Since 1966, England had not clinched an international trophy until they triumphed over Germany in the World Cup Final. That historic Sunday, July 11th, was a monumental occasion for English football fans, a day steeped in anticipation and fervor.
Tickets were being sold for thousands of pounds on the internet, and fans had only one thought on their minds—not to miss the match. Crowds gathered in the thousands outside Wembley Stadium, the cathedral of English football. Ticketed or not, fans amassed, many with alarmingly high blood alcohol concentrations.
And yes, things spiraled out of control.
More Than Just A Game
For those who are not fervent followers, it might be hard to comprehend, but to the true fans, football is almost a religion. It’s not just about the game; it’s about living vicariously through the team’s highs and lows, feeling every emotion relayed from the pitch by the players. However, it’s no secret that the pre-game festivities often escalate beyond fans’ control, as is the case in many other sports.
“The Final: Attack on Wembley” is not merely a recount of the match that pitted England against Italy; it’s an exploration of the disturbances that unfolded before and after the game, now unveiled by Netflix. This documentary takes a fan’s and security personnel’s perspective, offering a narrative that extends beyond the gameplay to the events surrounding the stadium. It examines the ongoing behavior of fans and the potential dangers that such significant matches may pose.
The documentary features fans from both countries, historic rivals, along with numerous interviews with stadium security officials and their efforts to manage fans teetering on the brink of violence. Many supporters turned up without tickets, attempting to force their way into the stadium—a scenario anticipated and prepared for by security.
In addition to covering the match itself and its place in football history, the documentary’s main focus is on the fans. It’s an insight into their experiences, emotions, and sometimes hazardous enthusiasm for the game.
A Recurring Phenomenon in Football Stadiums
This wasn’t the first time a football match led to terrible incidents. The documentary recalls the tragedy of 1985, where a match involving an Italian team, Juventus, against an English one, Liverpool, brought back memories of one of football’s darkest days. Several fans lost their lives in what became a pivotal moment that transformed football, leading to enhanced security measures at stadiums.
Our Thoughts
“The Final: Attack on Wembley” offers an entertaining yet familiar narrative to seasoned football enthusiasts: attending high-stakes matches can be perilous, and stadiums are often arenas of raw emotion. Without treading new ground, the documentary promises more than it delivers, presenting a somewhat flat chronicle of a monumental match while recounting what is already widely known and expected by fans.
In essence, while it may not break new ground in the realm of sports documentaries, “The Final: Attack on Wembley” provides an essential reflection on the complexities and passions that define football, reminding us that the game’s impact often transcends the pitch.
