from venues like Boxpark show it is often encouraged. He suggested management may not mind because replacement pints are sold, and cleaning staff expect the mess. He added that most of the crowd seems to accept it, with some people bringing multiple pints—one for drinking, one for throwing—even for shots that hit the side netting.
Behaviour no longer excusable
Hawley acknowledged that similar behaviour during Euro 2021 was somewhat understandable, given the post-lockdown context and the novelty of England reaching the final. But he argued that now, with England routinely going deep in tournaments and a cost of living crisis, there is no excuse. He questioned whether the pint-throwing is a form of aggression from men who can only show emotions by soaking others in beer.
"Whatever it is, it has to stop," Hawley wrote, urging fans to keep their pints on the tables until a potential final against France. He concluded by asking fans to refrain from throwing beer until a truly momentous occasion.
