Fight between the supporters of Turkey and Georgia broke out ahead of the commencement of the Euro 2024 encounter involving the two countries earlier today, June 18, 2024.
The Euro 2024 encounter is being played at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, with supporters captured throwing objects at each other as security tried to put a halt to it amid heavy downpour.
Reports indicate that the brawl stopped when police officers in riot gear came between them.
Police Officers Have Intervened In The Fight Between Fans Of Turkey And Georgia
It is understood that the officers are now in strategic locations across the stadium and the situation is believed to be under control.
Moreover, before the police intervention, fans also threw punches at each other, as they appeared agitated over something that hadn’t been revealed.
Georgia, who are tutored by Willy Sagnol and parade names like Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili are playing in their first-ever match at a major football tournament when they take on Turkey at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund.
Additionally, the stadium is full despite the torrential rain, as tickets are largely sold out.
The ticket website earlier on Tuesday did indicate that about 1,000 tickets were still available to be purchased from the stadium’s 65,829 capacity.
It is expected that those tickets will certainly have been purchased, as fans do not want to miss any of the thrilling action that will unfold.
Game Underway Despite Fears Of It Being Postponed
British media outlet, the Sun initially reported that there were worries the game could be postponed, with ground staff making efforts at mopping up the standing water on the pitch and in seating areas.
Journalist Daniel Storey, who is at the venue said: “Think that there has to be a greater than zero chance of this game being postponed if the deluge continues.
“Work ongoing to try and sweep pouring water from stadium corners down drains that have been opened for the purpose, but it’s Sisyphean sogginess.”
However, Storey afterward informed the public that the game should still go on by 05:00 PM, as earlier stipulated, as the ground staff have sorted issues with the standing water on the pitch.
Turkey Vs Georgia
Georgia and Turkey are both housed in Group F alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Czech Republic.
Georgia are ranked 75th in the world and they aren’t seen as favorites to exit the group, ahead of 40th-placed Turkey, and the Czech Republic, who sit 39th, and overwhelming favorites Portugal, who occupy the 6th spot on the FIFA rankings.
It would be fascinating to see how Willy Sagnol’s side battle their way through the challenges in front of them, as they will look to draw inspiration from Slovakia, who shockingly defeated Belgium on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Moreover, Turkey will also be hoping that they can start the tournament on a winning note, having failed to secure victories in their two friendlies played in June 2024 – playing out a 0-0 draw with Italy, while losing 2-1 to Poland.
They are favorites to defeat Georgia and it will be interesting to see how they go about their business today.
Match Result:
Turkey 3-1 Georgia
The encounter was very competitive, with astonishing goals and high octane football from both sides.
Vincenzo Montella’s side ultimately secured the victory thanks to cracking goals from Mert Muldur and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.
Georgia initially equalized following the opening goal by Turkey, before Guler displayed class in the 65th minute.
Willy Sagnol’s side did everything to get back on level terms, but as they sought for parity, they were punished by Turkish with literally the last kick of the game in the 7th minute of additional time, as substitute Akturkoglu put the icing on the cake.
Turkey also had a goal scored by Kenan Yildiz in the 27th minute chalked off for offside, about two minutes after they went in front.
