Serbia's open training session ahead of their Euro 2024 clash with England on Sunday was brought to a halt when pyro-wielding fans clashed with German police.
The Three Lions face Serbia in the city of Gelsenkirchen on Sunday night in a fixture which has already been designated 'high risk' by authorities. On Wednesday, a training session which was open to fans and the media is said to have descended into chaos after a young supporter attempted to get onto the pitch and meet his idols.
When the fan was stopped by security, boos rang out from a number of Serbians, who launched their pyros at the police, according to the Daily Mail. Police reportedly fear that as many as 500 Serbian hooligans will attempt and cause trouble before Sunday's 8pm kick-off. Only low-strength alcohol is due be served in the stands at Schalke's Veltins Arena in an effort to keep the peace.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has insisted that authorities are well-prepared ahead of the match, adding that England fans have a good recent track record when it comes to behaviour. Bullingham said: "What I would say is, over the last few years our England fans have been absolutely brilliant support to us, particularly in the stadium. There are a lot of people going to come out here.
"The best thing that the fans can do to help us do well in this tournament is be a tribute to their country. We want them to do that, reminding them that in 2006 we were the fans of the tournament. They were brilliant then.
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"Obviously the actual protection of fans is a UEFA and a policing issue. If you look at our role and what we control, it is how you work together with them. And we've worked together with the police, the FSA, the police in both Germany and England over the last 18 months in a really collaborative project.
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Serbia's training session on Wednesday had to be stopped after fans clashed with police (IMAGO/Klaus Rainer Krieger / Avalon)"I think from our point of view we have performed that role and we actually are really looking forward to the game. We think it will be a brilliant game between two strong footballing countries with great heritage so we are looking forward to it."
On the game, Serbia centre-back Strahinja Pavlovic believes his team can take full advantage of England's defensive weaknesses, saying: "I would attack the English. I would go up there and try to press them.
"Everyone has flaws, even the English. We saw how organised Iceland were able to threaten and defeat them. We are analysing everything and will prepare well."
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