Why some fans are at England vs Italy despite Molineux fixture being behind closed doors

Football is nothing without the fans, and that saying was apparent when games were forced to be played behind closed doors across the world during the Coronavirus pandemic. Since, grounds across the UK have welcomed fans back into grounds to watch the beautiful game, but the behaviour of some England fans a year ago will see similar scenes return this evening.

The Three Lions take on European champions Italy this evening at Wolves’ Molineux Stadium in the Nations League, a repeat fixture from the Euro 2020 final in which the Azzurri emerged victorious on penalties at Wembley.

But in the lead up to England’s first international final since 1966, chaotic scenes outside the ground prior to kick-off sparked outrage across the country, with many fans without tickets trying to gain access to the stadium to watch the final with scenes of violence and vandalism also taking place on Wembley Way.

READ MORE: Why England are playing at Molineux with no fans instead of Wembley vs Italy

Following the conclusion of the game, UEFA were quick to act and sanctioned the FA with a £100,000 fine and a two-game ban, one suspended, meaning fans are unable to attend the Nations League fixture this evening.

However, a change in UEFA rules has meant that some fans are able to attend the game, with 3,000 tickets allocated by the FA to children under the age of 14. One adult is also allowed to attend for every 10 children present.

It is the first time the national team has received a punishment that has resulted in a home match being played behind closed doors, but England fans will be able to back Gareth Southgate’s side at Molineux next Tuesday for the final Nations League group game before the commencement of the Premier League season, as they look for revenge over Hungary following their shock 1-0 defeat in Budapest on the opening matchday.