Clashes are breaking out between England and Serbia fans in Germany ahead of the teams’ opening match of the Euros later today.
Riot police have clashed with supporters outside a bar in Gelsenkirchen as violence boiled over for the first time this afternoon.
Officers moved in after trouble erupted between England and Serbian fans outside a restaurant just after 3.30pm.
It comes ahead of the teams’ tie set to kick off at 8pm tonight in the first match of the group stages of the European Championships.
Tables, chairs and bottles appeared to have been hurled between two groups of fans.
It was not immediately clear what sparked the disorder but one man – believed to be English – was seen being led away with blood streaming down his face.
German police officers grapple with a fan after violence broke out ahead of a match between the Three Lions and Serbia
A football fan is seen covered in blood following an altercation between England and Serbia fans on Sunday
Fans could be seen throwing furniture at one another, leaving several with blood pouring down their faces
Police officers break up a fight in Gelsenkirchen earlier this afternoon after spotting a fan being beaten on the ground
Police officers in riot gear gathered as tensions rose between the England and Serbia fans
Rival groups of fans were seen throwing chairs and tables at one another in the city of Gelsenkirchen
Police had to intervene after a group of fans were seen kicking a man on the ground
An eyewitness told MailOnline: ‘There was a sudden burst of violence. It came out of nowhere.
‘It was unclear who started what. But to me it seemed liked a group of England fans rushed the bar where Serbs were drinking and it all kicked off with tables, chairs and bottles thrown.
‘One man had blood pouring from a head wound – he was English I believe.’
In videos on social media, glass could be heard being smashed as police ran down a street in the centre of town.
One clip showed several dozen fans throwing restaurant chairs and tables at one another before one group fled with the other giving chase.
Police officers joined the chase and broke up altercations which left several fans with blood pouring from their faces.
One fan could be seen curled up on the ground, bring kicked by rivals before police intervened.
There have been united calls for peace amid fears that hooligan clashes could overshadow the match – as Serbian thugs appeared to display online St George’s cross flags ‘stolen’ from English travelling groups.
An estimated 40,000 England supporters are believed to have descended this weekend on Gelsenkirchen and neighbouring cities such as Dusseldorf and Cologne.
Tonight’s game marks a return to Gelsenkirchen 18 years after Wayne Rooney saw red there as England crashed out of the World Cup yet again on penalties.
England manager Gareth Southgate has encouraged supporters to enjoy their time in Germany.
Yet local police have labelled tonight’s game ‘high risk’ following reports earlier last week of Serbian ultras making their way to the region.
Serbia’s football fans are well known for hooliganism, with some groups being linked to the far-right.
