A “large boisterous crowd” of Scotland fans took over central London ahead of the Euro 2020 match against England at Wembley, as police repeatedly urged supporters of both teams to “behave respectfully” and follow social distancing guidelines.
The Tartan Army gathered in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus on Friday to belt out “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” ahead of one of the most eagerly-anticipated games of the tournament.
It followed a large gathering of fans in Hyde Park on Thursday, during which two men were arrested - one for indecent exposure and another for assaulting an emergency worker and stealing a police officer’s hat.
The Metropolitan Police said it had drawn up a “flexible policing plan” to reduce disorder, having already issued a dispersal order allowing officers to order anyone to leave the area or face arrest and a possible prison sentence of up to three months.
Chief Inspector Joe Stokoe, spokesperson for the Met’s policing operation during Euro 2020, said: “London remains in a public health crisis. There are government guidelines in place and we ask people to follow these and remain socially distanced.
“We have contingency plans to deal with any number of potential incidents as they arise but my message is clear: if you don’t have ticket to the matches, fan zone or officially booked into a pub, bar or club, please do not come to London – you could end up missing the game.”
The match will kick-off at 8pm BST and is live on ITV1 and STV, with coverage starting from 7pm BST. It can also be live streamed online via the ITV Hub and STV Hub, click here.
