Around 100 people broke into and started a fight in a London pub ahead of the England-Germany match on Monday, according to the Metropolitan Police. Although some members of the group dressed in English clothing, it is suspected that the attackers were German fans.
“At 5.50pm on Monday 26th September, a group of approximately 100 men, many wearing masks, approached a pub on Dagmar Avenue, Wembley, through an alleyway leading to the car park,” a statement read. police about the ordeal.
“While several of the group wore hats and scarves from England, they are believed to be German ‘fans’,” the statement continues. “The group entered the pub’s beer garden and began assaulting patrons, most of whom were in the area for the England v Germany match. Fists and projectiles were thrown, including traffic cones.”
“Officers responded and the group fled. The mess lasted about two minutes.”
A brawl before England hosted Germany
The Daily Mail has suggested that some of the attackers were even wielding machetes and brass knuckles. Police did not confirm this report, but said there were obviously multiple injuries at the scene. Three patrons of the pub suffered fairly serious limb injuries. Others were treated for facial injuries, but there do not appear to have been any life-threatening incidents. The total number of recorded injuries is five clients.
Despite the number of people involved in the fight, there were only four arrests in the area.
Apparently, the pub in question is regularly frequented by families. The Green Man is located less than a mile from Wembley Stadium, where the match was played. Reports emerged last week that football-related crime was up nearly 60% in England and Wales. Although this particular incident did not occur inside a stadium, violence is a worrying trend at soccer functions.
England and Germany ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in the game. The Germans built a 2-0 second-half lead before Gareth Southgate’s side scored three consecutive goals. However, Kai Havertz scored in the 87th minute to split the points.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Matthias Koch
