During Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, five people sustained minor injuries after England fans were reportedly attacked by Netherlands supporters, according to UK police.
Police indicated that a group of Netherlands fans initiated the violence, targeting England supporters in bars and attempting to seize flags. Despite the majority of Netherlands fans attending to enjoy the game peacefully, some groups were identified as posing a risk.
UK police were present in Germany to collaborate with local authorities during the match, which ended with England’s 2-1 victory.
Social media footage emerged showing a group of fans throwing chairs towards a bar, with one person visibly wearing a Dutch football shirt. Individuals inside the bar were seen shielding themselves and later engaging in further altercations, involving objects being thrown both inside and outside the establishment.
Leo, a bar employee, recounted the incident to the BBC, stating, “Initially, it was a small altercation involving a few individuals. I tried to intervene, but things quickly escalated, leading to chaos and property damage. It’s truly distressing.”
Leo added that the bar’s television was damaged in the scuffle, preventing them from screening the game.
In a statement, the UK Football Policing Unit acknowledged the reports and videos circulating about disorder in Dortmund, confirming instances of Dutch fans assaulting England supporters and attempting theft of flags. They noted the presence of certain “risk supporters” among the tens of thousands of Netherlands fans who traveled to Dortmund for the match.
The Dutch Football Association reported a total of 110,000 Netherlands fans present in Dortmund, outnumbering the 40,000 English supporters. Ollie Watkins secured a last-minute victory goal for England, who will now face Spain in Sunday’s final in Berlin.