Five arrested for domestic abuse incidents after Euro 2020 final

Wiltshire police say close to 20 reports of domestic abuse incidents were reported to them within a 24 hour period — 7am on Sunday morning to 7am on Monday morning.

Out of the 19 reported incidents, five people were arrested and police have reason to believe they were all related to the Euro 2020 final played on Sunday evening.

Supt Phil Staynings said:

We strongly condemn domestic violence and encourage people who believe they have been a victim or have concerns that someone you know has been a victim to speak out by calling us or a dedicated charity.

Of all the incidents responded to between 10pm and 1.30am, 20 related to disorders at pubs and bars.

In Salisbury, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an emergency worker after being asked to leave the Bridge Tap on Fisherton Road shortly after 10pm.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

Anticipated domestic abuse

Prior to the kick off of the Euro 2020 tournament on June 12, local councils issued a stark warning about domestic abuse.

Research found the number of domestic abuse cases reported to Lancashire police force in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups surged by 38 per cent on the days when England lost. While incidents increased by 26 per cent when the team either won or drew a match.

Leading domestic abuse charities said football itself did not trigger abuse but could compound an abusive partner’s pre-existing patterns of behaviour.

Councillor Nesil Caliskan, of the Local Government Association, which is part of the campaign, said:

... the behaviour and actions of abusers who exert power and control over their victims cause it. However, with research showing a clear link between football tournaments and rising instances of domestic abuse, there is a need to ensure people are aware of the potential signs of domestic abuse and where to go to report it or seek help.

A woman is killed by a current or ex-partner every four days in England and Wales, while one in four women will suffer domestic abuse at some point during their lives.