DORTMUND: The Dutch fans swept through the streets of Dortmund ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final game against England, led by an orange bus that has become a major attraction at the tournament.
However, their parade was marred by reports of clashes between fans of the two nations, which left at least five people injured.
The double-decker bus has played a central role in Dutch fan parades at major football tournaments for the past 20 years, and this year’s Euros in Germany were no exception.
“This bus is the national hero. When I see the crowd, I get chills,” said Esther Huijmans, sitting on a bench on the upper deck, as thousands of fans crowded around the vehicle.
She is among 34 Dutch volunteers who help run the “oranje bus” at tournaments.
Beyond its bright orange colour, there does not seem to be anything special about the 40-year-old vehicle. But that does not stop fans from following it to the stadium at every match.
Images of the bus leading crowds of fans have gone viral online this year.
Around 100,000 Dutch fans were in Dortmund – which is close to the Dutch border – before the game for a march to the stadium, as well as large numbers of England fans. England won the game 2-1.
“We are aware of some reports and videos circulating of disorder in Dortmund. It appears that there have been several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags,” the UK Football Policing Unit, which deals with football violence involving British fans and has officers in Germany for the tournament, said in a statement.
“We understand this has resulted in minor injuries to five people. We are also aware that in addition to the tens of thousands of Dutch fans there to enjoy the game, there are groups of risk supporters who have travelled to Dortmund from Holland.
“Our officers are at the location supporting German colleagues.
“We would advise supporters to be aware of their surroundings and seek areas where there is a German Police presence.”
Local police in Dortmund said there had been confrontations between English and Dutch fans in three places, including at a bar where chairs and bottles were thrown. Police said 26 people had been detained, without specifying how many were English or Dutch, and that investigations were ongoing.
Video footage posted on social media appeared to show a small number of people in Holland colours throwing chairs across a seating area outside a bar as another group of people took shelter inside.
Despite the incidents, Dortmund police said they were “largely satisfied” with a “largely peaceful pre-game phase,” especially considering the number of people who travelled to the city. — Agencies
