German police shoot axeman near Euros fan zone ahead of Poland v Netherlands match
German police have shot an axeman near a Euro 2024 fan zone ahead of the Poland vs Netherlands match.
The shooting took place around 12:30pm local time on the Reeperbahn, an entertainment district in Hamburg.
The man was taken away in an ambulance and police say he is 'receiving medical treatment'.
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A statement from Hamburg police read: "At St Pauli there is currently a major police operation.
"According to initial findings, a person threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device.
"The police then used their firearms.
"The attacker was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment."
As football fans make their way to the stadium for kick-off, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman said in a press conference before the game that he is confident his team can go all the way.
The 1988 European Championship winner said: “In my opinion, there is not a big favourite, maybe the French team a little bit more than the rest because they have a lot of experience, they have won already big tournaments.
“But I think it will be an open fight between different nations – and one of them is Holland.”
Captain Virgil van Dijk echoed the sentiments of his manager, adding: “There are obviously very good teams around, obviously France, Germany, Portugal, England.
“But I think at a tournament, it can be totally different.
“Hopefully we can be at our best and be up there.
“That’s the aim and that’s what we’re going to fight for.”
The Netherlands squad will be without midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, his Barca teammate Robert Lewandowski will also be missing for Poland.
Poland captain Piotr Zieliński said at a press conference: “It is huge loss for us as we all know how important Robert is for our team.
“But it does not change our approach. We still want to win.”
Kick-off will be at 2pm (UK time).
Anish Vij