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Sport

12th Jul 2018

London ambulance crews were called 300 times an hour following England’s defeat against Croatia

James Dawson

So much for dignity in defeat.

Chaos reigned in London following England’s defeat against Croatia last night, with fights breaking out as disappointed fans spilt out of pubs and onto the streets.

Videos filmed in east London showed England supporters blocking roads in Old Street following the exit, with revellers climbing lamp posts and one man arrested.

In south London, fans climbed bus stops around Clapham Junction following the loss – the pubs in the area had been packed during the game with many fans finding themselves denied entry for the match.

Craig Harman, general manager for London Ambulance Service, told the Evening Standard that a man was taken to hospital after falling from a lamp post in Shoreditch and that in excess of 300 calls an hour were received in the aftermath of the game.

A Met Police spokesperson told the Standard: “Police dealt with incidents of minor disorder in the areas of Shoreditch High Street and Clapham Junction following the conclusion of the England v Croatia game.

“Officers attended and those in attendance dispersed.

“One male was arrested on suspicion of public order in relation to the incident in Shoreditch.”

It comes after an ambulance was smashed up by celebrating fans on Saturday following England’s quarterfinal win, individuals were photographed jumping on the bonnet and roof of the rapid response vehicle near Borough Market.

This, unfortunately, only adds fuel to the fire that is the media’s portrayal of England’s football “hooligans.” During the Euros back in 2016, English fans were criticised for their brutish behaviour while in the host country France’s capital city of Paris.

UEFA subsequently condemned the behaviour which included sporadic street fighting, physical fighting in the stands and pub brawls.