England facing UEFA punishment over disciplinary breach in dire Slovenia draw
England face being fined by UEFA after fans' furious reaction to the dismal goalless draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024 on Tuesday - with three countries at the tournament already punished for supporter behaviour.
The Three Lions limped to a first place finish in in Group C despite failing to get the better of the side ranked 57th in the world. Gareth Southgate's side turned in a limp display in attack, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden all having off nights and England's approach baffling many.
Southgate was seen heading over to applaud the England fans in Cologne after the match, closely followed by his players, but supporters weren't afraid to make their feelings clear. Many fans booed, with some launching plastic cups in the manager's direction.
“I understand the reactions but it is a tough environment," Southgate told ITV. "We tried to win the game by the changes we made. We put attacking players on the pitch."
He added: "I understand the narrative towards me. That's better for the team than it being towards them. But it's creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar."
Southgate frantically tried to change up his team in the second half, bringing on Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon for his underperforming starters, but the fury of the fans could now set to land the FA in hot water.
Southgate applauded the fans after the match
UEFA have already acted to punish Albania, Serbia and Croatia for fans throwing objects onto the pitch during the tournament.
Among separate punishments for the lighting of fireworks, pitch invasions and the displaying of provocative messages, Albania were fined €12,375 for the breach of Article 16(2)(b) DR 'throwing of objects' in their opening match against Italy in Dortmund.
UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body also fined Serbia €4,500 for fans throwing objects in their match against England, and Croatia were fined €10,500 for fans throwing fireworks in their match against Albania.
Croatia could also face further punishment for fans throwing plastic cups onto the pitch in their match against Italy, with suggestions that UEFA may decide to ban drinking alcohol in stadiums if such behaviour continues.
Elaborating on the fans on BBC Radio Five Live, Southgate said: “I get it that they are not happy with me, that is the reality, I am not going to back away from that. I need them behind the team.
England's display was slammed by fans
"I have to deal with what I am dealing with. I was not going to back away from going over to thank people for coming and giving the support that they did, but I know that this is causing an issue for the group.
"I can deal with that but I need them to support the players. The more the fans are like they were in the second half, behind the team it is a massive lift for them, because we are operating in a very, very unusual environment."
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