Football: Cups thrown at England manager Gareth Southgate after 0-0 draw with Slovenia

Following England's 0-0 draw against Slovenia in Euro 2024, manager Gareth Southgate faced a challenging post-match environment with a section of fans expressing their discontent. As Southgate approached the stands to acknowledge the fans, he was met with boos and plastic beer cups thrown in his direction, highlighting a tense atmosphere. 

Despite the negative reception, Southgate continued to applaud the supporters, acknowledging the unusual circumstances surrounding the team. The manager attributed this environment to heightened expectations placed on England in the tournament. England, considered one of the favorites, has struggled to meet expectations on the field, with lackluster performances in draws against Denmark and Slovenia following their initial win against Serbia. 

Southgate addressed the fan reaction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining support for the team. He noted that the criticism directed towards him, rather than the players, could create a better environment for the team. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the current atmosphere and stressed the need to preserve the enjoyable environment that had been cultivated within the squad. 

The manager mentioned that the increased expectations and pressure from fans have made the situation unique for the team, contrasting it with the positive and enjoyable atmosphere they had aimed to foster. Despite the challenging circumstances, Southgate praised his players for handling the situation well and acknowledged the improvement shown by the team in dealing with the occasion compared to previous performances. 

Overall, Southgate's response reflects a determination to navigate the current environment and maintain a positive atmosphere within the England team as they progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.