Euro 2024 draw disrupted by sexual noises

Pornographic noises disrupted Saturday evening’s Euro 2024 draw in Hamburg.

The interruption, which sounded like sexual moaning, was initially heard after Switzerland were drawn in the same group as Scotland, Hungary and hosts Germany, prompting smirking faces among the audience.

Draw host Giorgio Marchetti, the deputy general secretary of UEFA, attempted to take control of the situation, saying: “There is some noise here that…has now stopped. No noise anymore.”

All set for EURO 2024! #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/QXnMaOBeBZ

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) December 2, 2023

But further sporadic interruptions were heard as the draw continued.

Similar noises disrupted the BBC’s live coverage of an FA Cup match between Wolves and Liverpool in January, which was hosted by Gary Lineker.

That incident, for which the corporation later apologised, turned out to be the prank use of a mobile phone.

Asked if he had noticed any unusual noises in the hall during the draw, England boss Gareth Southgate told the PA news agency: “I did. I’m assuming it was some sort of a prank, but it was hard to really make out what it was.”

Wales manager Rob Page said he did not hear anything untoward.