Hamilton police ‘actively planning’ ahead of Sunday’s Euro Cup final
Hamilton police say residents can expect a large police presence" on James Street North Sunday ahead of the Euro Cup final which could see Italy clinch the championship.
The team advanced to the finals Tuesday evening after beating Spain. They'll be playing England on Sunday, who beat Denmark Wednesday night.
Their semifinal win saw nearly 600 people wearing blue jerseys and carrying Italian flags descend onto James Street North Tuesday night.
Some fans donned face paint and body paint, dancing as a DJ performed from the back of a pickup truck. Others ran back and forth down the street with plastic horns in hand.
Tuesday's gathering, which Hamilton police spokesperson Jackie Penman in an email called unsanctioned," was far beyond COVID gathering limits put in place by the province. Step two of Ontario's COVID-19 reopening plan allows for outdoor social gatherings of up to 25 people.
No charges were laid, said Penman.
Given the sheer number of people, the focus was on maintaining public safety," she added. Officers were patrolling the event on foot and by bicycle.
Penman said many attendees were already in the area taking in the game at local bars and restaurants and ran to the streets in celebration.
Soon after, numerous" citizens came to the area prompting police to shut down the roadway to keep people safe."
The Spectator was on scene and saw hundreds of people gather just north of Robert Street and James Street North. A section of the road was blocked off by police for a number of hours.
Penman said police are actively planning" their response ahead of Sunday's game which could see a repeat of Tuesday's event, but on a much larger scale.
Residents can expect a large police presence in the area and officers could issue tickets under the liquor licence act, the highway traffic act and the emergency management and civil protection act.
It is important to remember that public health restrictions are still in effect and members of the public are strongly encouraged to adhere to the current regulations," said Penman. Community safety and well being is a collective responsibility."
Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com