TURKEY’S Euro 2024 clash with Georgia descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands and water poured from the roof.
Footage from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund showed rain from a storm drenching seats by the pitch.
Around the same time, crowd violence began to erupt inside the ground between the two sets of fans.
Objects were reportedly thrown between two sections as fighting ensued.
The scene was described as “absolute bedlam” by journalist Daniel Storey with fears the game could be suspended.
A small section of supporters from both sides could be seen throwing punches and pushing.
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Just a small rail appeared to be dividing the supporters as stewards tried to intervene.
Riot police eventually re-established control of the situation just over one hour before kick-off.
There were initially concerns the game may not go ahead on time, but those fears were quashed a short while later.
Turkey-Georgia is the penultimate match of the first round of group-stage matches at the Euros.
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The final two teams to get their tournaments underway are Portugal and Czech Republic as they prepare to face off on Tuesday evening.
Organisers of the Euros have already been heavily criticised during the early stages of the tournament amid transport chaos.
Following England’s win over Serbia on Sunday, some Three Lions fans were stranded in Gelsenkirchen for up to THREE HOURS.
Bogestra, responsible for transport in Gelsenkirchen, claimed that “it is normal to wait” when 50,000 people are trying to get home.
They added that their concept “worked overall”, and that their target was to get everybody transported within two hours of the final whistle.
Bogestra also claimed that social media “overrated” the issues, and that it is “impossible” to have all fans moved within an hour.
They alleged that fans used emergency brakes before the game, which led to some of the delays.
Georgia Euro 2024 guide
TOURNAMENT rookies Georgia have absolutely nothing to lose as they step onto the big stage for the first time.
They held their nerve to qualify with a penalty shootout win over former European champions Greece in the play-offs.
MANAGER: Willy Sagnol
Former France star and Bayern Munich legend took over in 2021 after a stint as Bayern’s interim boss.
STAR MAN: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
The Napoli winger has been linked with almost every top club in Europe and Georgia will need him to shine if they are to perform at the Euros.
How Georgia attack
Georgia may be underdogs but they’re a country that produced highly technical players and that will be reflected in their approach.
They may play longer at times, but their players are confident in playing out from the back and Kvaratskhelia will glide around the pitch looking to get on the ball as often as possible.
How Georgia defend
Georgia will drop off and crowd the middle with a medium defensive block.
However, they are vulnerable in wide areas and can be caught out with balls over the top.
Read the full Georgia Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
