England football fan is bailed by a court after arrest following trouble at the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany

An England football fan has been bailed by a court following trouble at the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. 

Gordon Thomas, 39, was detained at Manchester Airport on Monday evening under the Football Spectators Act 1989 after he returned to the UK from Germany.

Thomas, of Bolton, is accused of being part of the violence that erupted in the streets of Gelsenkirchen ahead of England’s game against Serbia on Sunday, which was classified as high risk by local police due to concerns about potential trouble.

Laura Peers, prosecuting, told Manchester Magistrates’ Court today that police were now seeking a football banning order against Thomas.

‘This is not a criminal matter it’s a complaint by police to impose a football banning order because they say they can provide evidence that you caused or contributed to violence or disorder,’ she said.

Riot police are seen after fighting breaks out between football fans in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday

Thomas, who represented himself, told the court that he’d been served with court papers on arrival at Manchester Airport but hadn’t been made aware of the evidence against him.

‘I do not know what it is I am supposed to have done,’ he said.

District judge Joanne Hirst adjourned the case so Thomas could seek legal advice.

But she warned him that it was a ‘serious’ matter that could lead to him being banned from football matches for three years.

She handed him conditional bail which means he’s not allowed to travel outside England or Wales before his next court appearance on August 23.

The court heard that Thomas’ passport had already been seized by police.

Trouble had flared outside a restaurant in Gelsenkirchen and video on social media showed tables chairs and bottles being thrown before riot officers arrived.

German police said a group of Serbia fans were eating inside when a large group of England fans tried to get in.

Trouble had flared outside a restaurant in Gelsenkirchen and video on social media showed tables chairs and bottles being thrown before riot officers arrived

Thomas, who represented himself, told the court that he’d been served with court papers on arrival at Manchester Airport but hadn’t been made aware of the evidence against him

Eight people were arrested and one fan was taken to hospital with a head injury.

The United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said an investigation team would review footage of the incident and ‘if any UK nationals have been involved, football banning orders will be sought’.

Mick Johnson, head of the UKFPU, has now confirmed a fan from the UK has been detained.

He said in a statement: ‘This action shows the breadth of the Euro 2024 football policing operation and demonstrates there are consequences for supporters who are intent on causing disorder.

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

‘We are working with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts, and where appropriate we will seek football banning orders to prevent perpetrators from attending future games both internationally and domestically.’German police will also take action against those who break the law, and this can include heavy fines and custodial sentences. We are working closely with our policing colleagues in Germany and have a team of UK officers deployed overseas supporting their operation.

‘We want fans who are travelling to Germany to have a good time, but please remember to drink responsibly, respect the local culture and don’t put yourself in danger.’