At a live showing of the Euros Final, the match wasn’t the only thing kicking off.

A unexpectedly large crowd of 2,000 gathered to support the England team in front of a giant screen on Lion Green, Shottermill. The event, organised by Haslemere Town Council (HTC), was announced two days before the final after numerous requests from residents.

But what started as a joyous gathering turned sour when a man in his 40s was taken to hospital after being seriously assaulted by two other men. Another person is currently in custody on suspicion of public disorder.

Residents took to social media to condemn the violence but to also thank the town council for organising the event. 

Sophie Stevens told the Herald: “I was desperate for my children to experience the atmosphere of a community coming together to support our country. We took a picnic, and the atmosphere was amazing: the chanting, singing, all the people dressed up.”

As Sophie and her family started to pack up, the crowd started to become rowdy. “Within minutes, it was carnage – women fighting, men fighting. They were all around my car, so I couldn’t get my children to safety.”

After the police arrived, Sophie was able to leave with her kids. She added: “It was such a shame as the evening was so much fun, but sadly too much alcohol was consumed, and the adults turned into animals. Still, I wouldn’t hesitate to take my children again, as the majority of people were in good spirits.”

HTC said: “This was a well-attended community event marred by the actions of a few individuals after the event ended. Many people went home without realising anything had happened. We've had some concerns raised but far more messages of support, thanking us for putting on the event and asking us not to let the behaviour of a few define the evening.

“It was a great community event, and it is unfortunate that those incidents occurred. The Mayor has been in close touch with the member of the public who was hospitalised, and we hope they make a full and speedy recovery.”

Mayor Oliver Leach added: “The Euro finals showing was a great event attended by more than expected. We were expecting around 400-800 attendees and instead got close to 2,000. Many enjoyed the event, with many not even noticing the incidents at the end. We had marshals, first aiders, and a first aid tent. We hope those incidents don’t dampen what was a really great community event.”

Chief Inspector Dallas McDermott said: "What was meant to be a family-friendly event hosted by the town council was ruined by the appalling behaviour of a minority. We ask anyone who witnessed the assault or saw any criminal behaviour and hasn’t yet spoken to us to come forward. This behaviour is simply unacceptable, and we will fully investigate any offences.”

Anyone with footage or pictures of the incidents has been urged to give them to the police.