Police said that there had been ‘several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags’
Police patrol as Dutch fans cheer in the streets of Dortmund, western Germany, on July 10, 2024 prior to the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final football match Netherlands v England played in the city later in the day. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Police patrol as Dutch fans cheer in the streets of Dortmund (Photo: INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) Source: AFP
author avatar image
July 10, 2024 7:52 pm(Updated 8:09 pm)
Five England supporters sustained minor injuries after being attacked by Dutch fans in the build-up to tonight’s Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, UK police have said.
Footage emerged on social media appearing to show of groups of supporters clad in the famous Dutch orange throwing items of furniture at a group of rival fans outside a bar.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said that there had been “several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags” in the lead up to the game.
A UKFPU statement said: “We are aware of some reports and videos circulating of disorder in Dortmund.
“It appears that there have been several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags. We understand this has resulted in minor injuries to five people.
“We are also aware that in addition to the tens of thousands of Dutch fans there to enjoy the game, there are groups of risk supporters who have travelled to Dortmund from the Netherlands.
“Our officers are at the location supporting German colleagues. We would advise supporters to be aware of their surroundings and seek areas where there is a German Police presence.”
For the first time in the tournament, English supporters were strongly outnumbered by their opponents, as up to 110,000 Dutch made the journey.
Some 40,000 English fans have travelled to the city, which lies just an hour from the Netherlands’ border.
Posting on social media, Billy Grant, a member of the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), claimed to have witnessed an incident where a group of Dutch fans – alleged to be Feyenoord supporters – “attacked the English out the blue”.
Police detained eight people following a brawl between England and Serbia fans in Gelsenkirchen ahead of a group-stage game last month.
.