England v Wales fans fined for disgusting incidents at Six Nations match

The RFU has vowed to crack down on anti-social behaviour as part of a bid to bring more big concerts to Twickenham

Richmond council has stepped up efforts to address anti-social behaviour on matchdays at Twickenham, having reportedly dished out a number of fines to fans for public urination during England’s Six Nations clash with Wales last Saturday.

According to the Irish Times, 24 fixed-penalty notices were issued to supporters as part of a bid to crack down on unruly behaviour.

The English Rugby Football Union is keen to increase the number of concerts held at the home of English rugby from three to 15, but has so far faced opposition from local residents, many of whom are believed to have expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour.

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It’s understood this latest batch of fines were handed out to fans urinating in several public places, including front gardens, alleyways, main roads, and bushes.

Those fined faced penalties of £150, although the amount would be reduced to £100 if paid within 10 days.

Efforts had already been put in place to address the problem, including the installation of barriers in certain hot-spots, as well as the use of plain-clothed police officers and stewards.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond council, said: “We love the fact that Twickenham is the home of English Rugby and that people come from round the world to visit our borough and watch a match, but rugby fans should take this as a warning.

“If we catch you using our borough as a toilet, we will fine you.

“No ifs, no buts.”

The RFU is also believed to have raised the possibility of using ‘anti-pee paint’, which is designed to leave offenders ‘covered in their own urine’ as part of its bid for a new licence to host more concerts.

Just last month, as part of its plans to tackle anti-social behaviour, the RFU said it was “strengthening co-ordination with the relevant authorities and ensuring that anti-social behaviour has clear consequences, including working with the Metropolitan police, TfL [Transport for London], and Richmond council so matchday issues can be dealt with quickly and appropriately, and that fixed-penalty notices are being issued for offences such as public urination”.

However, its application for a new licence in September suffered a setback when the council insisted the current limit of three concerts would remains.

That would also include only one of those concerts not being on a Saturday.

A licencing subcommittee meeting was told there were 192 representations against extending the licence and only 13 in favour.

One representation claimed: “The pavements and roads are unhygienic, and children are having to walk and scoot through dried urine and excrement”.

The RFU intends to reapply after the UK local elections in May, and will also a request a new licence.

Until then, it has vowed to “be the best neighbour we can be”, ahead of the meeting with Ireland on February 21.