FRANKFURT.- Frankfurt police, Germanyis investigating a video that appears to show a fan being punched and kicked after being detained by a group of security personnel from the Eurocup in the match between Portugal and Slovenia.
UEFA, which organises the tournament, said on Wednesday that “we are aware of the incident that occurred between stewards and a fan at the match between Portugal and Slovenia and we condemn this violent behaviour.”
“The incident in the video is being investigated by the police. UEFA is not in a position to comment further until the investigation is complete.”
Video released by Portuguese media on Tuesday shows tournament security personnel detaining two people from Monday’s clash in Frankfurt in a concrete tunnel leading to the pitch.
While one person is restrained with his face to the ground, personnel wearing vests marked with the word “comisario” surround another person against the wall, at the same time that one of the security guards appears to hit him three times in the head. The person is then seen on the ground and another guard apparently punches and kicks him.
“We are aware of this and are already investigating,” Frankfurt police said in a message on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday in response to a user who asked about the incident.
Football Supporters Europe, a body that brings together fan groups from across the continent and works with UEFA, said in a statement: “Anyone found responsible has no place in the stadium and must be held accountable for their actions.”
With the victory over Slovenia, Portugal advanced to the quarter-finals. The identity of those involved and the circumstances leading up to the incident could not be immediately verified.
Controversy everywhere:
Security at Euro 2024 has come under scrutiny following a number of incidents, including fans entering the pitch at a Portugal game to try to take a photo with Cristiano Ronaldo. UEFA has promised to step up security following the incidents.
UEFA is also facing questions after a German YouTuber claimed he entered the pitch during the opening ceremony wearing a mascot costume he bought online.
Another man climbed onto the roof of a stadium with a large backpack during the Germany-Denmark clash on Saturday. Local police said they had arrested the man and believe he was an amateur photographer and had no intention of causing harm.
Source: AP
