Five England fans 'injured' after 'Dutch hooligans attack bars' as UK police speak out

Five England supporters have reportedly been left with injuries after attacks from 'Dutch hooligans' ahead of Wednesday night's Euro 2024 semi-final. England are set to face the Netherlands in a mouthwatering tie at the Westfalenstadion, but scenes of violence on the streets of Dortmund have marred the build-up.

Spirits had otherwise been high throughout the day as Dutch supporters painted the city orange in an incredible show of support, as has become customary throughout Euro 2024.

But videos have surfaced on social media showing England fans at a local bar being struck by wooden chairs and stalls while individuals draped in orange threw punches.

One clip showed some supporters in England merchandise retreating into a pub while an ugly brawl sparked among the benches outside.

Some were filmed throwing glasses and other objects towards the attackers in retaliation, with the sounds of screams bellowing in the background.

Billy Grant, a member of the Football Supporters' Association (FSA), was among those to post videos of the violence on social media.

He claimed that Dutch fans - appearing to have ties to Feyenoord - attacked their English counterparts "out of the blue."

According to the Mail, five England fans have been left injured from the series of brutal attacks by 'Dutch hooligans'.

UK Police have confirmed that gangs of Dutch risk fans have travelled to Dortmund and have warned people supporting England in the city to seek areas where German police are present.

A statement from the UK Football Policing Unit read: "We are aware of some reports and videos circulating of disorder in Dortmund. It appears that there have been several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags.

"We are also aware that in addition to the tens of thousands of Dutch fans there to enjoy the game, there are groups of risk supporters who have travelled to Dortmund from the Netherlands."

Riot police eventually took action to defuse the situation before telling England supporters to stay put while they separated fans of both nations.

The incidents were not characteristic of the day's events in Dortmund, from where wholesome pictures of travellers from both England and the Netherlands uniting to enjoy the occasion flooded the internet.

Gareth Southgate and Ronald Koeman's sides will do battle on the pitch for a spot in Sunday's Berlin final against Spain, who beat France 2-1 in Munich on Tuesday.

Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo's quickfire first-half strikes cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani's early opener to book Spain's ticket to the Olimpiastadion.

Luis de la Fuente's side have won all six of their matches at Euro 2024 and will be the favourites whether they face England or the Netherlands this weekend.

But the Three Lions will be powered by the will to redeem themselves if they navigate past the Dutch in Dortmund, three years after falling short in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.