The incidents that took place moments before the start of the UEFA Euro final between Italy and England could have had a major effect within the English side, as the scary stampede had a major effect on English defender Harry Maguire.
In an interview with English newspaper The Sun, Maguire revealed how his father was right smack in the middle of the stampede that saw over 1,000 fans enter the stadium without a ticket, and how Alan Maguire escaped the incident with just a few bruises and two broken ribs.
"It was terrifying, he told me he was frightened and I don't want to see anyone experience something like that in a football game. I've seen a lot of videos and I spoke to my father and my family. My father and my agent were the ones that had the worst experiences. I hope we learn from this and make sure it does not happen again,"Maguire said.
The defender went on to reveal how bad things could have gotten if his father had taken his nephew or one of his sons with him, as his father had done during the entire competition.
"It was not a pleasant experience, but he was lucky. Each time he was there, he took my nephew or one of my kids on his shoulders. That's why I'm thankful, because things could have gotten pretty bad, it would have been quite serious," the player added.
Maguire then discussed how he realized his father had come up with two broken ribs after the stampede, but even after that, he felt the need to praise those who make it to the stadium frequently and how this incident was just caused by the heat of the moment.
"He was having a hard time to breathe because of his two broken ribs, but he decided not to put up a show. After all, the experience at Wembley is always pleasant and it gets packed with great fans and great people. But this time, the final cause some people to react the wrong way. My father has always supported me and has always attended the games, but from now on I think he will be more aware about what happens close to him in a football match," Maguire concluded.
Maguire played five games for England in the UEFA Euro 2020, scoring once during regulation and also finding the back of the net in the penalty shootout that ended with Italy lifting the title. Maguire's penalty was the last one scored by England during that game.
