Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News

Fighting Erupts Between Turkey And Georgia Fans At Euro 2024

Heavy rain falls as fans await the start of a Group F match between Turkey and Georgia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Fighting erupted between fans of Turkey and Georgia at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion ahead of their European Championship match on Tuesday. The altercation occurred at ground level in one corner of the stadium, where supporters were observed exchanging punches and hurling objects at each other while security personnel tried to intervene amidst heavy rain.

The skirmish was quelled when riot police officers stepped in to separate the warring factions. A strong police presence was maintained, with officers positioned in the stairwell alongside Georgia fans. The two nations, both competing in Group F of Euro 2024, share a border spanning approximately 270 kilometers (170 miles).

Earlier in the day, there were no indications of unrest as fans from both sides mingled peacefully in Dortmund's city center. The inclement weather, characterized by driving rain, prompted spectators seated in the lower sections of the stadium to seek shelter. Some fan zones across Germany remained closed on Tuesday due to the adverse weather forecast.

Riot police intervened to separate the warring factions.
Fighting between Turkey and Georgia fans at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion.
Georgia's first major soccer tournament appearance adds significance to the match.
Fans mingled peacefully in Dortmund's city center earlier in the day.
Heavy rain prompted spectators to seek shelter in the stadium.
Some fan zones in Germany remained closed due to adverse weather.
Passion and intensity among football supporters highlighted by the incident.

Notably, this marks Georgia's inaugural appearance in a major soccer tournament, adding significance to the match. The incident at Westfalenstadion serves as a reminder of the passion and intensity that can sometimes escalate among fervent football supporters.

For more updates and coverage on Euro 2024, visit the official AP Euro 2024 hub: AP Euro 2024.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.