England players and their families were targeted by beer cups thrown from the stands after their goalless draw with Slovenia in the Euro 2024 Group C match. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa revealed that while a couple of plastic cups were aimed at manager Gareth Southgate, more were hurled around the stands at full-time, affecting the section where the players’ friends and families were seated. Konsa stated that they were aware of the incident because some of their family members were hit, and they made sure to check on them and reassure them. However, it has been reported that the players’ partners and friends were not deliberately targeted. Despite the incident, England topped Group C and will face Slovakia in the last 16.
When asked about the reaction of fans, Konsa acknowledged that incidents like this can happen in football. He mentioned that his brother was hit and that he spoke to him afterward to ensure he was okay. Konsa emphasized that they try not to think about it too much and instead focus on moving forward.
In terms of his own role in the team, Konsa expressed readiness to solve England’s left-back issue if needed. He mentioned that he has played in various defensive positions throughout his career and is comfortable playing as a left-back. He highlighted the importance of versatility in modern football, citing examples of center-backs playing as full-backs for Manchester City.
Overall, the incident with the beer cups highlights the unfortunate behavior of some fans and the need for increased security measures to protect players and their families. It also highlights the importance of players being adaptable and versatile in their positions to meet the demands of the game.