Ezri Konsa reveals cups thrown by England fans hit players’ families and partners after the 0-0 draw against Slovenia at the Euros.
The Three Lions defender Ezri Konza has revealed his brother was hit as some of the England fans threw cups in the direction of Gareth Southgate, who was booed by a section of support as he went over to the fans at the end of the game.
It’s been a recurring issue throughout the tournament and once again cups were thrown from the stands and onto the pitch.
Konza has confirmed his brother and some of his teammates family members were caught in all the middle of it.
England defender Ezri Konsa has revealed some of the players’ families were hit by plastic cups “from all angles” after the 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday š“ó §ó ¢ó „ó ®ó §ó æ pic.twitter.com/nBb85NXHV3
ā Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 28, 2024
Ezri Konsa reveals plastic cups were thrown ‘from all angles’ towards WAGs and loved-ones after England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia… as he opens up on his brother being hit by a projectile https://t.co/DX495pKqL3
ā Mail Sport (@MailSport) June 27, 2024
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Konsa also said the reaction towards Southgate āwasnāt niceā and admitted other players felt anxious about their kidsā safety.ā
Konsa said: āMy brother was hit, a few others. But we havenāt spoken about it too much and thereās not much we can do about it. I spoke to him after, I asked him and how he was and he said he was fine. It wasnāt directly behind the goal, but it was coming from all angles.
āSome of our family members got hit with a few drinks. We were aware but we havenāt spoken about it as players. We know that in football stuff like that happens. We try not to think about it too much so we move on.
āWe check on them. Thereās kids in the stands with family so we always have to check on them, reassure them and ask if theyāre all right. But itās part of the game, it happens and we try not to think about it too much.
āāIt wasnāt nice. But thereās a lot of players with a lot of experience who have experienced it before at club level. We know what to expect from fans. Sometimes itās always up and down. Itās part of the game.ā
Konsa insisted the players know they must start playing better against Slovakia on Sunday but is confident they will turn it round.
āHe added: āWe know we can play better. We know that certain performances havenāt been our best level. But we always try and give it our best. Weāre not going out to try and play badly on purpose.
āāSometimes in football it goes your way and sometimes it doesnāt. But weāre ready for Sunday now. Our main focus is to get the win on Sunday and thatās it.ā
The distribution of tickets for family and friends for Sunday’s last-16 match against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen is still pending.
Once received, England security officials will evaluate it and determine if a relocation is necessary.
During the meeting on Thursday between local authorities and UEFA, it was agreed, as reported by Mail Sport on Wednesday, that low-alcohol beer will be available at the venue.
This decision, which will involve serving low-strength 2.8 percent beer at the stadium, may not be well-received by England’s supporters who have been commended for their conduct throughout the tournament.
The incidents involving beer throwing, including the one with Southgate, are believed to have influenced this decision.
The FA is anticipated to face a penalty from UEFA for the ‘throwing of objects’.
Police anticipate that the majority of England fans will remain in Dusseldorf before the match. Regular strength beer will be offered at a fan zone located on a racecourse approximately 4km away from the stadium.
Southgate said after the game on BBC Radio 5 Live: They (fans) were brilliant, in the second half especially there was a constant noise around the team.
āI 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.
āI have to deal with what I am dealing with.
āI 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.
āI can deal with that but I need them to support the players.
āThe 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.ā
On cups thrown towards him, Southgate adds that he āunderstandsā the anger.
At his post-match press conference, he continued: āWe have made England over the last three or four years fun again.
āI think it has been enjoyable for the players and we have got to be very, very careful that it stays that way.
āI understand it. Iām not going to back away from it.
āThe most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.
āI understand the narrative towards me and thatās better for the team than it being towards them.
āBut it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. Iāve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.
āI understand it, Iām not going to back away from it, but Iām very proud of the players for how theyāre operating within it.ā
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