The Leader of Westminster City Council has condemned the behaviour
Football fans who caused chaos on Edgware Road following the World Cup quarter final have been called out by the Leader of Westminster City Council.
One officer was injured and four people arrested as crowds threw bottles and set-off fireworks on the Central London street last night (July 9).
The quarter final match saw Morocco lose to France 2-0, sending the latter team straight to the semi final. During and after the game, crowds gathered on Edgware Road, with emergency services also rushing to the scene.
The Leader of Westminster City Council, has publicly condemned the behaviour and called for fans to be respectful during the rest of the tournament.
Councillor Paul Swaddle said: “I am deeply disturbed by scenes of crowd disorder on the Edgware Road circulating on social media after last night’s World Cup results.
“It is completely unacceptable that Metropolitan Police officers appear to have been turned on by some groups and one officer injured as they were reportedly pelted with bottles.
“I condemn this behaviour and appeal to all fans to be respectful throughout the tournament.”
One officer, who is believed to been hit in the head with a glass bottle, was taken to hospital with head injuries. Four people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
The group eventually dispersed and the road was reopened at around 1am this morning.
Police say they were initially called after a group of people congregated on the road and blocked traffic. Further officers were then called after the incident escalated into people throwing bottles and setting off fireworks.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said: “We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers.
“A police presence will remain in the area overnight and we will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.”
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