England fan in court after Euro 2024 violence

An England football fan has been bailed by a court following clashes between fans at the Euros in Germany.

Gordon Thomas, 39, from Bolton, appeared at a hearing in Manchester Magistrates’ Court where police applied for an order banning him from attending matches for the next three years.

His passport was seized by officers after he arrived at Manchester Airport on Monday on a flight from Amsterdam.

Trouble broke out between supporters before England’s 1-0 victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

Videos on social media showed supporters clashing on a side street with tables, chairs and bottles being thrown before riot police arrived on the scene.

Seven Serbia fans were also arrested after violent clashes.

Mr Thomas, from Little Lever, told the court he was handed papers informing him the police were applying for a banning order when his passport was taken at the airport.

District Judge Joanne Hirst asked the defendant: “Do you oppose this application?”

Mr Thomas replied: “Well, I have not seen what they said I have done.”

The judge said police had applied to impose the ‘Football Banning Order’ (FBO) as “it is said they can provide evidence you caused or contributed to disorder in the UK or elsewhere”.

She added: “Obviously, you need to know exactly what you are being accused of.

“I understand there’s some CCTV, some statements, will be sent to you.

“Football Banning Orders are quite draconian. It would be a minimum of three years and stop you going to a football match for three years.

“It will be so that further violence will not be caused.”

Mr Thomas asked the judge why his passport would be kept by police after the Euros as he had a family holiday planned for August.

Judge Hirst replied: “You will not be having your passport back or leaving England and Wales but see a solicitor.

“It doesn’t mean that condition cannot be varied. You need independent legal advice.”

Mr Thomas was bailed on condition he does not leave England or Wales before his next court appearance on 23 August.

Earlier, Mick Johnson, head of the UK Football Policing Unit, said the action demonstrated “the breadth of the Euro 2024 football policing operation”.

A team of officers deployed overseas were working “closely with policing colleagues in Germany,” he said.

“Any UK football supporter causing disorder in Germany which would be deemed an offence in this country could face police action upon their return,” he added.