Ezri Konsa has said his brother and several other players’ families were hit by beer cups thrown at Gareth Southgate by angry England fans after Tuesday’s goalless draw with Slovenia.
Disappointed supporters threw plastic cups at the England manager as he applauded them after the dour stalemate in Cologne, which confirmed the Three Lions’ place in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Konsa, 26, who has yet to appear for the team, said: “My brother was hit, a few others. But we haven’t spoken about it too much and there’s not much we can do about it.
“I spoke to him after, I asked him and how he was and he said he was fine. It was to the right (of the stadium), it wasn’t directly behind the goal, but it was coming from all angles.
“There’s kids in the stands with family so we always have to check on them, reassure them and ask if they’re all right.”
Some players’ friends and families, who were sitting in the same area, were caught in the crossfire as drinks flew around the section, despite England having topped Group C with five points.
‘We move on’
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The Aston Villa defender said the players “haven’t spoken about” Southgate being targeted, but [they] “were aware of it because I think some of our family members got hit with a few drinks.
“We know that in football stuff like that happens. We try not to think about it too much so we move on.”
Despite his lack of involvement, Konsa said he sees his role as trying to keep spirits up as England prepare for Sunday’s game against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.
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“I just try to keep the spirits as high as possible. We have a big game on Sunday so it is important to make the players feel happy – that’s what I try to do.
“It’s just how I am, no matter where I am, club or country. I’m always just the joker.”
His efforts have included hosting nightly Love Island viewings in camp after the squad have watched the other Euro 2024 fixtures, he said.
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England, seen as one of the favourites for the title before a ball was kicked, have been underwhelming, scoring only twice and failing to play anywhere near as well as at least half a dozen other sides in Germany.
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Southgate, long criticised for his perceived negative tactics, has been accused of failing to make the most of a glittering squad of players including Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, who were voted player of the season in their divisions, and Harry Kane, England’s leading all-time scorer.
