By Violence erupted in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, just hours before England and Serbia were set to face off in their opening match of the Euro 2024 tournament. According to sources at the scene, a group of troublemakers started a chaotic brawl in a restaurant near the venue city around 3:30 pm, five hours before kick-off.
Eyewitnesses reported that chairs, tables, glasses, and other projectiles filled the air as the two groups clashed. An English fan from Birmingham was left with blood pouring from a wound on the back of his head. German riot police, numbering around 200, swiftly intervened to restore order.
While police at the scene initially believed that the English fans had instigated the trouble, English supporters blamed the Serbians for the incident. Authorities later confirmed that six Serbs had been arrested, but no English fans were taken into custody.
The violent confrontation centered around the Aleppo Restaurant in Arminstrasse, where the aftermath was littered with smashed glass, bottles, and debris. Video footage of the melee, apparently filmed by a shocked English fan, showed debris, bottles, chairs, and other objects flying through the air as someone shouted, “It’s the Serbians!”
It remains unclear whether more fans were injured in the exchange or if additional arrests were made. However, the incident has undoubtedly heightened tensions prior to the highly-anticipated match between England and Serbia.
Following the brawl, hundreds of riot police moved to a nearby bar, suspecting that some of the fans involved in the clash had taken refuge there. A mother and son who were enjoying coffee and cake at the Café Pabot across from the Hirt Steakhouse reported that they suddenly saw bits of food and bottles being thrown.
England fan Matthew Simpson, who had been socializing with the Serbian group moments before the trouble began, said he was told that the attackers were Albanian.
The violent incident in Gelsenkirchen comes amidst heightened security concerns surrounding the Euro 2024 tournament. It is estimated that 40,000 fans will travel from England for the first game alone, with a total of 300,000 expected to visit Germany throughout the entire tournament.
As authorities work to maintain order and ensure the safety of all fans attending the matches, the clash between England and Serbia supporters serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence and the need for vigilance during major international sporting events.
