Police in Germany have stepped in ahead of England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday evening after a clash between rival fans occurred in Gelsenkirchen.

In an update on the incident in Gelsenkirchen earlier, local police have said in a statement: "It was an altercation between English and Serbian fans, who were separated by the police.

"Further measures are underway and the background is currently being clarified."

Bottles, chairs and tables were hurled into the air by rival groups outside a bar where a dozens of Serbian fans had been drinking. Some of the thugs had their faces covered during the clashes.

One man, who is understood to be English, was left with blood pouring from a head wound and needed medical attention. 

Earlier the UK Football Policing Unit said they believed it was largely Serbian fans involved - and several arrests have been made.

They told Sky News that the arrests were made over the unrest at a bar in Gelsenkirchen earlier - and they believe it was mostly Serbia fans involved.

"We are aware of an issue in Gelsenkirchen ahead of the England v Serbia match," the statement says.

"Our German colleagues have made a number of arrests of what we currently believe to be Serbian supporters. 

 

"At this stage we do not believe that any UK nationals have been arrested but enquiries are ongoing. 

"Our officers are at the location speaking to German colleagues, 

"Our investigation team is now reviewing footage of the incident and if any UK nationals have been involved, football banning orders will be sought."

We've had a statement from the UK Football Policing Unit, which has been sent out to Germany to assist local officers during the tournament.

They say a number of arrests have been made over the unrest at a bar in Gelsenkirchen earlier - and they believe it was mostly Serbia fans involved.

"We are aware of an issue in Gelsenkirchen ahead of the England v Serbia match,"

"Our German colleagues have made a number of arrests of what we currently believe to be Serbian supporters. 

"At this stage we do not believe that any UK nationals have been arrested but enquiries are ongoing. 

"Our officers are at the location speaking to German colleagues, 

"Our investigation team is now reviewing footage of the incident and if any UK nationals have been involved, football banning orders will be sought."

How to watch England vs Serbia

Serbia v England is live on TV, BBC iPlayer, Radio and BBC Sounds.

Gary Lineker presents live coverage of England’s opening European Championship match on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm. The commentary from 8pm is by Guy Mowbray and Alan Shearer.

Join Kelly Cates on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds for build-up to the match (and reaction to Slovenia v Denmark) from 7pm before live commentary begins England at 8pm.

You can also watch the match on the BBC Sport website and app. 

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Rumoured England vs Serbia team news

Southgate is considering starting Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield alongside Declan Rice, while Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi is in line to start his first major tournament match next to John Stones, in the absence of the injured Harry Maguire.

Southgate’s side may be the favourites, but Serbia are a dangerous team with talent in their ranks including Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Al Hilal duo Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Fenerbahce’s No 10, Dusan Tadic.