Netherlands fans assault England supporters
According to UK police, five individuals sustained minor injuries following an altercation where Netherlands supporters assaulted England fans in Dortmund ahead of Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final.
According to UK police, during the lead-up to Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, a group of Netherlands fans reportedly assaulted England supporters in bars and attempted to steal flags. While acknowledging that the majority of Dutch fans were present to enjoy the game, authorities highlighted concerns about certain groups identified as potential risks.
UK police had deployed personnel to Germany to collaborate with local law enforcement for the match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for England. Social media circulated a video showing an incident where fans, including one visibly in a Dutch football shirt, threw chairs towards a bar. The footage depicted people seeking shelter and moving indoors, followed by further altercations involving objects being thrown both inside and outside the establishment.
Leo, an eyewitness and bar employee, recounted the escalating situation to the BBC, stating, “Initially, it involved a few individuals. I attempted to intervene, but it quickly escalated with objects flying around. It’s truly distressing.” Leo also mentioned that the incident resulted in damage to the bar’s television, preventing them from showing the game.
In response to the unrest, a statement from the UK Football Policing Unit addressed the incidents, saying, “We are aware of reports and videos circulating regarding disorder in Dortmund. It appears there were multiple instances of Dutch fans attacking England supporters in bars and attempting to steal flags.” The statement further noted the presence of risk-prone groups among the tens of thousands of Dutch fans who had traveled to Dortmund for the match.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Football Association confirmed that approximately 110,000 Netherlands fans had made the journey to Dortmund, outnumbering the 40,000 England supporters in attendance. The match itself culminated in dramatic fashion as Ollie Watkins scored a decisive last-minute goal for England, securing their place in the final against Spain in Berlin on Sunday.