Ugly scenes as brawl breaks out in stands as Turkey defeat Georgia 3-1

Anti-riot police were forced to intervene after football fans came together in ugly scenes before a group game at the 2024 Euros.

Ugly scenes unfolded as Turkey and Georgia fans brawled. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Turkey’s Euro 2024 clash with Georgia descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands and water poured from the roof.

Footage from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund showed rain from a storm drenching seats by the pitch, The Sun reports.

Get on board Kayo and watch every game of every round of the NRL + AFL Seasons live and ad break free during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

Around the same time, crowd violence began to erupt inside the ground between the two sets of fans.

Objects were reportedly thrown between two sections as fighting ensued.

The scene was described as “absolute bedlam” by journalist Daniel Storey with fears the game could be suspended.

A small section of supporters from both sides could be seen throwing punches and pushing.

Just a small rail appeared to be dividing the supporters as stewards tried to intervene.

Riot police eventually re-established control of the situation just over one hour before kick-off.

There were initially concerns the game may not go ahead on time, but those fears were quashed a short while later.

Turkey got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a thrilling start with a 3-1 win over Georgia that brought delight to a passionate army of fans.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler crashed in a brilliant goal in the 65th minute to put Turkey ahead at a Westfalenstadion dominated by tens of thousands of Turkish fans, before Kerem Akturkoglu rolled home the third with the last kick of the game as Georgia pushed for a late leveller.

Guler, 19, had a difficult time with injuries in his first season in Madrid but stepped up for Turkey in a fiercely-contested match with Georgia, who did not look out of place in their first-ever match at a major international tournament.

“I’m really happy with the win, I hope I can score more goal to help my team,” said Guler.

“I don’t care about personal achievements, I’m only concerned about helping the team win and that we go as far as possible.”

Fans came together before the match. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Anti-riot officers were forced to intervene. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

Georgia were dangerous after Georges Mikautadze levelled Mert Muldur’s 25th-minute opener for Turkey just after the half-hour mark, and were denied a second equaliser by the woodwork and a series of saves and blocks.

But Akturkoglu made sure Turkey would top the group ahead of Portugal’s opening match with the Czech Republic later on Tuesday.

“It’s a bit early to talk about what was missing, but I will say a bit of talent, a bit of experience,” said Georgia coach Willy Sagnol.

“I’m sure that in the future, this kind of game in the next months and the next years I’m sure Georgia won’t lose, because Georgia will learn... I have absolutely nothing bad to say about them.”

Turkey took the cue from their fervent support and went at Georgia from the off, pressuring their inexperienced opposition high up the pitch as a huge din came rolling down from the stands.

Kaan Ayhan and Abdulkerim Bardakci both went close with headers from corners inside the first 10 minutes before Ayhan crashed a low drive off the inside of the post.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Ugly scenes as brawl breaks out in stands as Turkey defeat Georgia 3-1