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    Stadiums on fire, gun attacks & referees thumped – How Turkish football has been plagued by decades of bloodshed

    FROM fans burning down stadiums to knife-wielding attacks on rival players and and referees, Turkish football has a violent history. Decades of bloodshed have plagued the game – and chaos erupted at Euro 2024 during Turkey’s clash with Georgia after fights broke out in the stands.The shocking moment referee Halil Umut Meler was punched by club president Faruk Koca after matchCredit: GettyFenerbahce fans once set fire to the seats after they lost the league title to their rivalsCredit: ReutersTurkey fans were seen brawling with Georgia supporters in the stands at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersTurkish riot police shielding themselves from an angry mob of fans launching broken chairs at themCredit: ReutersThe Fenerbahce team bus was once attacked by a gunman who riddled the windshield with bulletsCredit: GettyFenerbahce stars were even seen fighting against rival supporters on the pitchCredit: GettyREFEREE THUMPEDIn one of the most shocking scenes, a Turkish referee was punched to the ground by a team’s president.MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca launched his assault on referee Halil Umut Meler in November 2023.Pictures show the moment the an aggressive Koca stormed the pitch and threw a straight right hand at the official.Meler’s cheek instantly started to bruise and swell as he was taken to hospital with a fractured eye socket.read more in Turkish footballAn irate Koca later claimed he only meant to “spit” at the referee for what he claimed was a poor performance during the match. Following the assault huge droves of pitch invaders emerged onto the pitch as they trampled, stomped and booted the defenceless official.The terrible ordeal left a nasty stain on sport in Turkey with even the national media labelling it “barbaric”.It even caused the entire Turkish Super Lig season to be suspended. Most read in Euro 2024Meler was later seen wearing a neck brace in hospital as he spoke to the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.’My heart stopped,’ says terrified girlfriend of footballer chased by fan wielding CORNER FLAG in ugly scenes in TurkeyKoca resigned after the strike and issued a half-hearted apology as he was formally arrested alongside two others for “injuring a public official”.Another horrific incident saw manager Yuksel Yesilova being stabbed six times as he stood on the touchline in 2010The game was suspended so Yesilova could receive urgent, life-saving medical attention as an ambulance drove onto the pitch.After an investigation into the horror security breach, it was revealed that the knife man was his angry brother.FIERY ALTERCATIONSOn two separate occasions, Turkish football has been set ablaze by huge fires inside football grounds.The first came during the 2003-04 season when over passionate Gaziantepspor’s fans set a stand on fire during a match against Fenerbahce.In 2010, Fenerbahce were involved again as they let out their rage at losing the league to bitter rivals Bursapor by setting their own ground alight.Chilling pictures show dozens of seats up in flames with fans battling with cops across the stadium.Soon after the first fire erupted, the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium looked like a warzone.Bottles and stones were being launched onto the pitch with chairs being ripped from their bolts and thrashed around.Multiple other parts of the stadium had caught alight in the ensuing chaos as emergency crews and riot police looked to control the worsening situation.Angered fans ended up being blasted by water cannons as a much larger angry mob of supporters gathered outside. BUS ATTACKIn April 2015, Fenerbahce’s team bus was targeted by a gunman who burst a round of bullets through the front windshield.Driver, Ufuk Kiran, was left with severe facial injuries and blood dripping down his face after the glass splintered and flew in his direction.Miraculously, he managed to keep himself conscious throughout the ordeal despite losing a lot of blood.The heroic driver was left bloodied after the bus carnageCredit: AFPFenerbahce players were seen fighting back after they were attackedCredit: GettyThe ref suffered a fractured eye socketCredit: GettyA riot kicked off after the referee was punchedPockets of flames appeared across the stadium during a heated up 2010 seasonCredit: ReutersHe safely took the bus out of danger and kept all 41 players and staff uninjured.Turkish Football Federation chairman Yildirim Demiroren labelled the horrific act a “terrorist attack” that targeted all Turkish sports. In response to the near fatal shooting the Turkish Super Lig officials suspended play for just one week.STONES, MISSILES AND LIGHTERSTurkish fans are infamous for making their feelings extremely well known at matches towards players and officials.They can often be seen launching a range of objects from the stands to prove their hatred. In 2009, assistant referee Tarik Ongun was whacked on the head by a lighter thrown from the stands during a derby between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. He required treatment on the nasty cut and needed five stitches before continuing on to officiate the game.Turkey’s Euro 2024 carnageTURKEY fans have already been involved in a number of issues in the tournament this summer.
    The most high profile issue came in their very first match against Georgia on Tuesday 18.
    The game quickly descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands as water poured from the roof as topless men scrapped.
    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.
    Riot police were even bought in to re-establish control of the hectic situation.
    Footage from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund showed rain from a storm drenching seats by the pitch.
    The fans later met their Georgian counterparts inside a fan zone in Poland following the fiery clash between the two nations.
    A disastrous brawl broke out as shocking social media footage shows the rival fans punching, kicking and even dragging each other around Gorzow Wielkopolski in headlocks.

    Months later, more match officials were targeted when furious supporters unleashed a barrage of stones.The match was quickly abandoned after just 15 minutes when some of the fans miraculously managed to launch the rock hard pellets at referee Kemal Yilmaz.The fan fury continued to erupt as Bursaspor goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov was even hit by a stone.Moments after Yilmaz called off the match he was then struck by a launched missile.PITCHSIDE FURYEarlier this year, Fenerbahce were involved in the latest shocking scenes of violence that have blighted the Super Lig.Following a last-gasp 3-2 win at rivals Trabzonspor, home fans ran onto the pitch – some even wielding weapons.They could be seen lunging at Fener stars with some players like former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi defending himself by throwing an astonishing spinning back kick.Ex-QPR ace Bright Osayi-Samuel was also seen aiming a punch at a fan.One rivalry in Turkey has even been dubbed the “derby of immense and never-ending hate”.Fenerbahce and Galatasaray fixtures have been marred by scenes of violence for years.In 2012, things flew overboard when Galatasaray won the league at Fenerbahce thanks to a cagey 0-0 draw.At full time, police, armed with pepper spray, were forced to use riot shields to protect Galatasaray’s jubilant players.The joy on the pitch quickly caused carnage in the stands as furious Fenerbahce fans ambushed the players.Chairs were hurled around as supporters outside the ground whacked cop cars with stones.Last year, a fiery match between Bursaspor and Amedspor in Turkey was abruptly called off as fans and players ran riot before, during and after kick off.Horrific videos on social media seemed to show irate supporters hurling objects, including water bottles, firecrackers and a knife onto the pitch in Turkey.Bursaspor players were seen storming onto the pitch and attacking their opponents as they warmed up.READ MORE SUN STORIESAggression continued throughout the 90 minutes, with fans throwing firecrackers onto the pitch and knives being allegedly brandished. After the final whistle, Amedspor staff and players claimed they were assaulted by “private security supervisor, club security officer, club staff, and police officers” in the dressing room corridors.Turkish football manager Yuksel Yesilova was stabbed six times on the touchline by his brother in 2010Firemen battle to put out the flames in the stadium after Turkish fans set fire to the standsCredit: ReutersThe ref was later seen in a hospital bedA crazed Trabzonspor supporter chased Fener players with the corner flag in a huge pitch invasionCredit: APTurkish football is renowned for their passionate fansCredit: GettyFlares, missiles, chairs, rocks and lighters have all been thrown at players during feisty gamesCredit: Getty More

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    England fan has jaw broken in brutal ‘unprovoked attack’ outside Euros stadium after game as cops release pic of suspect

    AN ENGLAND fan has been left with a broken jaw after an “unprovoked attack” outside of a Euro 2024 game.Cops in Gelsenkirchen, where the brutal assault happened, are now appealing for help to find the suspect after labelling the victim’s injuries as “quite serious”. An England fan has been left with a broken jaw after an “unprovoked attack” outside of a Euro 2024 gameCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandCops released a picture of the man they believe to have been involved in the alleged attackA separate brawl saw an English fan with blood pouring from his head after chairs were thrown prior to the Serbia clashCredit: Story Picture AgencyThe lead investigator in the case, Mike Ankers, said: “The victim of this assault has received quite serious injuries in what we believe was an unprovoked attack.”The alleged attack happened after the opening Euros game for England when they faced Serbia on Sunday June 16 at around 10pm.UK footballing authorities have released a photo of the suspect who they believe is also a Three Lions supporter. The UK Football Policing Unit praised England fans this week for their behaviour in Germany as just three supporters have been arrested.read more in Euro 2024One of those arrested was detained for throwing a bottle, another for abusing a UK officer and the third for throwing a missile at police and possession of drugs.It comes as two England fans were left requiring medical help after Thursday’s night pitiful draw to Denmark after celebrations of the Three Lions’ opening goal went too far.Chad Thomas, a fan of non-league side Frickley Athletic, told SunSport that he rolled his ankle celebrating Harry Kane’s 18th minute strike.He tweeted a picture of himself from an ambulance with strapping around his ankle saying: “Goal injury celebration.”Most read in Euro 2024Chad added: “I blame Harry Kane for that madness. And judging by the 2nd half on my phone. I didn’t miss anything inside the stadium.”A second England fan was left with a severely swollen ankle.Moment ‘drunk’ English fan chants ’10 German Bombers’ during arrest in front of Tartan ArmyClaiming that he’d fallen off a chair while celebrating the goal saying he had “snapped every ligament in his ankle”.Trouble flared up before England’s Euros curtain raiser against Serbia as chairs were thrown in a pub brawl – leaving an English fan with blood pouring from his head.Sources at the scene said a group of yobs appeared to have started chaos in a restaurant near the venue city of Gelsenkirchen five hours before kick-off.Before kick-off 200 German riot police were called in to try and restore order as bottles and glasses filled the air during the brawl.Police at the scene said they believed the English had started the trouble – but English fans blamed the Serbs.Cops later confirmed that six Serbs had been arrested but there were no English arrests.Three Lions supporters have been mainly praised for their behaviour out in Germany so farCredit: RexAnother fan was taken to hospital in an ambulance with strapping around his ankle after celebrating a goal in the Denmark match More

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    Man hunted by cops is doppelganger for England footie ace – can you tell who?

    A LOOKALIKE of footie ace Jack Grealish is wanted by police on recall to prison.Curtain-haired  Kaine Blissett’s similarity to the  England discard was flagged up on social media after cops released his mugshot.People took to social media to point out how similar Kaine Blissett is to Man City ace GrealishJack Grealish missed out on a place in England’s Euro 2024 squadMan City’s Jack, 28, was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad and one wag said of the photo: “That’s what happens when you don’t get picked.”Another said: “Jesus. Grealish has hit hard times!” A third, referring to the online discount store, said: “Jack Grealish if you ordered him off Temu.”Kent Police urged the public to call them if they see Blissett, who has links to Margate and Ramsgate.READ MORE ON GREALISHThis comes as Alan Shearer tore into England after a painful 1-1 draw with Denmark – and revealed the player he’d bring in to help out Harry Kane.The Three Lions’ legend insisted there can be “no excuses” for a Euro 2024 display with “no energy, no pace”.Kane’s early opener in Frankfurt was countered by Morten Hjulmand’s stunner – with Shearer claiming the Danes deserved more than their point.England are still two points clear in Group C, meaning they are likely to go through after Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia.Most read in FootballAnd skipper Kane appealed for “calm” – albeit admitting there would be “noise” as well as “disappointment” over Thursday’s performance.However, Shearer believes the display offered nothing of encouragement.The BBC pundit said after the final whistle: “You can see players lying on their back, they look absolutely shattered.England boss Gareth Southgate axes stars from Euro 2024 squad”There’s no excuse for that. No energy, no pace to the game.”We didn’t run in behind until the last 10 or 15 minutes.”We got caught too many times on the ball, too many sloppy passes. “And in truth Denmark were the better team and deserved to win. There’s so much more to come. It’s really concerning.”Shearer also reckons England have a tactical problem concerning Kane – and feels he has the answer. More

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    Michael Schumacher blackmail plot revealed as two arrested over plan to ‘extort millions’ from stricken F1 star’s family

    TWO men have been arrested over a chilling blackmail plot against the stricken family of iconic Formula One driver Michael Schumacher.German cops claim the pair of alleged criminals planned to extort millions from the Schumacher’s as part of the terrible ordeal.Two men have been arrested over a blackmail plot against iconic Formula One drive Michael Schumacher and his familyCredit: GettyMichael with his wife Corinna and their two children Mick and Gina-MariaCredit: NetflixMichael’s wife Corinna has been targeted by blackmailers in the past looking to extort millions from the stricken familyCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe two men from Wuppertal, Germany were caught on Wednesday and are waiting to be taken into court. The exact details around the failed extortion attempt are unknown.Wolf-Tilman Baumert, spokesman for the public prosecutor’s office, told BILD: “We are investigating a case of blackmail to the detriment of a celebrity and have executed arrest warrants in this case. “We cannot provide any further information at this time.”read more in SchumacherMichael, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.His inner circle is headed up by wife Corinna who has been targeted by fiends in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children. The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.Most read in MotorsportAfter being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.At the hearing, judge Eberhard Hausch said: “To put it gently, putting your own account number there is not very smart.” Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.German publication Die Aktuelle claimed to have secured a “world exclusive” with the severely injured Ferrari great last April despite Michael not being seen publicly since his 2013 skiing accident. In a two-page spread, promoted with a picture of Schumacher, it claimed the seven-time F1 champ had said “My life has totally changed”.The sickening bot even spoke about the racing hero’s physical condition, family and future recovery prospects.Another legal battle in 2016 was waged after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.The court case led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk.Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend” and offered around to news outlets for a whopping £1million.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman prosecutors called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.What happened to Michael Schumacher?
    MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.
    The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
    Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
    Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
    He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
    At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
    At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
    But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
    After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
    Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
    Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
    In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.
    Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
    Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.

    Michael hasn’t been seen or heard from since his skiing accident in 2013Credit: AlamyThe two children were said to have been threatened in 2016 via an email by a 25-year-old blackmailerCredit: InstagramThe Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend More

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    Watch IShowSpeed’s X-rated meltdown after police block him from seeing Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2024

    ISHOWSPEED launched an incredible rant after police stopped him from meeting Cristiano Ronaldo.The internet star and CR7 superfan has travelled to Germany to support Portugal at Euro 2024.Speed waited 90 minutes to meet Ronaldo and LeaoCredit: Youtube / IShowSpeedBut he was escorted outside by policeCredit: Youtube / IShowSpeedHe ended missing the chance to meet his idols as the team bus then went pastCredit: Youtube / IShowSpeedHe ranted at police officersCredit: Youtube / IShowSpeedThe American was sat in VIP seats as Roberto Martinez’s side came from behind to seal a dramatic win 2-1 win over the Czech Republic.Speed, 19, live streamed his reaction to the game for the entire 90 minutes.And after the final whistle, the teen with 25.5million YouTube subscribers went downstairs to meet his idols.Speed waited in the players’ car park for an hour and a half and was on his phone texting Portugal star Rafael Leao, who agreed to meet him.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But disaster struck for the influencer as he was escorted away by cops.They told him all fans in the area had to leave, with his claims of being in contact with Leao falling on deaf ears.Speed was taken outside and told to wait there – only for the Portugal team bus to then drive past.He shouted Ronaldo’s name at the coach as it zoomed out the Leipzig Stadium before turning to the camera as he looked on devastated.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeed then raged: “See I missed them because of the f***ing police officers.”I’m leaving bro. All these f***ing police officers. I just missed them because of these officers.YouTube star Speed collapses in shock as he FINALLY meets his hero Cristiano Ronaldo before the pair share a hug”Stupid f***ing officers. He literally told me to wait right there.”Speed met Ronaldo after attending a Portugal game in June last year.He collapsed to his knees, posed for a photo and hugged the former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend.The meet and greet was supposedly organised by Leao after the pair messaged each other again.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAwestruck Speed fell to the ground as he met Cristiano Ronaldo last yearCredit: YouTube / IShowSpeed More

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    ‘High chance’ of terror attack at Euros with threats on ‘all fronts’, German intel chief warns amid mammoth security op

    GERMANY has been bracing itself for a potential terror attack at Euro 2024 amid a mammoth security op due to possible threats on “all fronts”.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a “high chance” of a terror attack at the tournament with a number of major security concerns already taking place.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a ‘high chance’ of a terror attack at Euro 2024Credit: EPAInside the International Cooperation Center in Germany where the security crackdown is being navigated from amid a ‘high chance’ of an attackCredit: GettyOver 22,000 federal cops have been deployed across Germany to deal with any potential threatCredit: GettyA man in Hamburg was seen with an axe before a game earlier in the tournamentCredit: ReutersA pitch invader managed to get onto the pitch in the Romania versus Ukraine match on June 17Credit: ReutersIf any attacks are being planned Mr Haldenwang says the main threats could come from Islamic extremists or those with strong links to the raging war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.The president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution pinpointed ISIS splinter cell ISIS-K as the main “focus of attention” for any potential concerns.Since the October 7 massacre in Gaza, terror levels have soared across Europe with security groups being on high alert at almost every major event. With the Euros welcoming hundreds of thousands of fans each day to Germany, Haldenwang and his team put special measures in place to combat any threats.read more in Euro 2024Police around the country were told they couldn’t take leave during the summer of football with the federal cops deploying over 22,000 extra officers.The monumental move is the biggest mobilisation in the organisation’s history.A total of 580 international officers have also been drafted in to make up specialist security units. All of those officers are expected to be on hand for each day of the month-long event monitoring transport, fan zones and tourist hotspots. Most read in Euro 2024Cops from across the continent have also been urged to help out Germany by staying alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations before they enter.UEFA, European football’s governing body, expects over 2.7 million fans to rock up to Germany across ten cities.Turkey vs Georgia Euro 2024 clash at risk of postponement as TWO waterfalls flood from roof and violence breaks outBefore the tournament got underway, security expert Will Geddes told The Sun about Germany’s plan to use a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks.The UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a “wide spectrum of potential risks and issues” amid a “very high level of risk” from ISIS, he warned.Will explained that the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.Crowds will be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI, the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers, he said.Euro 2024 security worries
    PITCH INVASION
    On Monday 17, a fan managed to run on the pitch before being dragged off by security in Romania’s 3-0 thumping of Ukraine.
    The supporter, who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, appeared from the stand behind the goal before a Ukraine corner.
    He managed to get to Romanian star Nicolae Stanciu, but was swiftly whisked away by stewards.
    CLASH IN THE STANDS
    Turkey’s Euro 2024 clash with Georgia descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands as 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.
    CRAZED AXEMAN
    Last week, shocking footage showed a man with a golden pickaxe walking towards cops with a Molotov cocktail.
    Police were forced to draw their guns and deploy pepper spray moments before the suspect was arrested on the streets of Hamburg.
    The Reeperbahn strip, not far from where thousands of Dutch supporters were gathering to watch their match against Poland, was quickly closed off to the public.
    ARRESTING TERROR SUSPECTS
    Pre-tournament German cops announced that they had arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist while he was trying to sneak his way into the Euros.
    Anti-terror investigators caught Soufian T, 23, who is said to have applied to get a pass as a security guard for “side events” outside the football stadium.
    Cops from the Cologne police department, along with investigators from the Bonn State Security Service and federal police, arrested the German-Moroccan-Polish citizen with his mother and sister at Cologne-Bonn Airport.
    TRANSPORT CHAOS
    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.

    Working with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, Will’s team have seen ISIS make “very specific references to Germany”.The prolific death cult has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser told 350 foreign cops dispatched to help ahead of the event that the focus of security will be “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.It has also been revealed that fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” during the tournament have been urged to say “Panama” to police or staff to get help.Competition organisers in Gelsenkirchen – where England faced Serbia on Sunday – sent out the message to fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESUpon hearing the word Panama staff are meant to “immediately offer the possibility of a place to retreat”.There is also a specialist Panama team at games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.’Acute’ terrorist threat across Europe
    By Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
    THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
    Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
    Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
    Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
    The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
    Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
    The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

    An ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German train with a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Europe’Credit: ISISAnother pitch invader was seen on the pitch in the Ukraine match going up to playersCredit: AFPRiot police have been spotted across the country keeping a close eye on football fans in case of any security breachesCredit: Getty More

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    UEFA launch investigation into alleged monkey noises made at England stars during Serbia Euro 2024 clash

    UEFA have launched an investigation following reports of monkey chants being aimed at England players.European football’s governing body had match observers stationed in the stadium for Monday’s clash against Serbia.Uefa are investigating reports of monkey chants towards England players on SundayCredit: AlamyAnd one Serbian fan was allegedly spotted and heard making the chants.Security did not arrest or remove the fan but Uefa are investigating.No English players heard the chanting – and the FA have not complained.UEFA have spotters at every stadium and they identify issues even when players do not hear abuse.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThere were also claims Serbia fans threw objects while they also displayed inflammatory flags about Kosovo.This came despite a clear warning that action would be taken.UEFA said in a statement: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA European Championship group stage match between Serbia and England (0-1) played on 16 June 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.”Charges against Football Association of Serbia (FSS):Most read in Euro 2024
    Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR
    Transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event, Art. 16(2)(e) DR
    The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.
    Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.
    There were major issues in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday because fans complained of long queues outside the stadium and poor stewarding.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland won the game 1-0 thanks to an early header from Jude Bellingham as Gareth Southgate’s men moved top of Group C.How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
    JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
    The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
    But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
    Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
    Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5. More

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    Menacing ISIS cell calling for attacks on Euros players busted after propaganda network spewing threats was unearthed

    A SINISTER ISIS ring that called for attacks on Euro players has been snared after a major operation in Spain.Spanish cops uncovered a twisted propaganda network urging their followers to target Real Madrid football players.The radical group urged their followers to attack the Real Madrid bus and their fansThe terrorist group have previously threatened to strike similar events such as the Paris Olympics and Champions LeagueCredit: AFP or LicensorsA sickening poster urges extremists to attack stadiums including Santiago BernabeuGermany has increased security across its stadiums during the EurosThe extremist unit shared their sickening propaganda in a poster encouraging their followers to attack the footballers’ team bus.The chilling poster features a masked man opening fire with a rifle, as reported by El Confidencial.It reads: “My dear brother. Wait in a place close to the arrival point of the players. Target them along with their followers.” Another propaganda poster shows Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium with a message in English written over it which says: “A very valuable target awaits you.READ MORE ON EUROS“Disrupt their gatherings. Distract their security with IEDs and decoy devices and advance towards your main goal steadily.”While another disturbing poster with the words “Kill them all” was circulated before the Champions League quarter-finals in April.Spanish cops have arrested nine people after a joint operation involving Spain’s Civil Guard, Europol and the FBI.The arrests occurred in Girona in the north-east of Spain, Cadiz in the south, Almeria and Tenerife.Most read in Euro 2024It is understood two of those arrested have been sent to prison pending an ongoing investigation following a court appearance.Police have yet to make any official comment.The detainees are said to have been linked to the I’lam Foundation, which describes itself as an Islamic State multi-language media centre that provides content in several languages including French, Arabic and English.The arrest comes a week after German police arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist who tried to sneak his way into a security guard job at one of the selected stadiums.The warped terror group has previously threatened to strike the Euros with posters showing terrorists poised to attack stadiums.Meanwhile, the threat of terrorism in Europe by radical jihadists is at an all-time high with ISIS also threatening to strike the upcoming Paris Olympics and the Champions League in recent months.Earlier this month the death cult posted a propaganda image showing one of its terrorists seemingly flying an “armed drone” to attack the iconic Eiffel Tower.The poster, pushed by ISIS-linked social media channels, was captioned: “Lone wolves’ Olympics have begun with the Will of Allah.”Western intelligence revealed how cops stopped at least 12 terror attacks in the past 12 months across Europe.Germany who’s hosting the Euro this year has beefed up security by deploying thousands of armed cops.READ MORE SUN STORIESSecurity expert Will Geddes told The Sun the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.’Acute’ terrorist threat across EuropeBy Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
    THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
    Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
    Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
    Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
    The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
    Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
    The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

    Thousands of German cops have been deployed to protect against potential threatsCredit: AP More