UEFA intervene as England WAGs forced into change for Euro 2024 final vs Spain

The wives and girlfriends of England’s stars will be seated in a neutral zone behind the dugouts as part of a ramped-up security operation for Sunday night’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Families have been sitting in separate areas spread out across stadiums during the Three Lions’ path to a consecutive Euros final.

But some were drenched with beer thrown in the direction of manager Gareth Southgate after the scoreless draw with Slovenia in the group stage – including the brother of defender Ezri Konsa. “It was coming from all angles,” the Aston Villa star said.

And with 80,000 expected at Olympiastadion for the showdown, UEFA have decided to put all family members in the same block at the end of a week in which ugly scenes at the Copa America called into question the safety of players’ loved ones.

Liverpool ’s Darwin Nunez was seen storming into the stands after Uruguay faced Colombia because his family were caught up in trouble caused by fans of the latter.

Meanwhile, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, National Lead for Football Policing, has praised England fans for their behaviour inGermany over the past month. A total of 66 England fans have been arrested throughout the tournament but games, including the high-priority opener versus Serbia, have passed off peacefully.

And Roberts, as quoted by the Mail, said: “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.

“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.”

However the UK’s top football cop said the beer throwing scenes have underlined why they remain against allowing alcohol to be consumed in the view of a pitch for domestic games.

He added: “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.”

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