Euro 2024: Man detained at Manchester airport after fan unrest in Gelsenkirchen ahead of England opener | Football news

A man has been detained on his return to the UK following fan unrest in Gelsenkirchen ahead of England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.

The 39-year-old from Bolton was returning from Germany when he was detained by police at Manchester Airport on Monday night under the Football Spectators Act 1989.

His passport has been seized by police and he will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday June 18 for a civil football banning order hearing.

Problems arose in Gelsenkirchen before England take on Serbia in their first Group C match on Sunday.

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said an investigation team would review footage of the incident and “if UK nationals were involved, football banning orders will be sought”.

Mick Johnson, head of the UKFPU, has now confirmed that a UK fan has been detained.

He said in a statement: “This action shows the scale of the Euro 2024 football policing operation and demonstrates that there are consequences for supporters who intend to cause disorder.

“Any UK football fan who causes trouble in Germany, which would be considered an offense in that country, could be prosecuted on their return.

“We are working with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts and, where appropriate, will seek football banning orders to prevent offenders from attending future matches both internationally and domestically.”

“The German police will also take action against those who break the law, and this may include heavy fines and custodial sentences. We work closely with our fellow police officers in Germany and have a team of UK officers stationed abroad supporting their operations.

“We want fans traveling to Germany to have fun, but please remember to drink responsibly, respect the local culture and don’t put yourself at risk.”