Fans clash in Gelsenkirchen before England face Serbia in Euro 2024 game

The first match of England in the Euros against Serbia has been affected by aggression, resulting in the detention of seven Serbians and a caution of exclusion orders for British citizens who get implicated.

A fight broke out at a restaurant's outdoor seating area in a city called Gelsenkirchen located in western Germany. Several fans and a police officer were left injured and bleeding from the brawl. However, it was not clear who started the altercation.

When I saw the video on social media, it reminded me of past embarrassing incidents involving English football. Tables, chairs, and bottles were thrown and overturned on the terrace of a restaurant, where a huge Serbian flag was displayed.

A representative from the German police mentioned that "the two sets of fans were kept apart" and that "seven Serbian nationals were apprehended amidst the altercations".

The representative additionally stated: "A report has been filed regarding a serious bodily injury. However, the context behind it remains ambiguous."

Several people who were present claimed that the primary people who instigated the situation were supporters from Albania. However, the authorities in Germany have stated that they cannot verify the identities of those involved, including their nationalities.

A representative from the British football policing unit announced that there was a problem in Gelsenkirchen prior to the England vs Serbia game. The German authorities arrested a few individuals who they suspect are supporters of Serbia. As of now, there have been no reports of any UK citizens being apprehended, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Our officials are at the place conversing with German counterparts. Our analytical team is currently examining the recording of the event and if any British citizens are found to be involved, football prohibition directives will be pursued.

A police officer received medical attention for a wound to the head and a group of fans were also examined by medical staff following a disturbance caused by troublemakers outside Hirt Steakhouse. The establishment had been patronized by supporters of Serbia for five hours preceding the match.

According to an eyewitness, chairs, bottles and various other objects abruptly descended during the violent incident. It is believed that many of those responsible for the disturbance escaped as approximately 200 German riot police arrived.

The ones who caused the turmoil were identified by British police officers who were keeping an eye out, as they rushed towards a bar where around 30 Serbian soccer fans were having a drink five hours prior to the start of England's initial game.

Almost 200 officers cordoned off the location after the offenders escaped while a few smaller teams of riot police were sent to search for those responsible.

A representative from the police in Gelsenkirchen has stated that an incident occurred in the southern area of the city involving multiple individuals engaging in physical conflict.

At the moment, we are unable to verify if the argument was connected to football or which countries the individuals involved are from.

Over 30,000 English supporters, with only an estimated 20,000 holding tickets, were present in Gelsenkirchen for the match against Serbia.

The game was considered to be very dangerous because of the history of the two groups of supporters. The police had previously given a warning that around 500 Serbian troublemakers might try to create chaos.

Although the match was generally calm, there was a substantial German law enforcement presence that prevented any conflicts between the Serbian and English supporters during Sunday's game.

Fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the challenge of traveling by tram from the city center to the Arena AufSchalke stadium for 15 minutes. Several fans had to walk for miles because they were unable to find a shuttle bus or tram to take them to the stadium.

The police of the United Kingdom and Germany have been collaborating closely with one another. They have deployed undercover personnel to keep a watchful eye on fans drinking in various bars located in Gelsenkirchen, a city in western Germany.

Football disturbances during domestic matches in England and Wales have increased in the past few years. This has raised worries that similar incidents could occur during international matches as well.

The amount of arrests made during football matches within the country had been decreasing, but due to Covid-19, there has been a significant increase, reaching a level that hasn't been seen in the past ten years.

In August of 2023, a total of 1,624 football banning orders were in effect. This marks a significant rise of 24% when compared to the previous year. Furthermore, throughout the 2022-23 season, a total of 682 such orders were issued, resulting in an annual increase of 32%.

Everyone who is prohibited from entering the tournament in Germany has been required to give up their passports until the event is over.