England fans expressed their frustration by throwing plastic beer cups in the direction of England Manager Gareth Southgate after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024 on Tuesday. Despite the team advancing to the round of 16 as the winner of Group C, the fans showed their disappointment by throwing cups onto the field as Southgate and his players went to applaud them after the final whistle at Cologne Stadium.
In response to the incident, Southgate stated, “I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it. The most important thing here is that the supporters stay with the team.” He acknowledged the unusual environment created by the fans’ actions and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere for the players.
Although Southgate had previously stated that he was unaware of criticism from former England captain Gary Lineker, he acknowledged the unrest among some fans following the draw against Slovenia. Despite this, he highlighted the efforts made to make England football enjoyable again over the past years and emphasized the need to preserve that enjoyment for the players and fans alike.
England had already secured advancement to the next round before the match against Slovenia, but finishing as the Group C winner means they will face one of the qualifying third-placed teams in the round of 16. Additionally, being placed on the opposite side of the draw from football powerhouses such as Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal provides a strategic advantage for the team moving forward in the tournament.
The incident involving the cup throwing serves as a reminder of the passion and intensity of football fans, but it also underscores the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive environment for the players. As England continues their journey in Euro 2024, it will be crucial for both the team and the fans to stay united and focused on achieving success on the field.