The matchday atmosphere turned ugly in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, as seven Serbia fans were arrested following violent clashes with English football fans ahead of the Euro 2024 opener. The incident occurred on a side street, where tables, chairs, and bottles were thrown before riot police arrived. Some individuals were injured, with former England striker Stan Collymore sharing a disturbing image of a man covered in blood on social media.
According to police, the confrontation between Serbian and English football fans was separated, and the seven arrested individuals were all Serbian citizens. The authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing footage of the incident. If any UK nationals are found to have been involved, they may face football banning orders.
Meanwhile, in Hamburg, German police shot a man who refused to drop a Molotov cocktail and threatened them with an axe-like object. The incident occurred hours before the city staged its first game of the tournament. The man, who was shot in the leg, is currently receiving medical treatment.
England striker Stan Collymore (Via Stan Collymore/Twitter)
The Hamburg police were threatened by the individual, who had emerged from a nearby locality, and warned him to drop the axe-like object. When he refused, the police used their service weapon to shoot him in the leg, preventing further attacks.
The exact motivations behind the incidents are still unclear, but the clashes in Gelsenkirchen and the shooting in Hamburg have marred the build-up to the Euro 2024 matches. In Hamburg, thousands of Netherlands supporters had gathered in the city to enjoy the build-up to the Group D opener, but the incident reportedly took place near the fan park.
The situation is a concern for the police and the authorities, who are working to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament for all fans. The incidents serve as a reminder of the potential for violence and chaos that can erupt in the build-up to high-profile sporting events.
