Riot police in Germany intervened to stop brawling soccer fans ahead of the Serbia vs. England match at the European Championship soccer tournament in Gelsenkirchen. Social media footage captured men throwing chairs at each other outside a restaurant adorned with Serbian flags in the western city. One group dispersed as riot officers arrived and subdued at least one individual.
A Serbian fan recounted that a group had thrown glasses and stones outside a downtown bar where they were gathered, but assured that they were unharmed and focused on the upcoming game. The fan, identified as Vladimir from Belgrade, emphasized that the incident was related to football.
Details regarding the involvement of England fans in the altercation or any injuries sustained were not immediately available, as authorities could not be reached for comment. Upon the arrival of reporters, the street was strewn with broken glass and tables, with a significant police presence in the area.
The Serbia vs. England match, scheduled for Sunday evening as part of Euro 2024, was deemed high risk by police due to concerns about potential fan violence. Both sets of supporters have a history of causing disturbances before and during matches. Approximately 20,000 England fans and 10,000 Serbian fans were anticipated to gather in Gelsenkirchen for the game, with only low-alcohol beer being served in the stadium to mitigate potential issues.
For more information on Euro 2024, visit AP Euro 2024.
