Prior to the opening match of Euro 2024 between England and Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, there was an altercation involving fans from both teams. Videos circulating on
social media depicted a disturbance in the German city, with reports of tables, chairs, and bottles being thrown before riot police intervened.
Local authorities confirmed that two groups were separated and that seven individuals from Serbia were arrested. Among them, one person faces a criminal complaint for causing grievous bodily harm.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) stated it is collaborating with German authorities and reviewing available footage of the incident.
Separately, in Hamburg, police shot and critically injured an individual who allegedly posed a threat. According to a spokesperson, the suspect was armed with a pickaxe and attempted to ignite a petrol bomb. Police responded initially with pepper spray before resorting to firearms. Photo by Bildersindtoll, Wikimedia commons.