Euro 2024: England and Serbia Fans Clash, Throwing Tables, Chairs, and Bottles Hours Before Kickoff

• The maiden incident of hooliganism at Euro 2024 has been recorded in Gelsenkirchen ahead of the England vs Serbia tie
• Fans of both countries were involved in a messy altercation hours before their Group C opening match kick-off on Sunday
• It remains to be seen what the next line of action authorities will take regarding the incident in Gelsenkirchen will be

Fans of England and Serbia clashed in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, just hours before their Euro 2024 Group C opening match on Sunday, June 16.

To address concerns about potential violence between supporters, German authorities deployed over 1,000 police officers in Gelsenkirchen in a major security operation.

Despite these precautions, tensions flared, resulting in the first ugly incident recorded at the ongoing European Championship.

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England and Serbia fans clash ahead of Euros opener

A video circulating on social media, spotted by Sports Brief, shows fans from both nations throwing tables, chairs, and bottles at each other.

The cause of the altercation is still unknown as of the time of publication, but the incident has marred an otherwise enjoyable tournament, which has delivered memorable moments both on and off the pitch.

Prior to the match, The Independent reported that England fans would only be allowed to purchase low-alcohol beer at their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, as the fixture was deemed "high risk" by German authorities.

This decision came in anticipation of about 500 Serbian hooligans travelling to the game.

Serbian football has been grappling with the rise of far-right nationalist groups, and the national stadium was partially closed in November due to racist behaviour by fans during a match against Montenegro, per the BBC.

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Meanwhile, England also has a troubled history at major tournaments, highlighted by the chaotic scenes at Wembley during the Euro 2020 final.

Group C Preview: England favourites in tricky pool

While their fans got themselves into some form of trouble, England enters Euro 2024 with high hopes, boasting a squad brimming with attacking talent.

Sports Brief provides an analysis of their team and the opponents they will face in Group C.

Although the Three Lions aim to surpass their performance from the last edition and win the Euros, they must be cautious of potential upsets from Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia.