Latvian police reported a largely calm night following the World Cup qualifier between Latvia and England, despite several arrests in the days leading up to the match and heightened security around Riga’s Freedom Monument amid concerns about potential vandalism.
According to Jānis Bārzdainis, Deputy Chief of the Riga Regional Department and Head of the Main Public Order Police Department, there were no major incidents after the game. “Football fans were visible in public places, but public order was not disturbed,” he told Latvijas Radio. Only minor cases linked to excessive alcohol use were recorded.
The State Police worked closely with English counterparts and the Riga Municipal Police to monitor public behaviour and online activity before and during the event. “We can say that these football festivities passed without any major incidents,” Bārzdainis said, adding that officers had prepared thoroughly, learning from past experiences with Dutch and Greek supporters.
Freedom Monument fenced off
In the days before the match, Riga City Council fenced off the Freedom Monument — one of Latvia’s most famous landmarks — to prevent potential desecration. The measure followed fears that visiting supporters might repeat past offences involving British tourists urinating or climbing on the monument. Council officials said the decision was taken “to ensure public order and safety”, and the site was placed under police guard.
The Daily Mail reported that 2,500 England supporters had travelled to Latvia for the fixture and noted that local authorities warned residents that “England football fans are known for their loud and emotional behaviour.” Four England fans were arrested before the match — two for urinating in public on Monday night and two for damaging street planters on Sunday. All four were later released.
A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit, Superintendent Gareth Parkin, confirmed the arrests, stating: “The fans out here in Latvia are representing our country, so it’s really disappointing to see that four fans have been arrested. This type of behaviour is not acceptable in the UK, nor is it acceptable here in Latvia.”
Sensitivities and public reaction
The Freedom Monument — a 42-metre (138 ft) structure honouring Latvia’s independence — has long been a focal point for national pride and, occasionally, controversy. Earlier this year, Ajax Amsterdam fans caused controversy while shooting fireworks next to the monument prior to the Europa League fixture against RFS, and, more recently, American YouTuber IShowSpeed faced criticism for performing backflips at its base during a live-streaming event, prompting a police investigation and condemnation from Riga officials.
Online reaction to English fan behaviour was mixed. Some Latvian commentators described the visitors as “bandits who demolish the neighbourhood,” while others said most fans were positive and good-natured. Once again, the events prompted a renewed discussion over the necessity for a modern national stadium or, in extreme cases, the overall viability of football as a sport in Latvia.
The match itself ended in a comfortable 5–0 victory for England, securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals.
