Fighting erupted between fans of Turkey and Georgia at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion ahead of their European Championship match on Tuesday. The altercation occurred at ground level in one corner of the stadium, where supporters were observed exchanging punches and hurling objects at each other while security personnel tried to intervene amidst heavy rain.
The skirmish was quelled when riot police officers stepped in to separate the warring factions. A strong police presence was maintained, with officers positioned in the stairwell alongside Georgia fans. The two nations, both competing in Group F of Euro 2024, share a border spanning approximately 270 kilometers (170 miles).
Earlier in the day, there were no indications of unrest as fans from both sides mingled peacefully in Dortmund's city center. The inclement weather, characterized by driving rain, prompted spectators seated in the lower sections of the stadium to seek shelter. Some fan zones across Germany remained closed on Tuesday due to the adverse weather forecast.
Notably, this marks Georgia's inaugural appearance in a major soccer tournament, adding significance to the match. The incident at Westfalenstadion serves as a reminder of the passion and intensity that can sometimes escalate among fervent football supporters.
For more updates and coverage on Euro 2024, visit the official AP Euro 2024 hub: AP Euro 2024.
