EURO 2024: NINE OFFICERS INJURED IN CLASHES AHEAD OF DENMARK-SERBIA MATCH

MUNICH, June 26 (Bernama-dpa) -- At least 10 people, including nine police officers, were slightly injured in clashes with Serbia fans in central Munich ahead of the Euro 2024 group stage encounter between Denmark and Serbia, police said early Wednesday, reported German news agency (dpa).

One stadium steward was also injured in a separate incident.

Denmark drew 0-0 with Serbia late Tuesday, eliminating the bottom side and securing second spot in Group C from third-placed Slovenia.

According to the police, officers checked a fan at Munich's Marienplatz square on suspicion of firing off pyrotechnics at around 5 pm on Tuesday, with more than 5,000 Serbia fans assembled on the square at that point.

The check triggered a "solidarity effect", and people threw bottles and a chair at the officers, prompting police to respond by deploying pepper spray and using batons.

A spokesman could not confirm on Wednesday morning whether any fans were injured in the clashes.

Additionally, fans also illegally set off pyrotechnics both near the Marienplatz underground station and inside the football stadium, noted the police.  

The steward was injured while trying to prevent a fan from storming the pitch, according to the statement.

Several people were charged with offences including breach of the peace, grievous bodily harm, and assaulting police officers. Seven people were taken into custody and will be brought before an investigating judge on Wednesday.

According to police, some 15,000 spectators crowded the fanzone inside Munich's Olympiapark before and during the match, with some 2,000 officers deployed.

-- BERNAMA-dpa