Euro 2020: Italian police bar 52 fans from England quarter-final clash with Ukraine due to Covid rules

Italian police prevented 52 fans from attending the quarter-final Euro 2020 match between England and Ukraine in Rome on Saturday as they did not comply with Covid-19 restrictions, a statement said on Sunday.

In an effort to prevent the spread of the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant, Rome last month introduced a five-day quarantine for anyone coming to Italy who had been to Britain in the previous two weeks.

By cross-checking names of travellers of flights from England and Ukraine with those who had bought tickets, the Italian police identified 52 fans who had not complied with the required quarantine time.

These fans also had their tickets cancelled, the Italian police said in a statement.

Last week Italy told fans from England not to try to use loopholes in Covid travel restrictions to sneak into the quarter-finals Euro 2020 clash between England and Ukraine in Rome, even if they had a ticket.

Gareth Southgate praised the spirit of his England squad as he challenged them to make history once again by reaching the Euro 2020 final.

The Three Lions set up a Wembley semi-final against Denmark with a convincing 4-0 victory over Ukraine in Rome on Saturday night.

Harry Kane scored twice and headers from Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson wrapped up a comfortable win at the Stadio Olimpico.

The result extends a fine run for England at the finals and continues a streak of clean sheets since the tournament began.