Police confirm 77 England fans were arrested at Euro 2024 as behaviour of 'vast majority' praised after Three Lions fans descended on Germany

A total of 77 England fans were arrested at the Euros, with police hailing the behaviour of the ‘vast majority’.

Fears had been raised ahead of the tournament that Germany’s proximity to the UK and the relaxation of Covid restrictions – along with a rise in incidents of disorder at domestic matches – could trigger a spark in violence.

However, that failed to materialise, despite close to a quarter of a million Three Lions fans flocking to the country.

Aside from the semi-final against Germany’s neighbours the Netherlands – Gareth Southgate’s men enjoyed home field advantage with England supporters filling more than half of each stadium.

For the final, more than two thirds of the 71,000-capcity Olympiastadion was populated by those backing Jude Bellingham and co.

Ahead of matches England fans flocked to cities such as Dusseldorf and Cologne and, bar isolated incidents, most evenings passed without trouble. 

A team of UK officers and spotters was based in the country throughout the tournament and worked closely with local police.

Of the 77 arrested, for a variety of offences, 13 have been served with banning order notices, of which eight have been issued. Five are due in court at a later date. 

Work is ongoing to identify what police have described as ‘a small number’ thought to have committed other offences.

Mick Johnson, director of the UK Football Policing, said: ‘Whilst the England team ultimately had a disappointing result in the final, the overall reflections are of a very positive tournament for our travelling fans.

‘The vast majority of supporters were well behaved, and it was fantastic to see people enjoying both the football and everything else that Germany has to offer.

‘As with any event of this kind there were instances of disorder, and these were swiftly dealt with by the German police with the support of UK officers. There has also been positive action from the CPS and the courts when fans involved in disorder have returned to the UK.’