German Police Prepare for Potential Violence at England’s Euro 2024 Opener
German police are preparing for possible violence at England’s Euro 2024 opener amid reports that up to 500 Serbian hooligans may attend the game.
The match, scheduled for this Sunday, is expected to draw 40,000 England supporters and up to 8,000 Serbian fans. UEFA has labeled it one of four “high-risk” fixtures.
History of Serbian Hooliganism and Police Measures
Concerns stem from the potential presence of Serbian ultras, including notorious figure Ivan Bogdanov, who has a history of inciting violence. Bogdanov, known as “Ivan the Terrible” and “the Beast of Genoa,” was jailed for his role in a riot during a 2012 Euro qualifier. In 2010, he was infamously photographed cutting through barriers and burning a flag during a match against Italy, which was abandoned due to violence from Serbian fans.
Bogdanov and other hooligans have a history of violence that includes attacking team buses, threatening players, and causing matches to be abandoned. Despite his past, he has continued to attend matches, often under heavy police escort.
Serbian hooligans, particularly those associated with far-right groups and pro-Russian factions like the Delije, remain some of the most violent in the world. These groups have been linked to various violent incidents, including during club matches and international events such as the 2018 World Cup, where they clashed with Brazilian fans.
In response to these threats, German authorities plan to deploy up to 1,300 officers at stadiums, along with extra surveillance in fan zones and city centers. British police ‘spotters’ and plain-clothed officers will also assist during England matches. A UK law enforcement source highlighted the particular concern over the Serbia game but expressed confidence in Germany’s capabilities to manage the situation, stating, “They have a lot of experience at this kind of thing and they are putting in place a comprehensive system.”
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