The upcoming Euro 2024 match between Serbia and England has been preceded by a tumultuous series of events in Gelsenkirchen. According to the UK Football Policing Unit, a number of arrests were made leading up to England’s opening game, prompting an ongoing investigation by the UKFPU. German authorities were called to address an unspecified issue in Gelsenkirchen.
The UKFPU has stated that, to their knowledge, no UK nationals were among those arrested. Their findings indicate that the instigators of the violence were foreign nationals. Regardless, the UKFPU has pledged to pursue football banning orders if any UK citizens are found to have been implicated in the unrest.
Videos circulated on social media showed chaos in the streets, with tables, chairs, and bottles being thrown before the arrival of riot police. Local law enforcement acknowledged a physical altercation, but could not confirm its relation to football or the nationalities involved. The situation was later brought under control by the police.
In a separate incident, Hamburg police were forced to open fire on a man who allegedly posed a threat to their safety. The individual was reportedly brandishing a pickaxe and attempted to ignite a petrol bomb. Police used pepper spray before resorting to firearms, resulting in the serious injury of the suspect.
These incidents have cast a shadow over the build-up to the much-anticipated match between Serbia and England at Euro 2024. It is crucial for authorities and stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to upholding the safety and security of all individuals involved. Enhanced security measures and comprehensive risk assessments are necessary to mitigate the potential for further unrest.
As the situation unfolds, it is important to stay informed about the ongoing efforts of relevant agencies to address and diffuse prevailing tensions. (Source: BBC News Europe)