England fan 'chased out of Malta bar by bouncer wielding a machete'

An England fan was chased out of a bar in Malta by a bouncer carrying a machete, it has been alleged.

The Three Lions faithful travelled to Malta on Friday for England's latest Euro 2024 qualifier, which Gareth Southgate's side won 4-0.

An eighth-minute own goal put England in the ascendency, before a strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold and penalties from Harry Kane and Callum Wilson sealed a commanding victory.

The victory means Southgate's side continue their 100 per cent record in Euro 2024 qualifying, and they will be at least six points clear at the top of their group should they defeat North Macedonia on Monday.

Over 4,000 England supporters made the trip to Malta, with local reports claiming that drinking establishments across the country had 'reported a surge of business'.

No incidents were reported - except for 'a lot of singing'.

However, The Times journalist Henry Winter did reveal that, while he was in the country preparing to cover the game, he witnessed one incident that took place in a bar.

England fan 'chased by bouncer'

Winter alleged on Twitter that, in a local bar prior to kick-off, a shirtless England fan was requested to put his shirt back on by staff.

The journalist added that when the fan refused, a bouncer wielding a large machete chased him out into the street.

Winter said the fan was 'fine but a bit scared'.

The tweet read: "England fan in a bar in Malta asked to put his shirt back on. He refused. Bouncer came over, pulled out a large machete and chased him out into the street.

"Fan was fine but a bit scared. Bar staff and locals barely raised an eyebrow."

England fan in a bar in Malta asked to put his shirt back on. He refused. Bouncer came over, pulled out a large machete and chased him out into the street. Fan was fine but a bit scared. Bar staff and locals barely raised an eyebrow. #ENG #englandaway

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) June 18, 2023

The England squad preparing for Monday's fixture against North Macedonia, which takes place at Old Trafford.

Manchester City's treble-winning quintet of Phil Foden, Kalvin Phillips, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish didn't start against Malta, with only Foden making a substitute appearance.

But Southgate has hinted some of those players could start on Monday evening: "It is always difficult picking a team because we have some depth and players who have all trained well, all presenting well, all available.

"They [City players] are very talented, important players for us. We have looked at the opposition as well, making sure we get the balance of our team right."