Gary Lineker Urges England Fans Not To Boo Italy's National Anthem

Gary Lineker has urged England fans not to boo Italy's national anthem before the Euro 2020 final on Sunday (11 July).

The former England footballer and BBC presenter issued the plea after UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against England in response to fans booing during Denmark's national anthem before the semi-final on Wednesday (7 July).

PA

Taking to Twitter, 60-year-old Lineker described fans who boo national anthems as 'utterly classless'.

He wrote: "If you're lucky enough to get a ticket for the final, please, please don't boo the Italian anthem.

"A/ It's an absolute belter and worth listening to. B/ It's bloody rude, disrespectful and utterly classless."

The tweet has received more than 205,000 likes and England's 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst echoed Lineker's appeal.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he said: "I do sincerely hope that the English fans can behave with great respect.

"We are talking about another country which is a fantastic country, a fantastic football country."

UEFA opened disciplinary action against England yesterday (Thursday 8 July) for booing during Denmark's national anthem, as well as lighting fireworks and shining a laser pointer in a player's face.

A statement released by UEFA reads: "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final match between England and Denmark (2-1), played on 7 July at Wembley Stadium, London.

Charges against England :

• Use of laser pointer by its supporters - Article 16(2)(d) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)
• Disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem - Article 16(2)(g) DR
• Lighting of fireworks by its supporters - Article 16(2)(c) DR

The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) in due course."

The aforementioned use of a laser pointer came at a decisive moment in the match.

PA

England were awarded a penalty in extra time, and as Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel prepared for the spot kick the laser could be seen on his face.

The 34-year-old still saved Harry Kane's penalty, but the England skipper was able to dispatch the decisive rebound.

The 2-1 win meant England will now play in their first major men's tournament final for 55 years - up against Italy, who are unbeaten in 33 games.

Topics: Gary Lineker, SPORT, Football, Euro 2020, England

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey