Police

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch moment Manchester City star Erling Haaland is forced to show his ID to riot cops in ‘Operation Marbella’ raid

      by

      THIS is the astonishing moment balaclava-wearing cops ask Manchester City star Erling Haaland to pull out his ID during a police raid at a Costa beach club.The Golden Boot winner was filmed putting his hands into his pocket to take out his ID after being surprised as he enjoyed some R&R at the popular hangout Playa Padre in the resort of Marbella.Erling Haaland is seen getting out what appears to be his ID after being confronted by copsCredit: SolarpixSpanish police have been carrying out high-profile raids on beach clubsCredit: SolarpixThe balaclava-wearing officers appeared to be checking IDs at the clubCredit: SolarpixA police helicopter was seen flying overhead near Playa PadreCredit: SolarpixHaaland has been enjoying himself during the off-season in MarbellaCredit: GettyMoments before heavily armed police in riot gear were spotted running into the beach club as a helicopter hovered overhead – in a raid that is believed to be part of “Operation Marbella”.Spanish police are carrying out dramatic – but “routine” – surprise checks on venues as part of a crackdown on organised crime. Photos of heavily armoured police mingling with swimwear-clad beachgoers have become a semi-regular sight this summer on Marbella.Norwegian striker Haaland appears to have been unlucky as he got caught up in one of the random raids. READ MORE ON SPAINHe is not accused of doing anything wrong – but is understood to have merely been subject to routine police checks. Witnesses reported up to 200 officers were involved in the operation. Dramatic footage of the police swoop at the club showed cops wearing body armour rushing in before speaking to partygoers. Playa Padre was officially opened in 2017 by Hollywood actress Eva Longoria.Most read in FootballThe raid came three weeks after police wearing body armour stormed the famous Ocean Beach club in neighbouring Puerto Banus in a similar operation.Stunned British holidaymakers in swim shorts and bikinis were ordered out of its pool so they could identify themselves.The back-to-back club raids have followed a string of shootings in the area – with the so-called Operation Marbella being launched to help assure tourists they are safe. Haaland, enjoying some downtime in Marbella where he and his former footballer dad Alfie own property after Norway failed to qualify for Euro 2024, regularly visits Playa Padre when he is in town.Erling Haaland lets his hair down as he plays DJ on well-earned Marbella holiday while Man City pals head to EurosHe was pictured there last weekend, letting his hair down as he danced alongside a DJ in front of other revellers.Club owners have not yet made any comment on social media about yesterday’s incredible broad-daylight raid, and the Spanish National.A spokeswoman for Spain’s National Police in Malaga said today the operation at Playa Padre had led to the arrest of a fugitive who was using fake ID.Police went in around 8.30pm yesterday. It is not known how long they stayed.The police spokeswoman said: “This was an inspection within the framework of Operation Marbella which was launched in April.“It led to the detention of a 33-year-old man who was the subject of an arrest warrant and is now facing extradition to the country that issued the warrant.“He presented false ID before his real identity was established and the arrest made.”Well-placed sources said he was Iranian, although it is not known which country was looking for him.Playa Padre describes itself on its website as a “unique place in Marbella where the magic and the influence of the Mediterranean Sea converge with the most exclusive rhythms and atmosphere.”Standard single sunbeds, available until only 6pm on Sundays when Boho Sunday events featuring live music start, cost £33 and require a minimum £33 spend. VIP beds for up to four people cost £335 because the minimum spend is £210 A bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne is included.The glitzy venue is part of the Mosh Group, which has several establishments in the area including restaurants and beach clubs.Before the club raid Haaland was spotted refuelling his $140,000 Ferrari at a petrol station in the southern Spanish port city of Algeciras around an hour’s drive west of Marbella.He is thought to have been heading back to Marbella from the windsurfers’ paradise of Tarifa when he stopped to fill up his electric-blue Ferrari California.One expat Brit, commenting on what had happened, joked afterwards about the footage of police raiding the club: “Who knew the National Police were such Erling Haaland fans.“Actual footage of them running to get selfies with the Man City star at Playa Padre.”Another onlooker, saying it had happened just before dusk, put the number of police-involved at around 200.The last high-profile raid of this kind in Marbella was on May 25 at the Ocean Club.Police issued loudspeaker messages in Spanish and English after going in saying: “This is just a routine check. The minute we finish you can continue enjoying your afternoon.“Don’t worry, there’s nothing serious going on.”The images of the operation, which lasted nearly two hours and also involved a police helicopter which hovered overhead after officers moved in, showed why some revellers were left uneasy about their holidays being interrupted in such a radical way.One clubber is understood to have been arrested, although police did not comment officially on the reason for the detention at the time.Operation Marbella was launched on April 11.Pictures showed police raiding the Ocean Club last monthCredit: The Mega AgencyAround 100 officers were seen arriving at the venueCredit: The Mega AgencyCops were seen mingling with swimwear-clad touristsCredit: The Mega AgencyPolice warned locals and visitors at the time they could expect to see more random stops and police checkpoints in and around the holiday destination.They said nothing about surprise raids on busy tourist-popular venues, although shortly before the one at the Ocean Club heavily-armed officers crashed a gym at a sports club in the residential area of Nueva Andalucia near Puerto Banus and made three arrests.Gym users were asked for their ID before being allowed to continue with their routines.The seven shootings so far this year in the Marbella area have included a March 11 attack on British-run eatery La Sala near Puerto Banus that led to the arrests in April of a British man and Irish national described by police as having links to organised crime.Kerry Katona claimed recently she had U-turned on a decision to move to the famous Costa del Sol resort with her family including fiancé Ryan Mahoney because she no longer feels safe about the prospect following the violent incidents there.Fernando Bentabol, the prosecutor in charge of combatting narco crime in the province of Malaga which Marbella is part of, shone the spotlight on its dark underbelly in a recent newspaper interview by likening it to Medellin.Colombia’s second-largest city Medellin was the most violent in the world in the 1990s before a clean-up and the former home of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.Asking if Marbella was becoming Medellin, the prosecutor said: “Yes and no. “It can’t be compared to Medellin because countries such as Colombia are the ones that produce drugs, and most of the actions there are related to plantations, as happens in Morocco for example with cannabis.“We are in the area where the drugs are introduced and distributed to Europe.“But in terms of the level of the organisations involved and their economic capacity, yes it can of course be compared.”Locals have branded parts of Marbella like Puerto Banus the “Wild West”.Playa Padre, which attracts a mainly international crowd, went up in flames in February 2019.Eva Longoria opened it in 2017 because of her friendship with the owner.The actress was wrongly named as one of the owners following the inauguration.READ MORE SUN STORIESPamela Anderson and former Made in Chelsea star Ashley James have also been pictured partying there.The Sun has contacted Playa Padre and Manchester City for comment.What is Operation Marbella?
      By Tom Malley
      SPANISH police have launched “Operation Marbella” to crackdown on violence and keep Brits safe after a spate of recent gang shootings.
      The Costa del Sol resort is fast becoming a hotspot for crime and cops have warned locals and visitors they can expect to see more random stops and officer checkpoints in and around the holiday destination.
      They are understood to be increasing vigilance in residential areas as well as shopping centres and nightspots, like the millionaire’s playground of Puerto Banus.
      It comes after two terrifying shootings in March, within the space of a week.
      As police crackdown on crime they are recruiting the help of sniffer dogs and “aerial resources” – including helicopters and drones.
      The start of the operation, which will continue through the summer season into October, comes after locals started branding areas like Puerto Banus the “Wild West” following four shooting incidents in just over a month

      Haaland was seen taking selfies with fans on another visit to the clubCredit: SolarpixHe even got behind the DJ booth as he enjoyed some R&RCredit: SolarpixHe is a regular at the club when he visits MarbellaCredit: Solarpix More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Moment England & Serbia fans launch chairs in bloody clash ahead of Euros match as violence erupts in Gelsenkirchen

      by

      TROUBLE flared before England’s Euros curtain raiser against Serbia – leaving an English fan with blood pouring from a head wound.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.England and Serbia fans clash in Gelsenkirchen throwing chairs and tables aroundCredit: Story Picture AgencyThe brawl took place in a street just off the town’s main squareCredit: Story Picture AgencyChaos erupted near the Aleppo Restaurant in ArminstrasseCredit: Story Picture AgencyRiot police are seen after fighting breaks out between Serbian and England football fansCredit: Story Picture AgencyAround 3.30pm, some 200 German riot police swiftly restored order as bottles and glasses filled the air during the brawl.A cop said: “The English turned up and we saw everything being thrown – chairs, tables, glasses – you name it.“Serbs hit back and chased the group down the street and one was caught.“He’s a lad from Birmingham who ended up with a nasty wound to the back of his head.Read more on Euro 2024Police 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.Trouble centred on the Aleppo Restaurant in Arminstrasse, where the scene was littered with smashed glass, bottles and debris minutes after the clash.A source said: “All that’s confirmed at the moment is that English fans were definitely involved.”Most read in Euro 2024Video showing debris, bottles, chairs and projectiles flying in melee appeared to have been filed by a shocked English fan shouting: “It’s the Serbians!”It was unclear whether more fans had been hurt in the violent exchange and whether any had been arrested but the clash racked up tensions prior to kick-off.Hundreds of riot police later moved to a neighbouring bar amid suggestions that fans involved in the battle had taken refuge there.A mother and son enjoying their regular Sunday routine of coffee and cake at the Café Pabot opposite the Hirt Steakhouse said they were sat on the first floor when “all of a sudden bits of food and bottles started being thrown.”Café worker Petra Thiel said another person who was in the café at the time told her she had heard the attackers shouting something in Serbian. “In total, there were about 50 people involved”, she added.”I didn’t see any maskes.”England fan Matthew Simpson had been socialising with the Serbian group moments before the trouble erupted. He said he was told the attackers had been Albanians.The fans involved appeared to have disappeared into the crowds in the city as cops in helmets and riot gear took control.It is reported that 40,000 fans will travel from England for the first game alone, with 300,000 expected to travel to Germany throughout the entire tournament.The brawl comes just hours after cops closed in on a crazed axeman brandishing a Molotov cocktail near a busy Euros fan zone.Shocking footage showed the suspect with a golden pickaxe as cops drew their guns and deployed pepper spray moments before his arrest on the streets of Hamburg.Officers secured the area following the fightCredit: ReutersThe aftermath of the horror clashFood plates and napkins were seen on the floor alongside smashed glassA second video taken by a horrified passerby showed the moment police cornered the assailant before firing warning shots into the air.Cops shot the axeman and sealed off the Reeperbahn strip, not far from where thousands of Dutch supporters were gathering to watch their match against Poland.Some 40,000 fans were peacefully marching along the street filled with bars at around 12.30pm before the attacker’s terrifying rampage.Pictures showed a sea of football supporters dressed in orange just feet away as the chaos unfolded.Police say the man came out of a bar with the weapon before footage showed him wielding it at officers, Dutch outlet RND reports.Witnesses claim they heard four loud bangs as several riot police officers moved in to apprehend the suspect.Dramatic video showed cops warning him to drop his weapon but when he refuses, cops deploy pepper spray before shooting him in the leg.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamburg Police said the axeman was carrying an “incendiary device” as pictures from the scene showed a Molotov cocktail smashed on the floor.Police fear he intended to set it off in the middle of the crowd of supporters, according to German news outlet Bild.England fans and police in Gelsenkirchen today before the gameCredit: Jeremy Selwyn More

    • 125 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 Shooting: Police in Hamburg Shoot Man With Ax

      by

      The shooting took place in Hamburg, in an area packed with soccer fans, and hours before the Netherlands and Poland were set to play in the city.A man wielding an ax on a street crowded with soccer fans was shot by the police on Sunday in Hamburg, Germany, only hours before the city was to host a game at the European Championship.The man threatened police officers with “a pickax and an incendiary device,” a police spokesman said on Sunday. When he did not respond to warnings, the police said, he was shot.The man was injured and was being treated, they confirmed. No fans nor police officers were injured.The incident took place in Hamburg’s entertainment district, a section of the city known as the Reeperbahn that is filled with restaurants and bars. At the time, the area was packed with thousands of fans who had arrived to see the Netherlands play Poland on Sunday afternoon.According to a spokeswoman for the Hamburg police and videos of the incident posted online, the man came out of a small restaurant with a small, double-bladed ax and a firebomb and threatened officers nearby.Standing behind a police barrier as fans watched only steps away, the man — dressed all in black — shouted and moved toward a group of about a dozen police officers, several of whom were pointing their weapons at him from either side of the barrier. He held the small ax in one hand and what appeared to be a bottle with a rag in its neck in the other.At the time of the incident, Hamburg’s Reeperbahn area was packed with thousands of fans who had arrived to see the Netherlands play Poland on Sunday afternoon.Lena Mucha for The New York TimesWhen a police officer sprayed pepper spray in the man’s direction, he turned and began running up the street as fans scattered out of his path. Officers moved to surround him a short distance up the narrow street, and soon after, at least four gunshots rang out and the man fell to the ground.The police said that the man had been injured, but they could not give further updates on his condition. He was placed in an ambulance and driven away.The gunshots, captured in several videos that were posted online, were a sudden and jarring intrusion into what had been a festive lunchtime atmosphere. Within minutes, scores of police officers had gathered and set up a cordon around the scene of the shooting, and loudspeaker announcements — and the looming kickoff — cleared the area.The site of the shooting was a 10-minute walk from the city’s official fan zone, which was thronged with many more thousands of fans at the time, and a short train ride from the 57,000-seat Volksparkstadion, where the Netherlands and Poland were to meet in the first of three tournament games set for Sunday.The shooting came on the third day of the monthlong tournament, which brings together the continent’s best 24 teams every four years, and amid a heightened police presence.The German authorities said last week that about 22,000 police officers would be working each day of the tournament, and that they would be supplemented by hundreds more from the participating countries. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pro-Putin Serbian ultras have more reason than ever to launch attacks on England Euros fans, expert warns

      by

      SERBIAN hooligans could use the political carnage plaguing Europe to launch an attack on England Euros fans, an expert has warned.Professor Martha Newson fears the pro-Putin Serbs could strike, using the Ukraine war and their far-right views as an excuse to unleash violence in Germany.Police in riot gear face ultras at a Euro 2012 qualifying match between Italy and SerbiaCredit: GettyA masked Serbian fan burns the flag of Albania during a match between the two countriesSerbian gendarmerie officers are often deployed at matches to ensure safetyCredit: AFPSerbian ultras are seen as some of the hardest football fans in Europe due to their passion and commitment to their nation and club sideCredit: REUTERSFans have been seen getting arrested after topless pitch-side brawls that left them with bloodied faces and marked bodiesCredit: ReutersA Serbian fan holding up a flare at an Austria versus Serbia friendly on June 4, 2024Credit: GettyFrom pitch invasions to mass brawls, the Serbian ultras are known for creating carnage when they descend on the footballing world.A growing number of die-hard Balkan hooligans have been causing havoc in their country and abroad.With Germany next up on the footballing calendar, many fear Europe’s hardest fans could quickly cause the tournament to erupt in violence.Dr Martha Newson, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, has growing concerns over how the situation in a war-torn Eastern Europe could impact the tournament.read more in Serbia ultrasShe told The Sun: “There’s a potential for violence, especially with the Russian-Ukrainian war and people having expectations about Serbian fans tying into those conceptions of East versus West.”Serbian hardcore fans tend to be more likely to be on the far right so there is potential for the Russian conflict and allegiance to come out and play out among fans on the global stage.”Serbia has close relations with Russia that date back centuries through a common Slavic origin and the Orthodox Christian religion. Russia was also supportive of Serbia’s attempted coup in Kosovo after the nation claimed independence in 2008.Most read in Euro 2024The West strongly backed Kosovo in their fight for independence angering Serbs in a similar manner to how Putin’s assaults have been strongly condemned by Nato.Their fans go by several names – such as The Gravediggers, Head Hunters, Zulu Warriors, and the Red Devils.Meet Serbia’s most fearsome hooligan ‘Ivan the Terrible’ who even hijacks team buses as England fans warned ahead of Euro clashAnd are known for using a range of weapons such as baseball bats, belts, pyrotechnics, knives and guns.With England’s first match against Serbia on June 16 already being labelled one of the most “high-risk” games of the tournament.However, Germany’s experience with hosting major widescale sporting events means they are well prepared – which could put off some hooligans from causing trouble.Up to 1,300 police officers will be deployed on matchday around the grounds with extra surveillance at fan zones and city centres as part of the massive security operation.It is understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.Tracing their lineage back to the Balkan War of the 1990s, Serbian football hooligans are renowned for their love of the game.The chief executive of the county’s top side Red Star Belgrade once famously said Red Star is “not just a football team, it is an ideology, a philosophy and a national symbol”.In Eastern Europe I think organised violence has a bigger presence and that’s probably something German officials are considering when they’re labelling (Serbia games) as high riskMartha NewsonAssociate Professor of Psychology at the University of GreenwichThis belief has led to a barrage of controversial moves at matches against anyone who goes against the “national identity”.Stadiums in Serbia have developed into breeding grounds for militia recruitment, say experts, due to this sense of pride.During the Yugoslavian wars in the 1990s, it has been said that football hooligans were some of the first men to be sent to the frontlines.Dr Newson says this has created a formidable legacy.She said: “Often in football, people are playing out their national identities almost like a theatre performance.”They’re bringing everything into a ritual arena, so it is often an opportunity, or perceived as an opportunity to sort of flex the muscles.”So the reports coming in around the Serbian fans, I think, is a mixture of their legacy and their reputation.”England’s ‘high risk’ Serbian clashENGLAND kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday, 16 in a match where Southgate’s men start as a clear favourite on the pitch.
      Due to Three Lions fans and Serbian ultras flocking to Germany this weekend warnings have been placed all over the game.
      German police have claimed “up to 400 or 500 ­violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans will travel to ­Germany” ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
      Peter Both, the chief of police in Gelsenkirchen, said: “I guess the biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans, that will be our biggest challenge.”
      Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany with many planning to head to Gelsenkirchen for the England game.
      One East European media platform has already vowed daily updates from the Euros “where we will cover the matches and, above all, events outside the stadium”.
      Up to 1,300 police officers will be deployed on matchday around the grounds with extra surveillance at fan zones and city centres as part of the massive security operation at the Euros.
      It is understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.
      But a special focus will be on fan zones where 40,000 supporters are expected to gather.
      Dr Martha Newson says: “Fans go with the mentality of going into battle but that battle is only there if they perceive a threat.
      “So the England fans going out there if they perceive the Serbians as a potential threat or risk that’s when they’re gonna have a battle mindset and same for the Serbians.”
      However, Germany’s experience with hosting major widescale sporting events means they are well prepared – which could put off some hooligans from causing trouble.
      A UK law enforcement source told the i: “If you were going to hold this tournament at this time anywhere apart from the UK, then you would choose Germany.
      “But it’s a complex picture and unfortunately England fans are still regarded as fair game, or even desirable targets, by opposing hooligan groupings.
      “There is particular concern about the Serbia game.”

      8,000 flare-wielding Serb fans attempted to storm their own team’s training session in Germany on Wednesday.Cops were attacked with the roaring flares and forced to tackle a pitch invader at the Serbian team’s base.Ivana Jeremic, an investigative journalist who has extensively covered the link between football and the culture in Serbia, also told The Sun: “Serbian ultras have been influenced and controlled by state actors and criminals.“In the 90s, they bolstered paramilitary ranks. In peacetime, they have shaped public opinion and participated in significant political events.”This “war” mind-frame has continued in the past three decades with ex-ultra members stating they were made to “bleed” to become a fully-fledged fan.This siege mentality would see fans forced to attack others in a harrowing initiation ceremony.It resulted in riot police being deployed at almost every match in the country with batons and semi-automatic handguns.One of the ways the Serbian ultra-groups differ from other fan groups across Europe is their planning of violent acts.In recent years, they’ve formed a working relationship with the ruling party, allowing them to conduct business relatively unmolestedIvana JeremicInvestigative journalist Dr Newson said: “In the UK spontaneous violence is really all that we see nowadays, just a fight, sort of erupting without this sort of planning and scheduling.”In Eastern Europe, I think organised violence has a bigger presence and that’s probably something German officials are considering when they’re labelling [Serbia games] as high risk.”In 2022, a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime declared Serbia as the most concerning country for hooliganism.The report mentions how youngsters are often drafted into these ultra groups to act as “foot soldiers” for the ring leaders.In Belgrade, to become a member of the notorious United Force Ultra any newcomer must “stab someone with a knife”.Elsewhere Principi Ultra rookies are tasked with making rival fans bleed to build up trust within the group.In a Euro 2016 qualifier, Albanian players were seen frantically running off the pitch as Serbian fans ran on and caused carnageCredit: EPAA crazed Serbian fan threw a punch at one of the Albania playersCredit: ReutersIn 2017, Wales fans were seen fighting with Serbs through the gated barriersCredit: Huw Evans AgencyA Serbian fan punched a Brazil fan after a brawl in the stands at the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ringleader of the Serbian ultra group dubbed “Ivan the Terrible” BagdanovCredit: GettyFans holding lit flares at an Austria and Serbia match in JuneCredit: APThe fearless firms are also heavily linked to far-right politics, Neo-Nazi sympathies, and organised crime – making them a haven for the criminal underworld.Prompting a culture of racism, drug use, drug selling and gang violence all away from the sport that has been ongoing for decades.Sasa Djordjevic, a researcher at the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, says hooligans are good for three things outside of football.Promoting nationalism, drug dealing and private security.He said: “The first part of their job is to promote a nationalistic narrative in public and spur the rise of nationalism, chauvinism and so on. The second part is drug dealing and the third is private security. “The first part is important because of politics, and it seems that it is some kind of favour [to politicians], and in return, hooligans get to do their illegal business.”BARBARIC ATTACKSOne of the worst Serbian ultra attacks came when a rival fan was ruthlessly beaten to death.In 2009, a Toulouse supporter – Brice Taton – was attacked with iron bars and bike chains by Partizan Belgrade hooligans before a match.A staggering fourteen men were charged, with the ringleaders being sentenced to up to 35 years for the heinous beating.Rangers fans were also ambushed with glass bottles in Belgrade when hooligans attacked them ahead of a Europa League match a few years ago.The travelling supporters had already been warned not to travel around Belgrade in small groups or late at night for fear of trouble.In 2021, cops raided several fan groups linked to clubs Partizan and Red Star Belgrade.They arrested 17 people on several “monstrous” charges including drug and murder crimes.Serbian ultras have been influenced and controlled by state actors and criminalsIvana JeremicInvestigative journalist In 2013, die-hard fans of a Serbian third-tier side dug a grave on their own pitch in a thinly-veiled threat to players.The hooligans – who snuck in after a match – pinned a crucifix to the ground which read “second division or this”.On the international stage, Serbian brutes are just as malicious.Ivan Bagdanov – a firebrand hooligan leader with links to Serbian far-right paramilitaries – was responsible for forcing a Euros qualifying match between Serbia and Italy to be abandoned In 2012.He tried to attack rival fans before turning on police and sparking the grisly carnage that led to an all-out war on the pitch.Nicknamed “Ivan the Terrible” Bagdanov rallied his fellow mob to set off live flares onto the pitch as players warmed up.Serbian Red Star Belgrade supporters let off red flares during their derby match against Partizan BelgradeCredit: AFPFans have even been known to set light to opposition team’s kits in the standsCredit: EPAEven on the pitch Serbian players are seen as some of the toughest opponents to face physicallyCredit: EPAThe Serbian Cup Final is seen as one of the most intimidating matches in Europe due to the fansCredit: ReutersThe ultra group are famous for their use of flares which cause a thick cloud of smoke to fill the stadiumCredit: ReutersThey also tried to break down the barriers separating the two sets of fans.Several other fights broke out at games across the past decade including a mass brawl with Brazilian supporters at the 2018 Russian World Cup.Four years earlier at a Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania, another battle kicked off in the stands.Kosovo fought Serbia in a bitter war for independence in 1999 that resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and soldiers on both sides.These horror incidents have resulted in several fines and bans.The latest being when UEFA ordered them to play a 2024 European Championship qualifier in front of an empty stadium last year due to racist chants at a game against Montenegro.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans of both sides were said to have traded ethnic-based slurs resulting in Serbia being slapped with a £50,000 fine.Ivana Jeremic added: “UEFA’s disciplinary decisions frequently highlight issues, with the Serbian National Team being fined for racism and hate speech at international events.”Serbia’s history with hooligans and the governmentIN the 1990s, Yugoslavian governments were said to have started to fear football-going thugs.
      Former president Slobodan Milosevic had allowed for thousands of kids to grow up idolising such fans, in turn creating a culture of violence on match days.
      As the dangers increased and the ultra groups power soared, Milosevic ordered that the groups elected a leader he could talk to.
      A hooligan nicknamed Arkan – or Zeljko Raznatovic – was the first to be elected.
      He had a chilling past of robbing banks and escaping prison as well as heading up the notorious Delije ultranationalist fans of Red Star Belgrade for years.
      He would order his men to threaten and assault fans who were seen as anti government or anti-Communist.
      Milosevic was later called up to fight in the Balkan conflicts as he formed a paramilitary brigade of a 1000 men all from his football clan dubbed Arkan’s Tigers.
      He was later indicted by the International Tribunal of War Crimes at the Hague for genocide and known as one of the decades worst war criminals.
      Soon after the fighting, football stadiums in the country were filled with chants of “kill yourself Slobodan” aimed at the president.
      Until tempers reached boiling point in 2000 when hooligans led the way in violent protests that led to the storming of the Serbian Parliament.
      Milosevic resigned straight afterwards as tempers continued to flare.
      Rising ultra-nationalism flooded sporting environments in the years after the rioting.
      Ivana says this is still a major issue in Serbia today with politicians allowing ultra groups to get away with many heinous crimes in return for political support.
      She added: “In recent years, they’ve formed a working relationship with the ruling party, allowing them to conduct business relatively unmolested.
      “This makes those ultras significantly different from most other European countries in a sense that their actions are usually tolerated by the authorities.“
      The ruling Serbian Progressive Party is said to allow many hooligan groups to continue with their dirty work in order for everyone to stay happy within society.
      Current president, Aleksandar Vučić, has even labelled himself a former Red Star ultra in the past.
      Researcher James Montague claims the Serbian leader has sought to court and co-opt football hooligans.
      He said: “Vučić understood that this is a powerful and dangerous constituency that can make or break a president.
      “The ultras can quickly be mobilised for political goals if needed. At the same time, the authorities listen carefully to what is being shouted at the stands.”

      A bloodied hooligan being arrested after causing a riotCredit: AFP or licensorsPolice often clash with fans at the stadiumsCredit: EPABlood stained fans are seen by the pitch after a fierce derby match in SerbiaCredit: AFP or licensorsA former Yugoslavian army T-55 tank was once seen parked outside the Rajko Mitic stadium in BelgradeCredit: AFP or licensorsMany matches in Serbia are played under thick smoke clouds coming from the standsCredit: AFPArmed riot police battle with Serbian fans causing issues in the standsCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Shots fired during Italy-Albania match leaving one injured as riot cops armed with submachine guns launch manhunt

      by

      SHOTS were fired during the Italy-Albania match in Germany tonight and left one person seriously injured, according to reports.A man was stuck by at least one bullet in the Berlin district of Moabit, as cops launch an urgent manhunt for the gunman, as reported by the Bild.Cops armed with submachine have launched a manhunt for the suspectCredit: spreepictureIt is understood hundreds of riot police officers armed with submachines have been deployed to search for the suspect.Some witnesses claimed the attack was sparked by a brawl between football fans during the Italy-Albania match, but this is unconfirmed. It is not known yet if the victims or the suspect were spectators attending the game.Italians had beaten Albania 2:1 in the Euros match in Dortmund today.It comes after German cops shot dead a knifeman who attacked a group of football fans at a Euros garden party on Friday.The supporters were enjoying their first game against Scotland when the assailant came into their backyard just minutes after kick-off.Officers were called to a single-family home on Genossenschaftsweg in Wolmirstedt, near Magdeburg in Saxony-Anhalt around 9.30pm.Police shot the attacker at the scene after he ran towards the officers to attack them.Most read in Euro 2024″Firearms were used,” a police spokesperson told Bild on Saturday morning.”The perpetrator died in hospital.”German police have also raised concerns over potential clashes at England’s Euro opener against Serbia.Three Lions fans have been told to yell the code word “Panama” if they’re in danger.Cops are bracing themselves for violence at the curtain raiser clash amid security threats from the dreaded Serbian ultra groups.The competition organisers told fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” at Sunday’s powder-keg match to say “Wo geht’s nach [Which way to] Panama?” or simply “Panama”.Any police or staff members who hear the code word have to immediately offer a “place of retreat”, The Telegraph reports.There will also be a specialist Panama team at the games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.Sunday’s fixture has already been labelled the most “high risk” of the tournament.Meanwhile, police fear 500 Serbian Ultra hooligans plan to trigger mayhem at the game in Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena.READ MORE SUN STORIESA ban on strong booze has already been enforced meaning 62,000 fans will only be served shandy or low alcohol beer.It is also understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun OnlineThesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Magaluf braces for boozy England fans as police reinforcements drafted in to flood holiday hotspot ahead of Serbia clash

      by

      BRIT holiday hotspot Magaluf is bracing itself for boozy England fans flooding to the sunny island ahead of the blockbuster Euros clash with Serbia.Police reinforcements have already been drafted in to Magaluf after officials confirmed they are “intensifying their efforts” to keep the public safe with extra cops on patrol during all England ties.Magaluf is bracing itself for boozy England fans flooding to the sunny island ahead of the blockbuster Euros clash with SerbiaCredit: AlamyOfficials confirmed they are ‘intensifying their efforts’ to keep the public safe with extra cops on patrol during all England ties.Credit: AFP – GettyMagaluf is expected to be flooded with football fans over the next month for the tournament with special measures already in placeCredit: EPACouncil chiefs covering the party resort have been reassuring locals that the rowdy Brits won’t cause any issues after a turbulent few months with tourist problems on the island.A spokesman for Calvia Council, which employs the officers who make up one of the two forces responsible for policing in Magaluf, said: “Local police will intensify their efforts to guarantee the safety of tourists and residents the days of key matches, such as those that involve teams like England.”On Sunday when England play against Serbia there are going to be more police in the Magaluf area.”The council is also set to be keeping a very close eye on bars, pubs and social venues that are showing the games across June and July.read more in Euros 2024With the final game of the evenings typically kicking off at 9pm local time each night cops are keen to ensure people are home safely in the dead of night.They have also declared to be on high alert for any excess noise from busy establishments.The spokesman said: “We have established strict regulations for the installation of TV screens inside and outside public establishments.“Those regulations include the obligation to obtain a licence to initiate and exercise activity, as well as the obligation to present documentation on the sound level limiter, if applicable.”Most read in Euro 2024Calvia’s mayor Juan Antonio Amengual has spent the last few days emphasising the importance of sticking to the regulations regarding noise controls.Terrorist threats from ISIS means security for Euros 2024 in Germany employs thousands of police and militaryThe council spokesman added: “Those responsible for establishments with open-air areas have an obligation to adequately manage the noise levels while they’re open for business.“Screens and TVs should be facing the inside of those establishments to avoid crowding in public spaces that can interfere with pedestrian and other traffic.”Despite the Magaluf crackdown, the Spanish Civil Guard, who govern all of Spain, are yet to make any formal announcements in preparation for the tournament. Reports do suggest that they will work alongside the local police force to bolster up squads in problem areas especially around the strip. Dubbed operation High Impact Zulu Bravo, the cops will also use drones to patrol beer gardens with them being first deployed for Sundays game.EUROS SECURITY OPERATIONSOver in Germany the police reinforcements have been specially developed for the event.Cops across the nation will secure high profile Euros game with a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks.The first time the ring will be used will be in tonight’s opening clash between the hosts and Scotland.Crowds are expected to be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI and the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers.Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser said 350 foreign cops will be dispatched as part of security to “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.The prolific death cult, ISIS, has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.It has also been revealed that fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” during the tournament have been told to say “Panama” to police or staff to get help.Competition organisers in Gelsenkirchen – where England face Serbia on Sunday – sent out the message today to fans.Upon 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 the games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.The safety warnings are being aimed at Three Lions fans going to the match on Sunday against Serbia after a number of worrying reports in recent days.On Tuesday, England fans were warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” are set to swarm Sunday’s huge clash.The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.Despite Both saying they don’t “have concrete information” on the number of travelling thugs he vowed his team will prepare for any eventuality.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told The Guardian: “I guess the biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans, that will be our biggest challenge.”Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany and there are fears some may travel to Gelsenkirchen specifically to cause trouble.Are the Serbs the most notorious football fans?FROM pitch raids to mass brawls and death threats, Serbian hooligans are known wreak havoc and create carnage during football games.
      Die-hard groups of hooligans are intertwined with football in Serbia – and they are known for ruthlessly attacking players on the pitch and storming opposition stalls when the match turns against them.
      Hooligan firms in the Balkan state have chilling names such as The Gravediggers, Head Hunters, Zulu Warriors, and the Red Devils.
      And one of their most vicious leaders is known as “Ivan the Terrible”.
      In 2012, Ivan – who has been linked to Serbian far-right paramilitaries – forced a Euros qualifying match between Serbia and Italy in Genoa to be abandoned after trying to attack rival fans and police.
      He rallied supporters to lob live flares and bangers onto the pitch as players warmed up and ordered them to break down barriers separating them from Italian fans while taunting police.
      Tracing their lineage back to the Balkan war of the 1990s, Serb football hooligans are renowned for their tough-as-nails attitude and love of violence.
      They are known for throwing live bangers at players who have switched sides and invading the pitches when games don’t go their way.
      In the past, the Ultras have killed rival fans – including a Toulouse supporter in 2009 who was beaten to death with iron bars and bicycle chains.

      Cops have already taken up special safety measures for the Euros especially in GermanyCredit: AFP or licensorsPolice are looking to avoid fan clashes seen in previous tournaments with England fans such as in Marseille eight years agoCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans told to yell code word to German cops if they’re in danger from dreaded Serbian ultras ahead of Euros clash

      by

      THREE Lions fans have been told to yell the code word “Panama” if they’re in danger at England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.German police are bracing themselves for violence at the curtain raiser clash amid security threats from the dreaded Serbian ultra groups.England fans have been told to shout ‘Panama’ if they feel unsafe or threatened at Sunday’s fixture against SerbiaCredit: SplashGerman cops have already banned strong booze and beefed up security at the game amid fears of hooliganism and violenceCops fear over 500 Serbian ulta groups plan to cause mayhem at the gameThe competition organisers today told fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” at Sunday’s powder-keg match to say “Wo geht’s nach [Which way to] Panama?” or simply “Panama”.Any police or staff members who hear the code word have to immediately offer a “place of retreat”, The Telegraph reports.There will also be a specialist Panama team at the games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.However, given the fears surrounding the England-Serbia game, it raises the question of how effective a word will be in the face of potential major disorder.read more on euros 2024Sunday’s fixture has already been labelled the most “high risk” of the tournament as cops fear a repeat of the rioting which has plagued England’s past Euros campaigns.Meanwhile, police fear 500 Serbian Ultra hooligans plan to trigger mayhem at the game in Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena.Cops have already banned strong booze and forced 62,000 fans to drink only shandy or low alcohol beer amid concerns of clashes in unsegregated seating inside the stadium.It is also understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.Most read in Euro 2024Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser revealed hundreds of foreign cops have been dispatched to help with the mega event and their focus will be “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.It comes as The Sun spoke to security expert Will Geddes, who works with Premier League clubs, who revealed thousands of armed cops will be present at each match to shield against any possible attacks.SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlinesThe UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a “wide spectrum of potential risks and issues” amid a “very high level of risk” from ISIS, he warned.In terms of hooligans, German police are most worried about hard core Serb Ultras including many who support Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin.One Serbian fan told The Sun yesterday: “On the pitch you will probably win but off the pitch it’s not a contest. We aren’t afraid of anyone.“We learned everything we know from the Italians and the English but they are no match for strong Serbian men.”Serbian ultra groups, such as Headhunters and Gravediggers, are among the most feared football fans in Europe.Are the Serbs the most notorious football fans? FROM pitch raids to mass brawls and death threats, Serbian hooligans are known to wreak absolute havoc and pure carnage at football games.
      Die-hard groups of hooligans are intertwined with football in Serbia – and they are known for ruthlessly attacking players on the pitch and storming opposition stalls when the match turns against them.
      Hooligan firms in the Balkan state have chilling names such as The Gravediggers, Headhunters, Zulu Warriors, and the Red Devils.
      Tracing their lineage back to the Balkan war of the 1990s, Serb football hooligans are renowned for their tough-as-nails attitude and love of violence.
      In the past, the Ultras have killed rival fans – including a Toulouse supporter in 2009 who was beaten to death with iron bars and bicycle chains.
      And one of their most vicious leaders is known as ‘Ivan the Terrible’.
      In 2012, Ivan – who has been linked to Serbian far-right paramilitaries – forced a Euros qualifying match between Serbia and Italy in Genoa to be abandoned after trying to attack rival fans and police.
      He rallied supporters to lob live flares and other pyrotechnics onto the pitch as players warmed up and ordered them to break down barriers separating them from Italian fans while taunting police.
      At the Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania another battle kicked off in the stands.
      Serb supporters were recorded chanting “Kill the Albanians” and wore T-shirts of Serbian war crimes general Ratko Mladic in a heated snub to two ethnic Albanians in the Swiss squad.
      These horror incidents have resulted in several fines and bans being imposed on the Serbian national side with the latest coming one-year-ago.
      Uefa ordered them to play a 2024 European Championship qualifier in front of an empty stadium last year due to racist chants at their previous game against Montenegro.

      England fans have been warned of 500 Serbian hooligans planning to trigger mayhem at Sunday’s gameSerbian ultras chucked flares on the pitch at their own team’s training session on WednesdayThe national team’s fiercest hooligan Ivan ‘the terrible’ Bogdanov has led the chaos at past gamesTheir most notorious soccer savage has been named as Ivan ‘the Terrible’ Bogdanov – a tattooed hardman known to have terrorised players.Ahead of a Euros 2012 qualifier in Genoa, Italy, Serbian fans attacked their own team’s bus, with Bogdanov among those who made it inside.He was alleged to have confronted goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovicfor for committing the unforgivable crime of switching from Bogdanov’s team, Red Star Belgrade to rival club Partizan.The game was later abandoned due to the trouble, Italy awarded a 3-0 win and Bogdanov – branded with his new nickname ‘the Beast of Genoa’ – jailed for his role in the riot.ENGLAND’S PAST TOURNAMENT CHAOSTravelling Three Lions supporters have forged a poor reputation for their behaviour overseas through the years.However, England fans have been the target of several international assaults in the past both at club level and for national fans.The 2016 Euros in France was viewed as a major failure for England both on the pitch and off it due to fan violence.Before the tournament had even begun, fighting broke out between England fans and rival supporters in Marseille with cops being forced to tear gas local youths.And after England drew with Russia on June 11, major clashes broke out on the streets of the French city between the two countries.Over 100 Three Lions fans were left “walking wounded” with some in a critical condition after barbaric attacks that saw Russian thugs stalk drunken fans outside of pubs and bars.The Russian team was given a suspended disqualification as a team and fined €150,000 (£126,000).The hooligans were branded “hyper-rapid and hyper-violent” by the chief prosecutor in Marseille for their heinous planned assaults eight years ago.More violence then erupted between English and Russian fans in Lille a few days later.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt least 40 fans were reportedly arrested, 50 Russians deported and dozens left injured after the clashes.One was even left in a critical condition in the hospital following a Russian ambush.The horror scenes in Marseille eight years ago this week when Russian ultras launched the bloodiest hooligan brawl in a generation on England fansOver 100 Three Lions supporters were left injured by the ambushThe battle raged for hours as police struggled to contain the chaos More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 fanzone is LOCKED DOWN after suspicious object found at Berlin viewing area just hours before first game

      by

      A EURO 2024 fanzone in Berlin has been locked down after a suspicious object was found in the viewing area.Berlin cops announced the shock find as well as one arrest as bomb-sniffing dogs and disposal experts are rushing to the venue just hours before tonight’s opening match between Germany and Scotland.A suspicious object has been found in a fanzone in BerlinCredit: APThe Scheidemannstrasse Fanzone in Berlin where the object was foundCredit: RexPolice in Germany have already taken serious steps to bolster up their security ahead of the tournamentCredit: AFPThe Berlin police announced on social media that they found the object during a routine check before fans pile in to the venue over the weekend.One man has been arrested and taken away after he left a backpack by the entrance, German media reports. Local police announced: “A suspicious object was found in the entrance area on Scheidemannstrasse Fanzone. “This area is currently not available to fans. Our colleagues are checking the object.”read more in Euros 2024The area has since been closed off to the public as investigations continue. Beate Ostertag, spokeswoman for the Berlin police, followed up on the scare saying: “A restricted area has been set up for safety reasons.”The baggage is now being examined. It could also be that someone did not take it into the fan zone.”The German capital is set to be bustling when its first match on Saturday sees a blockbuster tie as Spain and Croatia face-off.Most read in Euro 2024Six matches are scheduled to take place in Berlin across June and July including the final.Germany has already deployed a huge security operation across the nation after fears of hooliganism and terrorism plague the tournament.A robust “ring of steel” has been set up around stadiums to secure high profile Euros games made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks.SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlinesThe first time the ring will be used will be in tonight’s opening clash between the hosts and Scotland.Crowds are expected to be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI and the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers.Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser said 350 foreign cops will be dispatched as part of security to “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.The prolific death cult, ISIS, has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.It has also been revealed that fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” during the tournament have been told to say “Panama” to police or staff to get help.Competition organisers in Gelsenkirchen – where England face Serbia on Sunday – sent out the message today to fans.Upon 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 the games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.The safety warnings are being aimed at Three Lions fans going to the match on Sunday against Serbia after a number of worrying reports in recent days.On Tuesday, England fans were warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” are set to swarm Sunday’s huge clash.The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite Both saying they don’t “have concrete information” on the number of travelling thugs he vowed his team will prepare for any eventuality.He told The Guardian: “I guess the biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fans, that will be our biggest challenge.” More