Violence broke out for the first time at Euro 2024 today when more than 100 Albanian ultras tried to attack Italian fans.
The black-clad thugs ran amok in the centre of Dortmund this afternoon targeting a fast-food restaurant and then clashing with riot police.
Baton-wielding officers quickly cornered the yobs and formed a kettle to stop them from fighting their Italian rivals.
The fans – who had earlier lit grey and red flares – were later searched for weapons.
The trouble is the first to erupt at the tournament, which only kicked off last night.
Police surround Albanian Ultras in Dortmund city centre before their game against Italy today
The fans – who had earlier lit grey and red flares – were later searched for weapons
The black-clad thugs ran amok in the centre of Dortmund this afternoon targeting a fast-food restaurant and then clashing with riot police
It comes amid heightened security around England’s opening group game against Serbia tomorrow with fears that 500 ultras are planning to ambush Three Lions supporters over the weekend.
So far there have been no incidents of disorder in Gelsenkirchen, Essen and Düsseldorf, where thousands of English fans are continuing to pour in ahead of the crunch Group C match.
England fans have been drinking and partying happily with local Germans and even a few Scots over the last two days.
The trouble is the first to erupt at the tournament, which only kicked off last night
Police surround Albanian ultras after violence broke out for the first time at Euro 2024 today when more than 100 Albanians tried to attack Italian fans
However, the atmosphere in Dortmund this afternoon – 20 miles from Gelsenkirchen where England start their Euro 2024 campaign – was said to be extremely tense.
Albania play neighbours Italy this evening at 9pm local time.
An eyewitness told MailOnline: ‘The violence came out of nowhere. The Albanian and Italian fans had been singing all day long without any problems but then it all suddenly kicked off.
‘The riot police moved in very quickly and soon had the thugs held up against the wall.
‘There are about 100 of these hooligans being searched for knives and any other weapons. The German police really mean business.’