Law enforcement intervened to separate fighting football enthusiasts prior to the England vs. Serbia match at the Euro 2024 tournament held in Germany.

On Sunday, videos circulated online showing individuals hurling chairs at each other outside a restaurant adorned with Serbian banners in Gelsenkirchen. Riot police intervened as one group withdrew hastily, with at least one person apprehended.

A Serbian supporter recounted to The Associated Press that people had thrown glassware and stones towards an area where he and others were drinking beer outside a downtown bar.

“There was an altercation but we are fine. We are heading to the game and hope to win. It’s about football,” said the fan, identified only as Vladimir from Belgrade.

Witnesses arriving soon after the incident found the street scattered with broken glass and tables, monitored by numerous police officers.

The evening match between England and Serbia has been classified as “high risk” by authorities due to fears of potential fan violence.

“High risk means that only lower-alcohol beverages will be sold, and no alcohol consumption is allowed inside the stadium stands,” reported Al Jazeera’s Dominic Kane from Munich.

Low-alcohol beer is being offered in the Gelsenkirchen stadium in efforts to minimize issues.

“One challenge is that UEFA, the governing body, has mandated the removal of stadium barriers, possibly causing mingling of English and Serbian fans,” Kane explained, adding that German law enforcement is making significant efforts to prevent hooligan clashes.

Approximately 20,000 England fans and 10,000 Serbian supporters are anticipated to gather in the city for the match.

The game will take place at Arena AufSchalke, starting at 9pm local time (19:00 GMT).