Two English supporters, who had previously attended the World Cup in Mexico City, shared their harrowing ordeal at an official FanFest event. Jo Lewis and Gary Taylor recounted the nightmarish experience they faced, urging fellow Three Lions fans to exercise caution when attending England’s round of 16 match.
Jo expressed genuine fear for her safety, while Gary, a seasoned attendee of both Spurs and England matches, described Mexico City as the most distressing location he had ever been to. The couple’s visit coincided with the tragic deaths of three Mexicans due to overcrowding during celebrations following a victorious match against Ecuador.
Detailing the chaos they witnessed at the FanFest, Jo and Gary highlighted significant shortcomings in policing, security, and overall organization compared to their experiences in the United States. Jo, 44, emphasized the distressing scenes of people, including families with children, being crushed amidst the overwhelming crowd.
They recounted their struggle to enter the fanzone, where Jo found herself swept away by a surge of people, separated from Gary and gripped by panic. Gary, 64, added that the sheer volume of people trying to access the fanzone created a dangerous and chaotic situation, leaving them both shaken by the experience.
Despite the challenges faced, the couple remains committed to attending all of England’s games, with plans to be present at the final if England qualifies, scheduled for July 19 in New York. They anticipate joining thousands of other England supporters in Mexico for an upcoming match, set to be played in an electrifying and passionate atmosphere.