Lee Carsley, James McAtee, Harvey Elliott
Credit: Imago / Sky Sports YouTube
Keith Hackett
Wed 25 June 2025 14:27, UK
England Under-21s and Spain Under-21s could face “severe” action from UEFA following a mass brawl at full-time, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that UEFA will be concerned by the actions of these young players during Euro U21 in Slovakia.
Lee Carsley‘s side were victorious in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 21 June, with goals from James McAtee, Liverpool’s exit-linked gem Harvey Elliott, and Elliot Anderson enough to secure a 3-1 win.
However, at full-time, a fight broke out between the two sets of players, which saw Spain’s Rafa Marin red-carded for grabbing Elliott by the neck, while McAtee was also sanctioned for his role in the scuffle [Independent].
The situation put a dampener on the Three Lions’ incredible victory, and with a semi-final clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday, 25 June, Hackett has shared his view on UEFA’s possible reaction.
Liverpool and Man City stars involved in England U21 drama
Discipline has seemingly been an issue over in Slovakia, with eight red cards handed out already, with the teams only just past the quarter-finals, and another 113 yellow cards dished out.
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In comparison to the senior tournament last year, only five red cards were handed out, and while McAtee, who is expected to leave Man City this summer, only received a yellow card, he still played a role in the outbreak.
Due to the scenes at the City Arena, Hackett is expecting very swift action from UEFA when it comes to punishments, with the former FIFA official suggesting that any action could be “severe”.
England
Lee Carsley’s side were victorious against Spain. (Credit: Imago)
UEFA to act swiftly after Spain U21 v England U21 scenes
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “When you’re in a tournament such as this, the UEFA committee have a panel at the tournament, parked in a hotel somewhere, to actually review and react to these situations.
“They will be concerned that these ‘young players’, as they will state they are, are reacting this way. I suspect UEFA will punish. They’ll review the footage very carefully and get the instigators and those who followed.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett is expecting UEFA to take action swiftly.
“From there, there could be suspensions or fines. Watch this space. It’s normally done fairly quickly. Games come thick and fast in these situations because games are coming thick and fast.
“Normally, the response is pretty severe. I expect the minimum to be a fine, but if they spot players who committed worse, they will take further action.”
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