England fans throwing pints at World Cup fan parks are ruining the experience, according to Metro columnist Jacob Hawley. Writing after England's unconvincing 1-0 win over DR Congo on July 1, 2026, Hawley described a match at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town where he was repeatedly drenched by flying beer.
Fan park chaos at Croatia match
Hawley attended England's first group game against Croatia on June 17 at the O2 Forum fan park, expecting a lively atmosphere. Instead, he found himself in a cascade of beer. When Harry Kane scored a retaken penalty, Hawley counted at least six pints thrown into the air. 'Rather than enjoying England scoring, I'm bathing in a fountain of warm liquid falling onto replica jerseys,' he wrote.
One culprit, who threw his pint before Kane's first penalty was saved, apologised after receiving a 'death stare'. But Hawley realised the problem was widespread: 'It wasn't just a single loser doing this, but dozens.'
Planned celebration or aggression?
Hawley noted that the beer-throwing seemed premeditated. 'People can't wait to toss their beer in the air. Some people at fan parks have multiple pints at their table, one for drinking, one for throwing, even when shots hit the side netting.' He questioned whether it was aggression or a misguided attempt at celebration. 'Is it aggression – a bunch of men who can only show emotions properly without soaking someone else in Fosters?'
The trend, he argued, has become normalised. 'As countless viral videos from venues like this and Boxpark show, this form of forced celebration is tolerated, if not actively encouraged.' He speculated that management tolerates it because replacement pints are sold, and cleaning staff expect the mess.
Cost of living crisis no excuse
Hawley acknowledged that the behaviour was somewhat excusable during the 2021 Euros, when fans were emerging from lockdown. 'Now, there's no excuse. We routinely go deep in tournaments, and frankly there's a cost of living crisis,' he wrote. He urged fans to stop throwing pints until a potential final victory over France: 'If we beat France in the final, fair enough, shower me in beer, let 60 years of hurt pour out of you. Until then, keep your pints on the tables lads.'
