There were clashes on the streets of Atlanta following England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina on Saturday night.
Fights broke out outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia after the final whistle confirmed the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat to Lionel Messi’s side.
Police made multiple arrests as they stepped in to calm the situation, with pictures showing several England fans being detained by armed cops.
Tensions had already flared inside the stadium after Argentina took a banner from fans which claimed the Falkland Islands belong to the South American nation.
The Falklands conflict had loomed large in the build-up to the semi-final tie, with rival chants about the war featuring in fan zones around the city.
After the match was over, tens of thousands of fans flooded out of the stadium to the surrounding streets, with some disputes boiling over into violence.
England fans branded the behaviour of Argentina’s supporters ‘absolutely disgusting’ and warned that things will ‘kick off, 100 per cent’.
Police officers intervene and speak to fans in Atlanta as they try to keep the peace following Argentina’s semi-final victory
Police officers detain an England fan outside the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
A fan in an England shirt is arrested by armed police following clashes after the Three Lions’ semi-final loss to Argentina
Police officers detain an Argentina fan outside the Atlanta Stadium as tensions flared on the streets of the city
Fans are arrested in Atlanta by armed police looking to separate the two sides
A police officer breaks up an argument between Argentina and England fans outside the Atlanta stadium
Police in London escort an Argentinian fan away from England supporters following the final whistle
In Bournemouth, police were seen speaking with England fans as they poured out of pubs after the game
American police officers with large guns were seen placing both England and Argentina fans in handcuffs.
One England fan told the Daily Mail: ‘Obviously [we] were upset about the game, walking out the stadium, minding our own business.
‘Some guy, Argentina fan, comes up waving his flag, shoves it in our face, winding us up. You know obviously someone’s going to retaliate, right? But luckily we didn’t retaliate but there’s a lot of animosity.
‘When Argentina scored, an Argentinian guy next to me took his shirt off, waving it, slapping it in my face, absolutely disgusting.
‘Disgusting behaviour from the Argentinian fans, absolutely disgusting.
‘Tonight there’s not enough cops to police all of this. I’m telling you right now it’s going to kick off later in bars and stuff for sure, 100 per cent.’
Back in the UK, police forces are also bracing for possible unrest between rival groups of fans.
In London, police were seen attempting to separate rival groups of fans to prevent fights breaking out.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
