Despite initial concerns and historical stereotypes, Euro 2024 has witnessed a positive shift in the behavior of England fans, challenging old narratives and fostering a more welcoming atmosphere. This tournament in Germany was anticipated to be a significant test, given the ease of travel and affordability compared to recent World Cups, raising questions about how a new generation of supporters, especially those experiencing their first international tournament, would conduct themselves.
The early days of Euro 2024 saw some familiar scenes, with riot police in Dortmund initially responding to large gatherings of England fans. Footage of police charges across city squares might have triggered alarm, reminiscent of past tournaments marred by hooliganism. As one group of officers made a seemingly disorganized charge and retreat, the amused English fans even broke into chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing,” highlighting the initially light-hearted atmosphere.
However, the atmosphere shifted as reports of trouble emerged, signaled by distant roars and breaking glass. For seasoned England supporters, this sound was a stark reminder of the potential for violence to overshadow the football. One fan’s reconnaissance mission to investigate revealed a surprising twist: “Turns out it was Orange on Orange,” he reported, explaining the clashes involved Dutch fans from Utrecht and Feyenoord, with no English involvement whatsoever. This incident served as a humorous yet telling example of how preconceptions about England fans are often misplaced.
Netherlands and England fans interacting before Wednesday’s game
Image alt text: Jovial interaction between Dutch and English fans in Dortmund before a Euro 2024 match, showcasing the friendly atmosphere of the tournament.
This was a far cry from past events. Memories of the 2006 World Cup in Germany surfaced, where pre-tournament skirmishes led to 122 England fan arrests in Stuttgart. This was followed by a more serious outbreak on Saturday night involving mounted police and missile-throwing, culminating in 378 arrests, mostly English, to prevent further disorder. Despite the severity, the Stuttgart incident proved isolated, and remarkably, England fans were later lauded as ‘Fans of the Tournament,’ celebrated for their positive contribution to the World Cup atmosphere. “The English fans are the world champions of partying,” declared World Cup spokesman Gerd Graus at the time.
While the Dutch, Scottish, Georgian, and Romanian fans have all added vibrant color and passion to Euro 2024, England’s supporters are strong contenders for the ‘Fans of the Tournament’ title once again. Thomas Concannon of the Football Supporters Association (FSA), present at Euro 2024, affirmed this positive trend: “Concerns about disorder from the usual media sources have proved unfounded as travelling fans both young and old have enjoyed themselves, interacting positively with both our hosts and supporters from other visiting nations.” He emphasized, “It is time to start celebrating those who give up their hard-earned money to follow England away, and dispel the myths of the disorder not seen for nearly 25 years.”
The decline in disruptive behavior among England fans is evident in arrest statistics from major tournaments over the last decade. The 2022 Qatar World Cup saw zero arrests, and in the 2018 Russia World Cup, only three England fans were arrested. Euro 2016 in France recorded 46 arrests, while the 2014 World Cup in Brazil had 24. These figures stand in stark contrast to the near 500 arrests in Stuttgart in 2006.
England fans at the 2006 World Cup
Image alt text: Energetic England fans cheering at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, contrasting with the improved behavior at Euro 2024.
Germany’s accessibility and affordability for Euro 2024 presented a significant test for this improved fan behavior, with large numbers of English supporters expected to travel. Concerns lingered about younger fans, especially those new to international tournaments after the largely domestic Euro 2020.
However, as Euro 2024 nears its conclusion with the final against Spain, English fans have largely passed this test. Isolated incidents, such as a pre-match skirmish before the Serbia game and an attack on a Dortmund bar by Dutch hooligans attempting to steal an England flag, have been minor and quickly contained.
To be sure, not everything has been flawless. The persistence of the ‘Ten German Bombers’ chant, intended to provoke locals with its insensitive reference to wartime casualties, remains a regrettable negative aspect. Reports of cocaine use among younger fans also present a less celebratory side to the fan experience.
Despite these blemishes, the semi-final in Dortmund encapsulated the overall positive atmosphere of Euro 2024. With an estimated 150,000 football fans in the city, predominantly Dutch but with a significant England contingent, the overwhelming memory was one of good humor and camaraderie. The pre-match atmosphere on the routes to the stadium was characterized by playful banter rather than aggression, with chants exchanged in good spirit.
This positive atmosphere likely surprised bookmakers who had predicted England fans to have the highest arrest rates at Euro 2024, even offering odds on England being expelled from the tournament due to hooliganism. Such outdated stereotypes perhaps contributed to the initial alcohol restrictions imposed on England fans for the Serbia match, deemed “high-risk.” Only low-alcohol beer was available and consumption was restricted to the concourse. Fortunately, a more sensible approach prevailed for subsequent matches, allowing fans to enjoy a regular beer during the tense quarter-final against Switzerland.
England fans celebrate beating Switzerland on penalties
Image alt text: Jubilant England fans celebrating victory over Switzerland in a penalty shootout at Euro 2024, showcasing the passionate support without disorder.
The evolving profile of England’s travelling support mirrors changes seen at domestic matches, contributing to the decline of football-related violence. The fanbase is now older, more middle-class, and affluent, partly driven by the high costs of tickets, which for the Berlin final ranged from €95 to €1,000 for England’s official allocation of over 10,000 tickets. Improved stadium facilities and stewarding, a legacy of the move to all-seater stadiums after the Hillsborough disaster, also play a role.
Euro 2024 has seen increased participation from women and children among England fans, creating a more diverse and family-friendly atmosphere. While still predominantly white, the fanbase is becoming more representative. Banning orders, requiring potential troublemakers to surrender passports, and the Football Association’s policy of selling tickets exclusively through the official supporters travel club, with reminders to act as “ambassadors,” further contribute to responsible fan behavior.
Peter Sherwood, a dedicated England fan from Stoke who attends every match, home and away, reflects on the transformation: “There’s certainly been a different atmosphere compared to going back what is quite a lot of years now. We’ve met lots of opposition fans and everyone has had a great time. It’s the same with the usual old faces we’ve got to know over the years. It has been really good-natured.”
He attributes this shift to the changing demographics of the fanbase, with more women and children attending tournaments, a stark contrast to the past dominance of hooligan firms. Improved policing, with close collaboration between English and German forces, and the computerization of ticketing and official membership schemes also act as deterrents to misbehavior.
Gone are the days when England fans were isolated due to their reputation, as in 1990 when they were confined to Sardinia. Euro 2024 suggests a new chapter, where England fans are recognized for contributing positively to the tournament’s atmosphere. As the final in Berlin approaches, regardless of the result against Spain, the improved conduct of England’s travelling support at Euro 2024 is undoubtedly a victory in itself, something worth celebrating.
(Top photo: Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images)
