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      Germany deploys vast Euros ring of steel with 22,000 cops, snipers and ‘super spotters’ amid ISIS & hooligan threat

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      GERMANY will secure the opening Euros game with a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks. Security expert Will Geddes, who has worked with Premier League clubs, told The Sun 22,000 cops will be dispatched for today’s match alone. Inside the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich, where the 2024 Euro championship kicks off todayMasked ISIS terrorists brandish the death cult’s flagGerman cops take part in an operational drill to prepare for the Euros at a football stadium in MayCredit: EPAThe 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.Will, who leads a team of security experts at International Corporation Protection (ICP), closely monitors ISIS chatter.READ MORE ON ISISWorking with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, his 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”.Today’s game will see Scotland take on Germany at their Allianz Arena in Munich – which can hold up to 67,000 fans.Most read in Euro 2024Over the course of the championship, Germany will play host to a whopping 2.7 million fans in 10 different stadiums – alongside 12 million more in fan zones.Will explained that the mammoth security op will range from snipers spread around the stadium to “super spotters” hidden in amongst the public.ISIS ‘lone wolves’ will attack Britain in months as MI5 ‘prepares to raise threat level’, warn terror experts”There’s going to be a number of different layers of security”, he said.”You have some 22,000 federal police that will be assigned particularly to the games… including hostile behaviour detection personnel.”These are specialists looking for those indicators for individuals that may have malintent.”Further “foreign and neighbouring countries police forces” brought in from across the globe will have had input from their own intelligence services and anti-terror units ahead of the match.Will told The Sun that certain technology will be brought in to keep football fans safe.”There’ll also be a hostile surveillance detection,” he said. “And this will be both human and electronic; AI using facial recognition.”The Euros presents a real wide spectrum of potential risks and issues which have to be prepared for and protected against, at the moment we’re at a very high level of risk against Islamic stateWill GeddesHe explained special experts will be called in to scour for dangerous individuals already known to them – called “super spotters”.The risk analyst said: “These will be people that will be implemented within the crowd, looking for key individuals that they have a record of.”The overt measures will “include things like snipers” and possibly “members of special forces, and GSG 9, who will be working in a clean, close capacity, but within striking distance”.GSG 9, meaning Border Guard Group 9 in German, is an elite special forces unit of the country’s federal police who focus on terrorism and violent crime.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”.Hundreds of German local and federal police practice security tactics ahead of the Euros in AprilCredit: APGermany and Scotland fans in Munich on Thursday ahead of today’s matchCredit: ReutersGerman police tend to a mock casualty as they take part in an operational drill at the Stuttgart Arena in MayCredit: EPAAn ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German train with a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Europe’Credit: ISISTHE RESURGENCE OF ISISIn early February The Sun warned that the West could be facing a new “War on Terror” as ISIS gears up for a comeback.Weeks later in March ISIS-K, a grim offshoot of the terror group, shot up and set fire to a concert hall in Moscow, killing some 140 people.It marked the deadliest terror attack in Europe since 2004 and put other countries around the world on high alert.Nancy Faeser warned at the time that it had raised “dangers to a new level”.We’re entering a phase where people are now really much more aware of the serious Islamic threat of terrorismChris PhillipsIn April, Dutch intelligence agency AIVD revealed that ten jihadist attacks were foiled across Europe in just the last year.Will told The Sun: “At the moment we’re at a very high level of risk against Islamic state, also Islamic state in the Kharisan [ISIS-K], who were responsible for the attack on the Moscow concert hall.”Repeated threats against Germany have been splashed over ISIS’ warped media channels since – with posters showing terrorists poised to attack its stadiums.German police arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist who tried to sneak his way into a security guard job at one of the selected stadiums last week.And a cop was killed in Mannheim after a lone knifeman attacked a far-right anti-Islam politician during a rally on Friday, May 31.Although not confirmed as a terrorist attack, Germany’s federal prosecutor said they were taking over the investigation because of “clear indications” of an Islamist motive.Chris Phillips, former Head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, told The Sun: “What we’re seeing across Europe actually is attacks that are growing in France and Germany.”[Germany] have had an attack recently, where a policeman ended up getting killed.”We’re entering a phase where people are now really much more aware of the serious Islamic threat of terrorism.”I think [Germany] will be throwing everything they’ve got at securing these Euros. And that will be the militaryChris PhillipsAhead of the Euros and also the Paris Olympics, Chris said: “We’ve got a series of big events coming, and of course, any big event is an attractive target to terrorists.”All these big events are just impossible to fully secure.”I know for a fact that German place and French police will be really concerned about it.”In terms of the security operation at the Munich game, Chris said: “It’s a massive, multidimensional policing operation. “And what the public see is just the tip of the iceberg.”It will involve armed forces as well as police and intelligence operatives, he explains.The former counter terror chief told us: “I think they will be throwing everything they’ve got at securing these Euros. And that will be the military.”An ISIS-K poster threatening to attack a Champions League game in GermanyThe site of the Crocus City Hall massacre in Moscow, March 2024’SOFT TARGETS’ & TRANSPORT HUBSWill told The Sun that fan zones at the matches will need to be shored up today as any potential ISIS attackers could view them as “softer targets”.He told The Sun: “The fan zones could be deemed as a softer target, particularly for terrorism.The fan zones could be deemed as a softer target, particularly for terrorismWill Geddes”Where the stadiums themselves can be locked down only those with valid tickets can enter, but in the fan zones almost anybody can get through. “Any individual entering those fan zones will be searched thoroughly to ensure that they do not carry any potential lethal implements or weapons on them that could be utilised for a terrorist attack.”Will also explained why the entire city of of Munich will need to be on high alert.He told The Sun: “Transportation networks and hubs are always going to be on their agenda.”It’s going to be locations where there is a high concentration of people, because obviously they want mass effect in any attack.”So bus terminals, train stations, metro networks. These are all going to be provided with a greater level of vigilance by law enforcement.”Busy transport hubs like train stations in Munich will have heightened security during the matchesCredit: Getty’PERVERSE AGENDA’Will told The Sun that levels of ISIS activity and chatter online has increased in recent months.He said: “We are regularly monitoring the avenues and the channels that we’re aware of that ISIS supporters sympathisers are using.”There has been a lot of chatter on many of the channels that they utilise; Islamic state, ISIS-K and those various different groups.”Quite often they’ll be used on things like signal and in Telegram chat rooms and this is where they are trying to recruit and trying to enthuse their supporters to assist in exacting their distorted and perverse agenda.”They have publicised certainly an attachment to Germany, they have made a very specific reference to Germany.”There has been a lot of chatter on many of the channels that they utilise; Islamic state, ISIS-K and those various different groupsWill GeddesWill said the activity online can be hard to fully categorise into tangible threats and “brave talk”.He told us: “The intelligence agencies will again go through that filtering process, and there has been much chat around not only the euros, but also the Olympics.”This is evident in the most recent arrests that have taken place before both of these events.”DRONE THREATChris Phillips, former head of UK Counter Terrorism, spoke to The Sun about the risk of drones in the hands of a group like ISIS.Just days ago they made a threat against the Paris Olympics with a poster of a drone carrying what is presumably an explosive labelled “gift”.Chris told The Sun: “I’ve always had a concern about drones and how they can be used.”We have security levels, usually up to about 10 foot, 10 foot fences and of course, drones can be used to just flip over the top of those.”And as we’re seeing drone technology take off, it’s a really concerning part of the threat.”Someone that knows how to use drones and knows how to make a bomb. Put those two things together, and you’ve got a big issueChris PhillipsWhile security “across the world” grapples with the evolving threat posed by drone warfare, Chris said events like the Euros pose a unique risk.He said: “In particular, of course, sports events where you can fly over the top of the over the top of the security into the stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can buy a drone very easily that carries enough explosives to cause some damage.”Someone that knows how to use drones and knows how to make a bomb. Put those two things together, and you’ve got a big issue.”‘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. More

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      German cops who slapped beer ban on England fans say they should smoke cannabis instead

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      GERMAN cops who slapped a strong beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis instead.Fears of booze-fuelled trouble at Sunday’s game against Serbia saw stadium chiefs told to serve only weak beer or shandy.German cops who slapped a beer ban on Three Lions fans say they should smoke cannabis insteadCredit: GettyBut cannabis was legalised in Germany on April 1, and a Gelsenkirchen Police spokesman told The Sun yesterday that fans getting “Harry Kaned” on pot will be allowed to puff in peace.Stephan Knipp said: “It’s no problem for fans to smoke cannabis on the street.“If we see a group of people drinking alcohol and looking a bit aggressive, and another group smoking cannabis, of course we’ll look at the group drinking alcohol.“Drinking alcohol can make someone more aggressive, and smoking cannabis puts people in a chill mood.READ MORE WORLD NEWS“We want to prevent violence and keep people safe.“Our focus will be on fans who are drinking and potentially getting violent — that’s why we in place safety precautions on alcohol.”While fans will be able to smoke dope in many public areas, it will not be allowed inside the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena, nor in fan zones, bars or city squares.And bars in “sensitive areas” of the city will stop serving booze immediately before and after the game.Most read in FootballFears of violence rose over intelligence reports suggesting 500 Putin-supporting Serbian ultras would turn up. What do cannabis plants look and smell like? More

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      Flare-chucking Serb ultras try to storm their OWN training as 8,000 fans swarm stadium amid threat of England violence

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      FEARS of Euros aggro at England’s opening game soared yesterday after 8,000 Serbian fans tried to storm their own team’s training session in Germany.Flares were hurled at police forced to tackle a pitch invasion at the Serbian team’s base – four days before their curtain raiser clash with the Three Lions.Serbian ultras chucked flares on the pitch at their own team’s training session as cops struggled to contain the chaosThe flares landed just metres from the players as they prepared for their clash with England this SundayA young fan is escorted off the pitch by police officers after storming the sessionCredit: X/SerbianFootyEngland fans have been warned of 500 Serbian hooligans planning to trigger mayhem at Sunday’s gameCredit: ReutersTrouble erupted as 8,000 pyro-wielding Serbs surrounded the Rosenau Stadium in Augsburg on Wednesday evening.Clashes with security staff ensued as just 3,000 were allowed entry, with thousands more locked outside.Inside the stadium one young fan was led away by officers after he tried to get onto the pitch as the Serbian team were put through their paces.His arrest sparked a chorus of angry boos and a banned flare was thrown towards police, landing on the running track just yards from the players.read more on euros 2024Such scenes are unheard of at tournament training sessions – and revealed the fanatical fervour of Serbian supporters amid fears of clashes with English rivals.The training session continued but ended soon after the incident as police restored order.German cops fear up to 500 Serbian Ultra hooligans could trigger mayhem at England’s first Euro 2024 match in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday – and have designed the game “high risk”.Police have banned strong booze and forced 62,000 fans to drink only shandy or low alcohol beer at Veltins Arena.Most read in Euro 2024Security has also been beefed up with around 1,000 police drafted in to keep order amid concerns of clashes in unsegregated seating inside the stadium.Meet Serbia’s most fearsome hooligan ‘Ivan the Terrible’ who even hijacks team buses as England fans warned ahead of Euro clashIt is understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.German police are most worried about hard core Serb Ultras including many who support Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin.One Serbian fan said: “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 fans lit flares during a friendly between Austria and Serbia in Vienna, Austria on June 4Credit: APThe national team’s fiercest hooligan Ivan ‘the terrible’ Bogdanov has led the chaos at past gamesSerbian ultra groups are known for causing chaos at matches (Bogdanov) is pictured lighting flares in 2012)Credit: GettyGerman cops are bracing for violence at England’s opening Euros matchCredit: RexSerbian ultra groups, such as Headhunters and Gravediggers, are among the most feared football fans in Europe.Their 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.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’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 fansCredit: Getty Images – GettyOver 100 Three Lions supporters were left ‘walking wounded’ after the attacksThe brutal clashes raged for hours in the French cityA Serbian fan clashes with police during a match between Red Star and and Partizan in Belgrade in 2018Credit: EPAKANE IN FOR ROUGH SERB-ICE
      FROM JORDAN DAVIES IN AUGSBURG
      HARRY KANE has been warned that he will be targeted by an aggressive Serbian defence.
      The Three Lions take on Serbia in their Euros Group C opener on Sunday in a bid to kick-start what they hope is a run to the final on July 14.
      But standing in their way is an experienced outfit – coached by Marseille legend Dragan Stojkovic – ready to make it as tough as possible for Gareth Southgate’s men.
      And Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlovic has promised England skipper and Bayern Munich star Kane, 30, an uncomfortable evening this weekend.
      Pavlovic, 23, said: “Kane is an unbelievable player who has had a great season, but if you want to stop players like him we need to play all together.
      “Work hard to put pressure on him, put in tackles and not give him any space whatsoever. That’s what we will try to do and that’s something we are working on.
      “When you look at England’s squad they have a lot of qualities, especially in attack, a lot of players who have had good seasons and scored a lot of goals.
      “That’s the biggest weapon they have.”
      Pavlovic – who plays for Red Bull Salzburg – added: “We have a tough group, one of the best teams in England and to have them in the first game is as difficult as it can be.
      “Denmark and Slovenia are also good sides, but we need to prepare in the best possible way and try to have a positive result. We need to put in maximum effort to get out the group.”
      Pavlovic admits that he and his teammates will speak to former Fulham and Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to get tips on how stop some of England’s best outlets.
      He said: “Of course, we will speak to Mitrovic. We have a lot of experienced players so for sure, they will give us good advice.”
      Serbia have a fully fit squad to choose from to face England, including Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, former Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic and ex-Southampton playmaker Dusan Tadic. More

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      Gervonta Davis slept on the floors of crack dens and beat prison… now he’s the face of boxing and top PPV star

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      GERVONTA DAVIS has had the most stunning of rises from sleeping on the floors of crack dens to becoming one of boxing’s top stars. Davis grew up on the mean streets of crime-ridden Baltimore – home of gritty hit TV series The Wire.Gervonta Davis as a young amateur boxerCredit: Twitter @GervontaDavis has had trouble with the law during his careerCredit: APBut he is now world championCredit: GettyHis parents were both believed to have battled the same crack cocaine addiction that was the central theme of the award-winning show.So it makes Davis’ journey to the top of boxing as a multimillionaire pay-per-view star even more impressive. Ahead of his fight with Frank Martin, he told Amazon Prime PPV: “I’m already a legend from where I’ve came from, for what I’ve done. “I’ve been through mad stuff; sleeping on floors, crack house, all that type of stuff, I’ve been through all that.READ MORE IN BOXING”I ain’t got to prove nothing to nobody else. That’s why I will never get too hyped about the win after I win.”Because it’s like you’ve always got to do something over and over again until you’re done. “And there’s always going to be someone next, somebody next. So, I don’t feel I need to prove myself to these people.” Davis grew up in foster care and actually came close to joining his friends as an extra on The Wire – but he was deemed too naughty for the set. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGervonta Davis: Too naughty for TV The boxer was raised in the mean streets of Baltimore – the gritty home of hit HBO series The Wire.
      Many of Davis’ friends featured as extras in the award-wining show.
      The future world champ was meant to as well – but he was deemed too naughty for set.
      Davis told The Telegraph in 2017: “I was supposed to be in The Wire but I was getting in trouble in school and on the streets.
      “When I was a young kid my mother and father were on drugs. My mother used to leave me and my brother in the house by ourselves.
      “The authorities came and got us. It took a year or two to get us back with my grandmother.”

      He was also raised by his grandmother but did reconnect with mother Kenya in later years. Despite getting into mischief on the streets as a youngster, the man affectionately known as Tank amassed a 221–5 amateur record. He turned professional in 2013 aged 18 but before long he was a world champion under the guidance of Floyd Mayweather. Davis won featherweight gold at 22 after just four years and 17 bouts to catapult him into stardom – but trouble would soon follow. The same year he became world champ, an arrest warrant was issued to Davis after being accused of punching an old friend. Charges were later dropped but it was only the start of his legal woes. In 2021, he was indicted on 14 counts for allegedly causing a serious car crash after running a red light after a November 2020 birthday party in downtown Baltimore. His Lamborghini SUV hit another car and left it smoking, sending four to the hospital, including a pregnant woman. Gervonta Davis won the world title aged 22 under Floyd MayweatherCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdDavis was mentored by boxing legend MayweatherCredit: Getty Images – GettyDavis accepted a plea deal that saw him guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, failing to notify an owner of property damage, driving on a suspended license and running a red light. He was sentenced on May 5, 2023, to 90 days house arrest and three years probation – just a month after beating Ryan Garcia in a super-fightBut on June 1, 2023, he was taken into custody for violating the terms of his home detention and sentenced to serve the remainder of his sentence in jail.Davis was released 44 days later and vowed to change for the better. He said: “Being incarcerated, it felt like I wasn’t supposed to be there.”It was a learning experience. It showed me that, that’s not where I want to be. “I’ve got kids that I’ve got to take care of, family, friends that I’ve got to take care of.”Davis being released from prisonDavis has been coached and mentored all his career by Kalvin Ford, the man who first learned to coach while in prison. Ford spent ten years in jail for drug charges but upon his release became a trainer and motivating figure for troubled youths. So more than anyone, Ford can recognise the pain prison can have on an individual. He said: “I just know he’s not the same person we’ve seen the last time we seen him in the ring. Been through a lot of stuff, a lot of stuff.”Watching him making the transition from being incarcerated to now and dealing with courts, dealing with that type of stuff because that’s a trauma and a half for you if you’ve ever been through that type of stuff.”Davis, 29, has been out of the ring for 14 months since he stopped Garcia, 25, in their mega-fight that sold over ONE MILLION PPVs. It also gave the American the self-proclaimed title as the face of boxing with over £50million believed to have been made in his career. Davis now returns against unbeaten Martin, 29, in Las Vegas and does so in a bid to prove he is the best 135lb lightweight in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I just want to prove I’m the best at 135 and June 15th is just going to be a clinic. “He’s just going to be a stepping stone to where I want to be.”Davis facing off with Frank MartinCredit: PBC More

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      in Soccer

      How Russian ultras sat back to let England fans get boozed into a stupor before launching bloodiest hooligan in decades

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      CARNAGE unfolded at the 2016 Euros as Russian ultras launched one of the bloodiest hooligan brawls in a generation on boozed up England fans.Over 100 Three Lions supporters 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 horror scenes in Marseille eight years ago this week when Russian ultras launched the bloodiest hooligan brawl in a generation on England fansCredit: Getty Images – GettyRussian ultras were said to have targeted pubs where England fans were drinking as they let them get boozed into a stupor before attackingCredit: GettyOver 100 Three Lions supporters were left ‘walking wounded’ after the attacksCredit: AFP – GettyGlass bottles were seen being thrown by both sides of fans after Russian thugs stalked England fans in MarseilleCredit: ReutersThe Euros in France was viewed as a major failure for England both on the pitch and off it due to the disturbing levels of fan violence.Now infamous, the Battle of Marseille saw England fans stand toe-to-toe with some of the hardest fans on the planet across several days of fighting. Russian hooligans were described as “hyper-rapid and hyper-violent” by the chief prosecutor in Marseille for their heinous planned assaults eight years ago this week.Before the tournament had even begun, scraps broke out between England fans and rival supporters in the city with cops being forced to tear gas local youths.READ MORE IN HOOLIGANISM After England drew with Russia on June 11, more severe clashes broke out on the street.The Russians came with serious intent to carry out barbaric violence. They were highly organised, very effective and we saw football hooliganism on a different levelSteve NeillSenior police chief in MarseilleTwisted plans from a Russian hooligan blog revealed the ultras coordinated their attacks to cause trouble outside of boozers in a piazza near the Old Port.Russian ultras began to lob things from chairs and bottles at the England fans to provoke them to come outside for a fight.Due to the drinking, many fans were left in a stupor and accepted the grim deal.Most read in Euro 2024Streaming drunks filed out of the pubs with their hands raised as several others converged in Marseille to join the brawl.British police feared at the time that at least five England fans could’ve died from their injuries.Pub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultrasPolice spotters out in France said the streets looked like a “battlefield”.Saying the violence was the most extreme and brutal they had ever witnessed by football mobs.Thirty England fans were taken to hospital across the opening weekend of Euro 2016 with serious injuries.One of the most shocking scenes saw a Three Lions fan stumbling across the cobbled streets after a Russian maniac had severed his Achilles tendon.Another reportedly had glass shards sticking out of his neck.I stood in Marseille as the senior officer believing we were going to get five fatalities that night, we might have five murders on our hands.Steve NeillSenior police chief in MarseilleSenior police chief in Marseille Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: “The Russians came with serious intent to carry out barbaric violence. They were highly organised, very effective and we saw football hooliganism on a different level.”It was like a herd of wildebeest rampaging through tables and chairs, fights going off, people being kicked on the ground by groups of five or six men.”I stood in Marseille as the senior officer believing we were going to get five fatalities that night, we might have five murders on our hands.”The scenes became so violent that cops deployed anti-terrorism procedures as well as spraying water cannons and dropping tear gas on scuffling fans. Police spotters out in France said the streets looked like a ‘battlefield’Credit: Getty Images – GettyClashes also broke out in the stadium between Russian and English fansCredit: Getty Images – GettyRussian and England fans were seen scrapping in the streets over several days of fan violenceCredit: Getty Images – GettyRiot police were forced to take serious measures to break up the fighting including tear gas and water cannonsCredit: Times Newspapers LtdClashes also broke out in the stadium during the one all draw with shocking pictures of fans with ripped tops running from Russian brutes. Russia, the clear aggressor in the brutal beatings, were given a suspended disqualification as a team and fined €150,000 (£126,000).But, more violence erupted between English and Russian fans in Lille a few days later.At least 40 fans were reportedly arrested, 50 Russians deported and dozens left injured after the clashes.After the tournament Russian politicians claimed the country had been singled out for unfair treatment.Britain’s Andy Burnham condemned the violence saying England had bene let down by a minority of their own fanbase.Former England manager Roy Hodgson and captain Wayne Rooney pleaded with fans to “stay out of trouble”, prior to the final match of the group stages.Euro 2024 hooligan fearsWith just days left before the biggest tournament of the summer kicks off worrying reports of hooliganism have already come out.With England fans being warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” are set to swarm Sunday’s huge Euros 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.Serbian ultra groups such as Headhunters and Gravediggers are among some of the most feared football fans in Europe.They have regularly caused riots on the streets and fierce fights up in the stands at international matches – even by pitch invading and attacking rival players.With England fans also being known for causing havoc at football matches through distasteful chants, alcohol-fuelled ventures and their undying arrogance over the team’s ability on the pitch.Rowdy Three Lions fans and ruthless Serbian ultras are flocking to Germany over the weekend to take part in what could be one of the most volatile games of the tournament.Despite 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.”Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany and there are fears some may travel to Gelsenkirchen specifically to cause trouble.Around 22,000 federal police officers will be on duty every day of the tournament across Germany.With officers from across the continent being on high alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations.READ MORE SUN STORIESFurther restrictions saw booze banned in the stadium for the match and replaced by low alcoholic shandy.The Foreign Office were issuing official warnings to fans telling them to “drink responsibly” after concerns were raised over the cheap price of strong beer in Germany.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.

      Fears are increasing that Serbian hooligans could swarm the 2024 Euros and attack England fansCredit: AlamySerbian ultras are known as some of the hardest fans on the planetCredit: AFPSerbian ultra leader Ivan Bogdanov is one of the most notorious football maniacsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Very high risk’ to England fans as 500-strong army of Serbian Headhunters & Gravediggers ultras to swarm Euros clash

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      ENGLAND fans have been warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” are set to swarm Sunday’s huge Euros 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.England fans have been warned over Serbian hooligans swarming Sunday’s huge Euros clashCredit: ReutersGerman cops have said that a 500-strong army of ‘violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans’ could descend on the gameCredit: AlamySerbian ultras have been known to cause chaos on the international stage by causing fires in the stands, brawls with rival fans and even pitch invasionsCredit: GettyThe police presence has been increased in Germany after fan violence at previous tournaments involving England fansCredit: AFP or licensorsSerbian ultra groups such as Headhunters and Gravediggers are among some of the most feared football fans in Europe.They have regularly caused riots on the streets and fierce fights up in the stands at international matches – even by pitch invading and attacking rival players.With England fans also being known for causing havoc at football matches through distasteful chants, alcohol-fuelled ventures and their undying arrogance over the team’s ability on the pitch. Rowdy Three Lions fans and ruthless Serbian ultras are flocking to Germany over the weekend to take part in what could be one of the most volatile games of the tournament.read more in fan clashesPeter Both, the chief of police in Gelsenkirchen where the game will be played, has claimed “up to 400 or 500 ­violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans will travel to ­Germany” ahead of the game.The biggest challenge for us will be to identify violent, disruptive groups at an early stage, to separate them from peaceful and law-abiding fansPeter BothChief of police in GelsenkirchenDespite 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.”Roughly 500,000 Serbs live in Germany and there are fears some may travel to Gelsenkirchen specifically to cause trouble.Most read in Euro 2024With one East European media platform already vowing daily updates from the Euros “where we will cover the matches and, above all, events outside the stadium”.A special focus will be at the Trabrennbahn racecourse where there is a 40,000 fan zone set to host Three Lions fans for the Serbia game.Inside Euro 2024 security HQ where crack cops work around the clock to protect tournament from terrorists and hooligansIt is understood British police “spotters” and plain-clothed officers will also be on hand to watch England fans at every match.The cheap price of strong beer in Germany has also led to the Foreign Office issuing an official warning to fans telling them to “drink responsibly”.However, Germany’s experience with hosting major widescale sporting events before means they are well prepared for issues.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.”They have a lot of experience at this kind of thing and they are putting in place a comprehensive system.“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.”Around 22,000 federal police officers will be on duty every day of the tournament across Germany.With officers from across the continent being on high alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations.ENGLAND’S TOURNAMENT CHAOSTravelling Three Lions supporters have forged a poor reputation for their behaviour overseas through the years.England 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.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.

      England fans run from tear gas thrown by cops after they were ambushed by Russian supporters at the 2016 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyA crazed Serbian fan once threw a punch at an Albanian player during a matchEngland fans clashed with Russian fans in Marseille before and after they played a group stage matchCredit: Getty Images – GettyAfter England drew with Russia on June 11, clashes broke out on the streets of Marseille between the two countries.Russia, the clear aggressor in the brutal beatings, were given a suspended disqualification as a team and fined €150,000 (£126,000).More violence erupted between English and Russian fans in Lille a few days later.At 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. SERBIA’S CHILLING PASTSerbian brutes are seen as some of the most malicious in football.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.They also tried to break down the barriers separating the two sets of fans.With several other fan fights breaking out at games across the past decade including a mass brawl with Brazilian supporters at the 2018 Russian World Cup.As four years earlier at a 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans of both sides were said to have traded ethnic-based slurs resulting in fines for each with Serbia being slapped with a £50,000 fine.Another issue in Euro 2020 qualifying saw them face a complete stadium closure for a game.Serbian cops battling against ultra members in the standsCredit: EPAFears have also increased due to the strength of beer in Germany potentially affecting fansCredit: GettyIn 2017, Wales fans were seen fighting with Serbs through the gated barriers More

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      Three football fans sentenced to jail for racial abuse of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in legal first in Spain

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      THREE Valencia fans have been sentenced to jail in a Spanish legal first for racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.Racist chants were aimed at Vinicius during a LaLiga match at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium on May 21, 2023.Three Valencia fans have been sentenced to jail for racially abusing Vinicius JrCredit: PAThe fans were found guilty of a “crime against moral integrity” with “aggravating circumstance of discrimination based on racist motives”.An initial 12-month sentence was reduced to eight months after an agreement reached at the preliminary investigation stage.The guilty fans have also banned from entering any football stadium in which La Liga and/or Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) matches are played for two years. Brazil star Vinicius joined LaLiga, Real Madrid and RFEF in bringing the case to court. READ MORE IN football La Liga president Javier Tebas said:, external “This ruling is great news for the fight against racism in Spain, as it goes some way to redressing the disgraceful wrong suffered by Vinicius Jr and sends a clear message to those individuals who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse.”La Liga will identify them, report them, and there will be criminal consequences.“I understand that there may be some frustration at the length of time it takes for these sentences to be handed down, but this shows that Spain is a country that guarantees judicial integrity.”We at La Liga can only respect the pace of justice, but once again we demand that Spanish legislation evolve to give La Liga sanctioning powers that can speed up the fight against racism.”Most read in FootballReal Madrid said in a statement: “The three accused have accepted their criminal responsibility and have made public a letter of apology addressed to Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid C.F. and other people who felt denigrated and offended by their behavior.”This is the first conviction for acts of this nature handed down by criminal courts and tribunals.”Real Madrid, which participated in this prosecution together with Vinícius Júnior, will continue working to protect the values of our club and eradicate any racist behavior in the world of football and sport.” More

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      ISIS terror suspect caught after applying to work as SECURITY GUARD at Euro 2024 in Germany

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      GERMAN cops have 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.Fans cheering for their home teams during a football matchWhen authorities checked his application to become a member of staff, they found that the German state security had deemed Soufian an Islamist. 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.A number of mobile phones and €2,500 were seized.The championship kicks off in Germany on June 14 and the build-up has already started.Read More on Euro 2024The England team is set to play against Slovenia in a stadium in Cologne. State security officials also discovered that he had applied for two accreditations in Rhineland-Palatinate for the big events Rock am Ring and the 24 Hour Nürburgring.Further investigations by the Federal police found that the suspected terrorist had booked a one-way ticket for a trip from Germany to Istanbul in May, fuelling their suspicions.After the arrest, Soufian T’s apartment was searched and other mobile phones, data storage devices and computers were confiscated.Most read in FootballThe Federal Criminal Police Office was also called in and further investigations were made on his bank account and online activities.Investigators also seized what are said to have been suspicious recordings.The suspect was taken to Karlsruhe under heavy guard and brought before the investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice.His mother stated that they were supposedly planning to make a pilgrimage to Mecca.She was able to show tickets that showed that they were planning to continue their journey to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.She also had return tickets with her.The investigation is ongoing.It comes as the threat of terrorism in Europe by radical jihadists is at an all-time high.England fans were previously warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024.Previously, ISIS-K – an Afghanistan-based offshoot of ISIS – issued threats against cities including Paris and London.The Al Azaim Foundation, a media channel responsible for disseminating messages from ISIS-K shared a post threatening an attack on four stadiums, also including the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.Games targeted included Arsenal versus Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, and PSG vs Barcelona at the Parc des Princes.It comes after French security services foiled a plot for an “Islamist-inspired” attack which was planned for during this summer’s Olympic Games.The country’s domestic intelligence agency arrested 18-year-old Rokhman B. who is suspected of organising an attack on a football game in Lyon.The Chechen immigrant to France is said to have wanted to disrupt games planned in Saint-Étienne, a city in the east of the country, and “die a martyr” by killing spectators or police officers.France’s interior ministry said he had been detained for “actively preparing an attack against the Geoffroy Guichard stadium [in Saint-Etienne] during the football games that will take place there.”Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics chief promised a ring of steel at the opening ceremony amid fears it may have to be moved due to terror threats.Tony Estanguet insisted that “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of 15million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.Western intelligence revealed how cops stopped at least 12 terror attacks in the past 12 months across Europe.Ten jihadist attacks have been bravely intercepted and prevented in Europe last year, says Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.READ MORE SUN STORIESWho are ISIS-K?
      ISIS-K are a splinter faction is a warped army of barbaric fanatics that even terrify the Taliban.
      It’s members are believed to have led the massacre at a Russian rock concert that killed at least 133.
      Some 6,000 people are believed to have been inside the venue watching Russian rock band Picnic when the bloodshed began.
      The gunmen began shooting civilians at point-blank range – through glass doors, turnstiles and then the concert hall itself, traumatised witnesses said.
      At least 133 were killed – including three children – and over 121 wounded – but the death toll continues to rise as bodies are pulled from the smouldering rubble.
      The US says it has intelligence that confirms the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the bloody massacre – and argued it was led by an Afghanistan-based splinter cell, ISIS-K.
      Originally formed in 2015, the group have been a consistent threat to security in Afghanistan, carrying out brutal suicide bombings and vile ceremonial executions.
      The “K” refers to the historical region of Greater Khorasan, which included parts of Iran, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
      Despite efforts from the West, the former Afghan government and the Taliban to fight them back – they seized on the chaos sown by the country’s collapse and quickly established a reputation for extreme brutality.
      One of the most active regional affiliates of the Islamic State militant group, ISIS-K’s membership peaked in 2018 before declining.
      It suffered heavy losses inflicted by American air strikes and Taliban forces, reportedly cutting its ranks in half.
      However, it got a dramatic second wind after the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and the country’s fall to the Taliban.
      The group was responsible for an attack on Kabul’s international airport in 2021 that killed 13 US troops and scores of civilians during the chaotic US evacuation from the country.
      The attack raised the international profile of the group and help position it as a major threat to the Taliban’s rule.
      On May 8, 2021, ISIS-K were blamed for the bombing of the Sayed al-Shuhada girls’ school which saw two improvised explosive devices and a car bomb explode outside the school.
      Other vicious attacks include the storming of Kabul University by gunman which left 22 dead and 22 wounded in November 2020, and a suicide bomber who blew himself up at a wedding killing 92 in August 2019.
      In September 2022, ISIS-K militants claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing at the Russian embassy in Kabul.

      Among the attacks foiled include stabbing rampages at global events, and barbaric assaults on specific venues and groups being targeted, the annual report revealed.AIVD didn’t elaborate further on where the 10 attacks were set to take place.Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14Credit: Getty More