An Argentina fan had to be 'rescued' by police in central London after a confrontation with England fans following the World Cup semi-final. The Three Lions lost the crunch match 2-1, having taken the lead shortly after half-time. However, late goals from Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez ended England's hopes of World Cup glory.
Incident on Regent Street
Police stepped in to 'rescue' a man wearing an Argentina jersey on Regent Street St James's next to Piccadilly Circus. Video clips widely shared on social media show the young man being escorted by a gaggle of Metropolitan Police officers as they are followed by a crowd on Wednesday night (July 15). As he is escorted away, the crowd can be heard chanting 'w****r' and shouting other obscenities towards the man, wearing a Lionel Messi Argentina shirt. Many in the crowd can be seen filming or streaming the events, holding phones or cameras on handheld tripods.
Police van escort
In other clips, the same man is pictured being taken to a police van near Piccadilly Circus. The videos suggest he was 'rescued' by police. The man does not appear to be hurt in the incident.
Wider disorder
After the game, there were reports of isolated fights between England and Argentina fans outside the stadium in Atlanta, in New York City, and in London and Birmingham. Images show several supporters have been arrested, but authorities have not released figures on the scale of the disorder.
Historical rivalry
England and Argentina's rivalry is one of international football's fiercest. Tensions first flared up in 1966 when Argentina's captain, Antonio Rattin, was sent off in a crucial Wembley quarter-final against Alf Ramsey's English team. His team-mates threatened to walk off with him. Then, in 1986, Diego Maradona downed England with the 'goal of the century' and the 'hand of God' in another quarter-final clash, this time only four years after the two nations went to war over the Falkland Islands. The territorial dispute continues to this day. And in 1998, a tight game was swayed by David Beckham's red card, before a valiant England lost on penalties.
Post-match tensions
After Sunday night's 2026 encounter, Argentina players held a flag aloft claiming the Falklands 'are Argentinian', a move which may prolong tensions between the two teams for years to come. The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment on the incident.
