Tensions escalated into violence in central Gelsenkirchen today as clashes broke out between football fans ahead of a highly anticipated game. Eyewitness reports indicate that a group of fans initiated the conflict by attacking others with bottles in a side street, leading to a chaotic scene where chairs were thrown, and tables toppled.

The altercation quickly turned into a running battle, with one group of fans chasing another down the street while riot police attempted to intervene. The disturbance drew a significant response from law enforcement, with hundreds of riot police deployed and approximately 22 vans heading towards the area closest to the train station.

Sources suggest that English fans were responsible for initiating the attack on Serbian supporters at an Italian restaurant. The incident left several individuals injured, including a fan from Birmingham who suffered a head wound and received medical attention at the scene.

In a separate but related incident earlier in the day, Hamburg police confronted an axe-wielding individual who had made threats. The confrontation ended when the man was shot in the leg by police officers.

Authorities are urging calm and caution as they work to restore order and ensure the safety of all fans and residents.