FA asks England fans to be on best behaviour for Euro 2020 clash with Scotland

The Wembley showdown will be the first between the two countries in four years.

Carl Markham
Thursday 17 June 2021 06:51 EDT
A general view of Wembley Stadium
A general view of Wembley Stadium (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Football Association has asked fans to show respect and be on their best behaviour for the highly-anticipated Euro 2020 clash with Scotland.

Friday’s meeting at Wembley is the first between the two countries in four years and their first at a major competition since 1996.

The England players’ taking of the knee as a protest against discrimination, injustice and inequality has been booed by a section of fans at recent matches.

As Scotland will join their opponents in that gesture before kick-off the FA is keen to avoid flashpoints at a fixture, the history of which dates back to 1872, which is likely to be highly-charged.

“On behalf of the manager and the team, please support England in the right way, before, during and after the fixture,” said an FA statement.

“This includes showing respect to each national anthem before the game. We are playing at home and we need the supporters to fully get behind the team.

“We are very pleased that both England and Scotland players will demonstrate unity when they take the knee ahead of kick-off.

“We thank the Scottish team for this showing of solidarity as together we highlight our common values of respect and equality.

“Please do respect the players when they take the knee as they continue to highlight and challenge discrimination, in all its forms.

“Football is about celebrating pride and passion, not shouting abuse or discrimination.

“We hope everybody enjoys the day and shows their support in a way that will do their country proud, both inside and outside of Wembley Stadium.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in