Key Highlights

• Police in Germany intervened to stop a clash between England and Serbia fans before their Euro 2024 match.
• Seven Serbian supporters were arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm.
• Social media footage shows chairs and bottles being thrown, highlighting the violent nature of the clash.
• The match was classified as high-risk due to the violent reputation of both sets of fans.

(NicePlay Sports) – The opening match of the UEFA Euro 2024 between England and Serbia was overshadowed by violent clashes in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Riot police had to intervene as fan groups from both nations engaged in a brutal brawl, resulting in the arrest of seven Serbian supporters. The altercation, which took place outside a restaurant festooned with Serbian flags, saw men throwing chairs and bottles, causing significant damage and injuries. Despite a heavy police presence, the violence underscored the persistent issues of hooliganism that have plagued both sets of fans. This incident has raised serious concerns about fan safety during the tournament and the effectiveness of current security measures.

Violence Mars England’s Euro Opener

The violence erupted outside the Hirt Steakhouse in Gelsenkirchen, where Serbian fans had gathered before the game. Social media footage captured the chaotic scene, with chairs, bottles, and tables being thrown. The street was left littered with broken glass and overturned furniture. Witnesses reported that the clash began after England fans threw glasses and stones at the Serbian supporters, who were sitting outside the restaurant. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a full-scale brawl. Gelsenkirchen police deployed riot officers to separate the two groups, resulting in the arrest of seven Serbian fans.

In addition to the arrests, one police officer suffered a head wound, and several fans required medical attention. The incident highlighted the long-standing issues of violence associated with football hooliganism, particularly when high-stakes matches are involved. The German police had classified the England vs Serbia match as high-risk, anticipating potential violence due to the notorious reputation of both fanbases.

High-Risk Classification and Security Measures

The Euro 2024 match between England and Serbia was deemed high-risk by authorities, a decision that proved prescient given the subsequent violence. Both England and Serbia have histories of fan-related violence, and the high stakes of the tournament only heightened tensions. Approximately 20,000 England fans and 10,000 Serbian supporters were expected to converge on Gelsenkirchen for the game. To mitigate potential issues, the Gelsenkirchen stadium served only low-alcohol beer, and a heavy police presence was maintained throughout the city.

Despite these measures, the violent clash raised questions about the adequacy of security strategies. British and German police worked closely, with undercover spotters deployed among the fans. However, the incident outside the Hirt Steakhouse indicated that more robust measures might be necessary to prevent such outbreaks. The violence also brought back memories of previous incidents involving England fans, tarnishing the reputation of English football once again.

Fan Reactions and Aftermath

Following the clash, reactions from fans were mixed. Some expressed frustration over the violence, while others condemned the rival fan group. An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, with chairs and bottles suddenly coming down. Many of the perpetrators fled as riot police arrived, but the damage was already done. The altercation has led to increased scrutiny of the fans’ behavior and the measures in place to ensure safety during international tournaments.

The arrests of the seven Serbian supporters marked a significant step in holding those responsible accountable. However, the incident has also prompted a broader discussion on the culture of football fandom and the steps needed to curb violence. With the tournament still in its early stages, authorities are likely to review and potentially enhance security measures to prevent further incidents.

Long-Term Implications for Football Security

The clash in Gelsenkirchen has far-reaching implications for future football events. The increase in football-related disorder in recent years has raised concerns about the potential for such behavior to spill over into international matches. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and innovation in security measures. As of August 2023, there were 1,624 football banning orders in force in England and Wales, a 24% increase from the previous year. Such statistics highlight the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in curbing football hooliganism.

Moving forward, it is crucial for football associations and law enforcement agencies to collaborate closely, sharing intelligence and best practices. The use of technology, such as surveillance and real-time monitoring, can also play a vital role in preventing and responding to outbreaks of violence. Ultimately, ensuring the safety of fans and maintaining the integrity of the sport will require a multifaceted approach, addressing the root causes of hooliganism and enhancing the overall fan experience.