London chaos: 'Bottles and missiles thrown' in Leicester Square before Euro 2020 final
VIDEOS posted on social media shows England fans throwing glass bottles, beer cans and plastic cones around Leicester Square ahead of tonight's Euro 2020 final.
Euro 2020: Fans gather at Leicester Square ahead of final
In one clip fans pelt missiles at a glass window, which has already been damaged. England play Italy tonight at 8pm in their first major competition final since the 1966 world cup.
On Twitter photojournalism account Urban Pictures posted footage of missiles being thrown.
They added: “Bottles thrown as Leicester Square, London, becomes unofficial ‘fan zone’ for thousands of England fans.”
Police, wearing riot helmets, were pictured on scene trying to control the crowd.
Earlier comedian Danny Wallace tweeted: “Leicester Square brewing up trouble. Hundreds here.
“Men throwing pint glasses into the air, trees ripped up, flares, bottles thrown at windows. It’s not even 2pm.”
Other footage shows shrubs have been ripped from the ground, and were being thrown around by the crowd.
At one point a woman walks through the square, with her hands of her head to protect against missiles.
In one photo, which went viral online, an England fans is seen with an activated smoke canister sticking out of his naked bottom.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer's furious bust-up with Roy Keane: 'Took a swing and missed'
Twitter account The Sportsman retweeted video of bottles being thrown.
They said: “This is absolutely not okay.
“Enjoy yourselves respectfully and stop smashing people’s windows.”
Sam Morshead, digital editor of The Cricketer, tweeted video from the scene.
DON'T MISS
Gareth Southgate explains Bukayo Saka snub for Euro 2020 final [REVEAL]
Lineker and Ferdinand clash ahead of Euro 2020 final [SHOCK]
Bottles thrown at Nigel Farage as he arrives at Wembley for Euro final [REVEAL]
He added: “Leicester Square is a mess though.
“Glass everywhere, England fans getting nicked for fighting England fans, a tree uprooted and chucked around for laughs. Don't get the attraction.”
There was disorder in central London after Germany knocked England out of the Euro 1996 tournament.
Police made over 200 arrests after being pelted with missiles, whilst 66 people were injured.
England fans sing Sweet Caroline outside of Wembley
The final and semi-finals of Euro 2020 are all taking place at Wembley.
In a statement the Queen expressed her support for the England team.
She said: “55 years ago I was fortunate to present the World Cup to Bobby Moore and saw what it meant to the players, management and support staff to reach and win the final of a major international football tournament.
“I want to send my congratulations and that of my family to you all on reaching the final of the European Championships.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “We’re all hoping you can go one better and bring it home tonight England. Football’s coming home!”
Prince William, as Football Association president, will attend the match along with the Duchess of Cambridge.