Dortmund, Germany – The anticipated clash between Italy and Albania at Euro 2024 turned violent in both Dortmund and Berlin, despite the majority of fans engaging peacefully. The game, perceived as high-risk by authorities, saw moments of chaos as around 100 Albanian ultras in black attire launched an attack on Italian fans near a fast-food restaurant in Dortmund. Riot police swiftly intervened to contain the disorder, with an eyewitness describing the sudden eruption of violence between the two groups of fans.
In Dortmund, an estimated 50,000 Albania supporters gathered for the match, staging a spirited march towards Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park. The march, although accompanied by smoke bombs and flares being ignited, did not result in any significant trouble. A heavy security presence was evident outside the stadium and along various transportation routes, ensuring that the majority of fans experienced the event positively. One notable moment captured on social media showed Albania fans playfully breaking spaghetti in front of Italian supporters, fostering a light-hearted pre-game atmosphere.
However, moments before kickoff, fans dressed in black pushed to the front of the Italy supporters’ section, with some individuals making Nazi salutes during the Italian national anthem. The tense atmosphere escalated further when a shot was fired in Berlin, resulting in a serious injury, prompting a police search for the perpetrator. Despite these instances of violence, Italy managed to overcome an early setback to secure a 2-1 victory, kickstarting their defense of the Euros crown on a positive note.
The troubling incidents during the Italy-Albania clash underscore the challenges of managing high-risk fixtures and ensuring the safety of all attendees. While the majority of fans displayed good sportsmanship, the actions of a few individuals cast a shadow over the event. Authorities and security personnel faced a daunting task in maintaining order and preventing clashes between rival fan groups, highlighting the complexities of managing large-scale sporting events.
The clashes in Dortmund and Berlin serve as a reminder of the potential for violence at football matches and the need for stringent security measures to prevent such incidents. Despite the violence, the majority of fans were able to enjoy the match in a peaceful manner, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. As the competition progresses, authorities will likely heighten security measures to mitigate the risk of further confrontations between rival fan groups.