Turkey and Georgia fans fight in stands in violent scenes before Euro 2024 match
Fans clashed as waterfalls of rain descended from Dortmund’s breached roof ahead of the Euro 2024 game
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fans of Georgia and Turkey brawled inside the BVB Stadion Dortmund an hour before kick-off in the two countries’ opening Euro 2024 match.
Video footage circulated on social media showed groups of opposing supporters clash in one corner of the stadium, with punches thrown and missiles launched before police intervened to quell the violent scenes.
The fighting came amid torrential rain in Dortmund on Tuesday which caused the stadium’s roof to leak waterfalls of rain on to fans below.
It's all kicking off between the Turkey and Georgia fans...#EURO2024
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 18, 2024
🎥@Wheddsta pic.twitter.com/V26liui2xw
Police remained in place during the build-up to kick-off, at 6pm local time (5pm BST).
The teams are meeting in Group F, in what is Georgia’s first ever European Championship game.
Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia started up front for Georgia, midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili replaced injured Otar Kiteishvili, while Giorgi Tsitaishvili started in place of winger Levan Shegelia, who is on the bench for coach Willy Sagnol’s side.
For Turkey, defender Merih Demiral and midfielder Salih Ozcan, who plays for local side Borussia Dortmund, are on the bench as manager Vincenzo Montella opts to start Samet Akaydin in defence and Orkun Kokcu as an attacking midfielder.
Montella is fielding a blend of youth and more experienced players against Georgia highlighted by Inter Milan maestro Hakan Calhanoglu, who is making his third appearance at the Euros – and his first with the captain’s armband, and Real Madrid’s 19-year-old forward Arda Guler is up front.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments