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Riot police ‘use tear gas’ on England fans in Greece

England fans being marshalled by Greek police outside the Olympic Stadium in Athens before kick-off
Many England fans failed to get into the Olympic Stadium in Athens before kick-off - PA/Jack Loftus/X

England fans struggled to get inside the Olympic Stadium ahead of the Nations League win against Greece amid reports of tear gas from police and supporters being pushed against fences.

The Football Association are now looking into the treatment of 3,500 travelling fans who were at the 3-0 win in Athens.

Police in riot clothing with shields and batons marshalled the supporters as they queued to get into the 70,000 sell-out, with many not getting into the stadium before the kick-off at 9.45pm local time. Some have complained about the use of tear gas and say fans were pushed as they queued to get into the stadium.

“We are aware that some of our fans had a difficult experience outside the ground and are obtaining more information on exactly what happened,” said an FA spokesperson.

Bellingham targeted with laser

During the match, Jude Bellingham was targeted by supporters with a green laser. The Real Madrid midfielder, 21, had the green light shone on him from the stands when he touched the ball.

Jude Bellingham hit by laser
Jude Bellingham was targeted almost every time he touched the ball in the first half - Shuttershock/Javier Garcia

Bellingham had helped open the scoring with an incisive pass in the build-up to Ollie Watkins’ seventh-minute goal, after the Aston Villa striker was a shock inclusion ahead of Harry Kane.

But it was noticeable that Bellingham had the green light pointed towards his face and body when he touched the ball and also after an early booking for dissent.

Laser in the crowd at Greece v England
The laser was fired from the Greek supporters - PA/Bradley Collyer