Violence Erupts as England and Serbia Fans Clash Ahead of Euro 2024 Match

Violent clashes marred the lead-up to the Serbia v England Euro 2024 match as hooligans targeted a bar in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The incident occurred on Arminstraße street, where a group of Serbs were enjoying drinks ahead of the game.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene with chairs, bottles, and various projectiles being thrown at the Serbia supporters. Among the victims were an England fan from Birmingham and a plainclothes police officer, both sustaining head wounds during the attack.

Following the outbreak of violence, around 200 German riot police rushed to the scene to quell the disturbance. Reports indicated that the aggressors, whose nationality remains unconfirmed, quickly dispersed before authorities arrived.

The England fans, numbering over 30,000 in Gelsenkirchen for the match, have amplified concerns of potential clashes given the historical tensions between the two fanbases. Security measures, including undercover spotters from both British and German police, were in place to monitor the situation.

In a separate incident in St. Pauli, a man wielding a pick axe and an incendiary device was shot by police during a fan parade prior to Poland‘s game against the Netherlands. This added to the apprehension surrounding fan behavior during the tournament.

Meanwhile, a brawl erupted involving English and Serbian fans near the Aleppo bar, leading to violent confrontations and injuries. Eyewitnesses recounted a premeditated attack, with balaclava-clad individuals instigating the violence by throwing projectiles at the unsuspecting Serbs.

Amid the chaos, videos emerged showing skirmishes as tables, chairs, and glass bottles were hurled in a side street off the main square in Gelsenkirchen. Police intervention was necessary to disperse the fighting and prevent further escalation.

Throughout Germany, authorities have heightened security measures for Euro 2024 events, with incidents like the violent clashes underscoring the challenges faced in ensuring the safety of fans and maintaining order during the tournament.