England fans have been attacked by Netherlands supporters before Wednesday night’s Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund.
Footage posted online showed what appeared to be Dutch supporters attacking their English counterparts at a restaurant and bar in the centre of the city, with punches, stools and glasses thrown, and tables overturned. A separate clip featured riot police appearing to drive back Netherlands fans outside a nearby homeware store.
At least 10 people were reportedly arrested, while several were also said to have been injured.
A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) 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.”
German police also posted on X in response to a user flagging one of the videos: “Yes, we are aware of that. We are currently taking measures there.”
![Police arresting a football fan in Dortmund](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/07/10/TELEMMGLPICT000385107730_17206308510300_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq5v2aY4_r9YEeseDcbQ2Zv7xlL4JJZFr6G2BGlsAngeI.jpeg?imwidth=350)
The violence marred what had otherwise been a carnival atmosphere in the city centre ahead of the biggest game for both countries for several years.
It also came after the UKFPU announced “there were no incidents or arrests involving England fans” in Germany on the eve of the game.
Tens of thousands of supporters from the UK and Netherlands have flooded into Dortmund, with fans from the latter nation able to make the short trip across Germany’s north-west border.
Up to 40,000 England fans were tipped to join them in Britain’s biggest last-minute exodus of football followers.