27 June 2024 , 21:30
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The families of England stars were showered in beer amid the angry fan revolt in Cologne.
England supporters threw beer cups, shouted abuse and made X-rated gestures at Gareth Southgate at the end of the stalemate with Slovenia. But WAGs, family members and loved ones were caught in the disgraceful scenes after England boss Southgate went over to the fans at the end of the game.
Some of the family members were sitting opposite the tunnel area in a general admission area and were not targeted but witnessed it all and some were drenched in beer as cups rained down from above. England defender Ezri Konsa revealed his brother was caught up in it all and said other family members also saw it and were drenched in beer.
Konsa said the reaction towards Southgate “wasn’t nice” and admitted other players were anxious about their kids’ safety. Konsa said: “Some of our family members got hit with a few drinks. We were aware but we haven’t 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.
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“We check on them. There’s kids in the stands with family so we always have to check on them, reassure them and ask if they’re all right. But it’s part of the game, it happens and we try not to think about it too much.
“It wasn’t nice. But there’s 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 it’s always up and down. It’s part of the game.”
It is not the first time family members have been caught up in trouble as during the last Euros final at Wembley, ticketless hooligans invaded the seats where WAGs were sitting and some were even attacked.
Ezri Konsa's family was caught up in the fans' angry revolt against Gareth Southgate (Getty Images)The Football Association could face punishment from UEFA because objects were thrown while security chiefs are likely to insist that low alcohol beer is served for Sunday’s last 16 tie in Gelsenkirchen. They will also discuss where the family section will be in Gelsenkirchen because there were major stadium issues for England’s first game with Serbia.
There were also travel issues, long queues and poor organisation. Konsa insisted the players know they must start playing better against Slovakia on Sunday but is confident they will turn it round.
He added: “We know we can play better. We know that certain performances haven’t been our best level. But we always try and give it our best. We’re not going out to try and play badly on purpose.
“Sometimes in football it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t. But we’re ready for Sunday now. Our main focus is to get the win on Sunday and that’s it.”