Stuttgart police ready for hooligan threat at Germany v Hungary match

STUTTGART, Germany : Stuttgart police say they are ready to intervene robustly if any supporters cause trouble ahead of the Euro 2024 Group A match between hosts Germany and Hungary on Wednesday.

The match, to be held at Stuttgart Arena at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT), has been designated a high-risk game by Germany's security services.

Hungary have been sanctioned in recent years over the behaviour of their supporters, including at the previous Euros tournament in 2021.

More than 10,000 Hungary fans are expected at Wednesday's game, while the local police are confident they will be able to cope with any disruptions.

"Given the opportunity, troublemakers are expected to cause disturbances," the Police Precinct Stuttgart told Reuters in an email on Tuesday.

"The Police has incorporated these scenarios in their tactical concept to prevent such disturbances and to interrupt disturbances at the beginning. If Hooligans want to compare strength, we will robustly intervene at a low-threshold."

There are storms predicted in the region on matchday, which could put a dampener on any planned fan congregations in the city.

The police added that they were in contact with various security agencies over the possibility of any far-right groups infiltrating fan gatherings.