Fans of FC Schalke 04 attacked a photographer and her companion before a friendly match in Dublin. The club has strongly condemned the incidents and announced an investigation. Both victims have filed complaints.
A preseason trip by German second-division club FC Schalke 04 to Ireland was marred by a physical assault. Before the friendly match against Irish first-division side Bohemians in Dublin, which Schalke lost 2:3, around 2000 traveling fans gathered for a fan march. From their ranks, Schalke supporters apparently attacked two passersby.
Videos circulating online show a photographer trying to film the march being approached. The man who tried to help her was pushed to the ground and apparently kicked. The footage cuts off at that point. Both victims filed police complaints.
The club responded on Sunday with dismay. "The images visible on social media are disturbing and very hard to bear," the statement read. "We condemn these incidents in the strongest terms." The club stressed that the events were "in no way to be relativized" and overshadowed the trip. They will "extensively process" the incidents and "draw appropriate consequences."
The friendly was intended to give fans a taste of international atmosphere, as they last experienced European nights in the 2018/2019 season. Under the motto "Schalke international," another match is scheduled in four weeks: On November 13, S04 will visit FC Twente Enschede.
"FC Schalke 04 expects all individuals accompanying and supporting the club to behave respectfully and responsibly. Incidents of this kind cast the entire club and our community in a light that does justice neither to S04 nor to the thousands of peaceful Schalke fans," the club added.