According to reports, a shooting occurred during the Italy versus Albania match held in Germany, resulting in one person being severely injured.
Bild reveals that at least one bullet struck a man in the Moabit district of Berlin, with police deploying hundreds of riot officers armed with submachine guns to search for the suspect(s).
Some witnesses claim the attack was linked to a fight between football fans during the Italy-Albania game, though this has not been officially confirmed. It is currently unknown if the victim or the suspect was among the spectators attending the match.
Last Friday, German police had just shot and killed a knife-wielding man who attacked a group of football fans at an Euro Cup garden party. The supporters were watching their team’s opening match against Scotland when the assailant entered their backyard just minutes after the game started.
The Daily Telegraph reports that police are also concerned about potential clashes during England’s first match against Serbia in the European Championship. Organizers have advised fans feeling “unsafe” or “threatened” to ask “Where is the way to Panama?” or simply say “Panama” during Sunday’s tense fixture. Any police officer or staff member hearing the code word must immediately provide a “safe haven.” There will also be a dedicated “Panama team” present, “a trained, multilingual, and multi-disciplinary team skilled in crisis intervention, non-violent communication, and de-escalation.”
Sunday’s match has been labeled the most “high-risk” fixture of the tournament. A strong alcohol ban is in place, meaning the 62,000 fans in attendance will only be served low-alcohol beer. It is understood that British police “scouts” and undercover officers will monitor English fans at every game.