Soccer - Arrest after altercation in fan zone
After an altercation with injured individuals in the fan zone on Stuttgart's Schlossplatz, a suspect has been arrested. During the Tschechien-Turkey match on Wednesday evening, law enforcement noticed the altercation, as the police reported. Initial reports indicate that a knife was used.
Shortly afterwards, law enforcement arrested a 25-year-old man on the Schlossplatz. Three injured individuals were taken to hospitals and the Schlossplatz was secured. On the platform X, the police announced in the early hours of Thursday: "The Schlossplatz is now mostly empty and there is NO current dangerous situation here." A tip line has been set up where witnesses can upload their images, videos, and tips.
Before the last EM round-robin match in Stuttgart, bad weather disrupted the Public Viewing on the Schlossplatz - but only for a short time. Fans on the Marktplatz and Karlsplatz were asked to seek shelter in buildings due to the weather. The Public Viewing on the Schlossplatz can accommodate up to 30,000 fans.
In connection with the Belgium vs Ukraine group match, which took place on Wednesday in Stuttgart, the Federal Police drew a positive balance overall. Only two incidents occurred. A Scottish fan was spat on by a 40-year-old man in the afternoon for unknown reasons. In the evening, a drunk man walked along the railway track between the Neckarpark and Untertürkheim stations. A S-Bahn train driver had to apply an emergency brake and detained the man until the arrival of the response team. The 43-year-old man was found to have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.
PM of Police PM of Police and Prosecution Office Stuttgart Police on X
- Following the arrest, authorities urged fans to share any relevant footage or information about the incident at the fan zone in Castle Square through the established tip line.
- Despite the arrest and the storm that disrupted the Public Viewing on Stuttgart's Schlossplatz before the Tschechien-Turkey match, many soccer fans still gathered in fan zones like Fan Mile in Baden-Württemberg.
- The accused, who was arrested in connection with the altercation at the fan zone, is currently under police investigation for potential charges related to the use of a knife and causing injury.
- In the aftermath of the incident, the Police and Prosecution Office in Stuttgart called for increased vigilance and reinforcement during soccer matches to prevent similar crimes from occurring.
- Hospitals in Stuttgart were placed on high alert following the incident, with medical staff readying themselves for potential surges in patients with soccer-related injuries or consequences from the storm.
