Police expect peaceful European Championship semi-final in Dortmund

The clash between England and the Netherlands in 1988 is remembered as a game of rioting. Now the two teams will meet again at a European Championship in Germany - under different circumstances.

, and John Stellmacher

2024 July 9 . 8:35 PM

2 min read

Many fans from Holland are expected in Dortmund.

European Football Championship - Police expect peaceful European Championship semi-final in Dortmund

The Dortmund police do not consider the semi-final match between England and the Netherlands at the EURO football championship on Wednesday (21.00 Uhr/ARD/MagentaTV) to be a high-risk game. "We expect a peaceful development. There is no hostile atmosphere between the fan groups. We are looking forward to a big and colorful football festival," said a police spokeswoman.

However, special measures and an adapted police presence are necessary due to the large influx of fans. Approximately 80,000 Dutch fans and 25,000 English fans are expected in the city. The public viewing areas on the Peace Square in the city and in the stadium vicinity may therefore be well attended. Above all, the planned fan march of the Dutch towards the stadium requires a high effort. "Due to the large number of fans, we will deploy corresponding forces," said the police spokeswoman.

Concerns about similar riotous incidents like at the EURO 1988 seem to be contained. The match between both teams on June 15, 1988 in Düsseldorf, which the later European champion Netherlands won 3:1, is mainly remembered for the massive clashes between English and German hooligans. Despite the deployment of 2,300 police officers, violent fans turned the streets of the North Rhine-Westphalia state capital between the main station and the old town into a state of exception for hours. Windows were smashed, bars and restaurants were devastated, and numerous cars were demolished. Over 500 rioters were temporarily arrested.

Despite the peaceful expectation, the Dortmund police are preparing for a large presence, considering the influx of approximately 80,000 Dutch fans and 25,000 English fans for the England-Netherlands semifinal match at the EURO football championship.
The International Soccer event, EM in Germany, will see England and the Netherlands compete in a semifinal match, broadcasted across Germany on ARD and MagentaTV, which is anticipated to draw a vibrant crowd to public viewing areas in Dortmund and the stadium vicinity.
Local police in Dortmund are anticipating a successful execution of events surrounding the EURO football championship semifinal game between England and the Netherlands, assuring no hostile atmosphere between fan groups, while also making special provisions to accommodate the large fanbase from both countries.
In a historic moment, Germany will host the semifinal match of the European Football Championship, as England takes on the Netherlands, an occasion that has echoes of the explosive clashes between English and German hooligans during the EURO 1988 match in Düsseldorf.
Broadcasting live from the EURO football championship tournaments, ARD and MagentaTV will air the much-awaited semifinal game between England and the Netherlands, drawing the attention of soccer enthusiasts across Germany and Europe, hoping for a peaceful and unforgettable spectacle, free of any disturbances.