England players' WAGs and families will sit in a 'neutral zone' for Euro 2024 final after being hit by flying beer earlier in the tournament as security is increased for Spain tie

  • The families were hit when England fans threw pints towards Gareth Southgate
  • Extra security measures have been taken to ensure their safety on Sunday night
  • LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Why you should believe England can beat Spain in the final

By Mike Keegan

Published: | Updated:

The families of England's players will sit in a 'neutral zone' behind the dugouts to avoid being hit by flying beer as part of a ramped-up security operation for the Euro 2024 final.

Mail Sport understands that UEFA have reacted to concerns raised after loved ones were 'hit from all angles' at a previous match ahead of Sunday night's showcase with Spain at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Following England's group stage 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne beer cups were hurled at manager Gareth Southgate, while family members split across various parts of the stadium ended up drenched as fans in upper tiers launched their plastic containers at the final whistle.


There should, however, be no such issues in Germany's capital, with a special section behind the technical area at the 71,000-capacity venue carved out for families, partners, and friends. The move also means there is little chance of a repeat of the scenes at the Copa America, where Liverpool's Uruguayan Darwin Nunez jumped in the stands to fight with Colombia supporters amid reported concerns over the safety of his family.

Despite huge demand, officials are not expecting a repeat of the scenes which marred the last Euros final, when thousands of ticketless England fans managed to successfully overwhelm security and storm Wembley. The layout of the Olympiastadion, which is surrounded by a park, means an effective ring of steel can be put in place, with various ticket checks carried out before fans get anywhere near the turnstiles.

England players' WAGs and families will sit in a 'neutral zone' for the Euro 2024 final on Sunday

England players' WAGs and families will sit in a 'neutral zone' for the Euro 2024 final on Sunday

They will be situated behind the dugout for the match as security measures are ramped up

They will be situated behind the dugout for the match as security measures are ramped up

Officials are, however, not expecting a repeat of scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final

Officials are, however, not expecting a repeat of scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final

As Mail Sport reported on Thursday, England are set to be backed by the majority of those present with up to 50,000 in the ground expected to be cheering on Southgate's side. Additional flights to Berlin have been laid on, but punters face paying more than £800 for a seat on the plane. The cheapest tickets for the match on resale sites were last night being offered for more than £1,000.

After the Slovenia match Konsa said they were aware of the beer throwing issue because family members were impacted. 'It was coming from all angles,' the Villa man added, after his brother was hit.

Meanwhile, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, National Lead for Football Policing, hailed the behaviour of England's supporters, with 66 arrests made throughout the tournament so far. 'We estimate there have been around 200,000 visitor trips to Germany so far in the tournament, and the vast majority of the travelling England fans have been extremely well behaved,' he said.

'Almost all of those who have travelled have had tickets for matches, and England fans have filled at least half of the stadium capacity at each venue the team has played.

'We have also seen numerous examples of fans, family members and officials being covered by alcohol during matches, which has reiterated our stance that drinking in the stands shouldn't be allowed at matches in the UK. Currently fans can enjoy a drink before the game and, if they wish, at half time in the concourse, which is a sensible balance for everyone.'

Mr Robers added that work was ongoing and that there had been a decrease in the number of football-related incidents in England.

Families were caught up in the chaos when beer was thrown towards Gareth Southgate

Families were caught up in the chaos when beer was thrown towards Gareth Southgate 

Up to 50,000 fans in the stands are expected to be cheering on Gareth Southgate's side

Up to 50,000 fans in the stands are expected to be cheering on Gareth Southgate's side

'There has also been positive action from the CPS and the courts when fans involved in disorder have returned to the UK. To date, we have served 13 notices for Football Banning Orders,' he said. 'Eight of these have now been issued and a further five people have been bailed and will return to court at a later date. A number of further investigations are ongoing and we will pursue banning orders against anyone who is found to have been involved in disorder whilst following England.

'The overall good behaviour of fans has been reflected at home, and we have seen a reduction in the number of football related incidents across the UK in comparison to the last few international tournaments.

'We are all now very much looking forward to the final, and hopefully seeing England lift the trophy on Sunday evening. If you are in Germany have a good time, but please remember to drink responsibly, respect the local culture and don't put yourself in danger.'

Euro 2024