England international heavily involved in pitch brawl that left photographer trampled during European clash

Lewis Henderson
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:01:06 +0000

England international Ben Chilwell had to step in after a fight broke out during his side's European clash in front of enraged fans who launched bottles on the pitch.

Chilwell's Strasbourg advanced to the Europa Conference League semi-finals after beating Mainz 4-0, overturning a two-goal deficit in the first leg.

The stunning comeback spilt over at full time after the French side's star, Martial Godo, took off his shirt and placed it on top of the corner flag by the German supporters.

He lifted the flag from the ground and proceeded to try to wave it before being shoved by Mainz's Nadiem Amiri.

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The German then pulled Godo's hair and pushed him to the edge of the stands, taking down a photographer who stayed lying on the floor during the process.

As stewards tried to intervene, Mainz's Paul Nebel helped the photographer to his feet, as players rushed in during the disgraceful scenes.

Former Leicester and Chelsea full-back Chilwell sprinted into the fight, pushing Amiri, who was still going after Godo.

Away supporters who saw the scenes unfold directly in front of them threw numerous bottles onto the pitch as stewards and coaching staff tried to get control of the situation.

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Referee Joao Pinheiro then dished out a yellow card for Godo and a straight red for Amiri.

UEFA has not yet commented on the brawl, and it remains to be seen whether the governing body of European football will impose additional punishments.

Strasbourg boss Gary O'Neil described the victory as "a memorable night", adding: "The players were incredible."

He celebrated the victory with a trip to McDonald's, which caught the eye of several French fans taking photos with the former Bournemouth and Wolves manager.

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— Xam 👀 (@Xam_RCS) April 16, 2026

Strasbourg will face Rayo Vallecano in the next round of the competition, with Shakhtar Donetsk playing Crystal Palace on the other side of the draw.

The English side made it through after surviving a spirited Italian fightback in Florence.

Having established a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg at Selhurst Park, the Eagles extended their aggregate advantage when Ismaila Sarr headed home Daniel Munoz's cross after seventeen minutes.

Fiorentina reduced the deficit through Albert Gudmundsson's penalty after Jaydee Canvot fouled Rolando Mandragora, before substitute Cher Ndour struck from distance early in the second half.

Dean Henderson produced a crucial save to deny Gudmundsson as the hosts pressed for further goals, but Oliver Glasner's side held firm.

Palace's progression came at a cost, however, with Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix both departing through first-half injuries.