Violent Fan Brawl Erupts Ahead of Gelsenkirchen Football Clash
Tensions boiled over in central Gelsenkirchen today as football fans clashed violently before a key match. A group of supporters kicked off the chaos by hurling bottles at rival fans in a narrow side street. The row quickly spiralled, with chairs flying and tables smashed amid the bedlam.
Riot Police Flood Streets Amid Running Battle
The scuffle escalated into a wild chase, with one faction pursuing the other down the street. Riot police rushed in, deploying hundreds of officers and sending around 22 vans to the area near the train station to try and quell the disorder.
English Fans Blamed for Attack on Serbian Supporters
Eyewitnesses say English fans started the brawl by attacking Serbian supporters inside an Italian restaurant. Several were hurt, including a Birmingham fan who suffered a head injury and needed on-the-spot medical treatment.
Separate Axe Threat Ends With Police Shooting
In a related incident earlier, Hamburg police confronted a man waving an axe and making threats. The tense stand-off concluded when officers shot the man in the leg to bring the situation under control.
Authorities Call for Calm Amid Ongoing Chaos
Officials urged fans and locals to stay calm as they work to restore order and protect everyone involved. The violent scenes come as police brace for the high-stakes game to go ahead safely.
