German police have drafted in Hungarian officers to deal with possible crowd trouble on Saturday (Image: Getty)
Authorities in the German city of Cologne have drafted in officers from Hungary ahead of Saturday's Euro 2024 match between Marco Rossi's side and Switzerland.
Hungarian fans are among the most notorious at the tournament, and local police have put together a plan to minimise trouble before the players are left to do the talking at FC Koln's RheinEnergieStadion.
Cologne's police department has confirmed to Express Sport that they are 'in permanent contact' with senior international security figures and plan to use the assistance of Hungarian officers, who are primed to intervene if required.
Their statement read: "We do not have any specific information on planned conflicts among violent football fans. However, the police are carefully observing any developments. We are in permanent contact with international security authorities, also regarding the travelling routes of violent football fans.
"Before the match between Hungary and Switzerland on Saturday, there will be a march of fans of both national teams. The Hungarian fans will start their walk at noon from Girlitz Weg heading to the Cologne stadium.
"Police officers who know the scene will be patrolling the city. They will be supported, among others, by Hungarian police officers, in order to observe troublemakers and to step in, if needed."
Switzerland's players are gearing up for their Euro 2024 opener against Hungary (Image: Getty)
Violence and discriminatory chanting among Hungary fans in 2021 landed them with a range of FIFA sanctions. Homophobic banners were on display in matches against Portugal and Germany, while monkey chanting could be heard in games against England and France.
Abuse directed towards Three Lions stars Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham saw Hungary landed with a stadium closure, which was commonplace for the nation at the time. After the Switzerland game, host nation Germany are next up for Hungary, before a match with Scotland to round off Group A.
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Scotland's upcoming clash with the Magyars has reportedly been labelled a 'high risk' match by police in Stuttgart, where the showdown is being held. Stakes could be high on the pitch, too, after the Scots' dreadful start to the tournament on Friday night.
The Tartan Army flocked to Munich in huge numbers, but they were taken apart by Germany at the Allianz Arena. Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can were all on the scoresheet for the hosts as they ran out 5-1 winners.
