FC Schalke 04 followers’ behaviour condemned after vacationers attacked

A German soccer membership has condemned the actions of a few of their supporters after two vacationers stated they have been attacked by followers in Dublin.

The incident on Abbey Street was stated to have occurred on Saturday, as a crowd of supporters of FC Schalke 04 walked by way of town centre.

Carly Clarke, a photographer from Eastbourne, stated one fan pushed her after attempting to seize her digicam. Fellow photographer, Stephen Lovell-Davis, 70, from London, tried to intervene, however was pushed to the bottom and repeatedly kicked within the head.

In an announcement launched on the weekend, the membership condemned the actions of a few of its supporters within the metropolis, saying it can “rigorously investigate the events”.

The membership, which performs within the German second division, stated about 2,000 followers travelled to the Republic of Ireland for his or her 3–2 defeat in a pleasant match towards League of Ireland facet Bohemians on Saturday.

Ms Clarke and Mr Lovell-Davis had each been in Dublin for an exhibition on the Photo Museum Ireland once they got here throughout the group of followers within the metropolis centre.

Speaking to BBC News NI, Ms Clarke stated she noticed a number of individuals recording the march, so she grabbed her digicam to take some pictures of her personal.

“We initially weren’t exactly sure what the parade or march was about, but there was chanting and they were banging these loud drums, so we thought it was interesting and worth photographing.”

Ms Clarke stated they walked in direction of them and started taking some images however rapidly realised that the followers have been “incredibly hostile” and “seemed to be more of an angry mob rather than a parade”.

“One of them lunged for me and tried to grab my camera, which was strapped around my neck,” she stated.

“When Steve saw this, he stepped over, and that’s when he was pushed to the ground.

“They then kicked him within the head, and he was unable to rise up.

“What was most appalling and disgusting was that they just continued to kick him while he was on the ground – it was relentless.”

Mr Lovell-Davis instructed BBC News NI that he can’t bear in mind an excessive amount of after being struck on the bottom, however stated he has been left with bruising and cuts round his elbows.

“I am 70 years old, so it is concerning if anything like that does happen, given my age, but I’ve had worse injuries from my time riding motorcycles, so I think I got off quite lucky,” he stated.

“It’s disappointing that a small group of people decided to do that, but I have seen the club’s statement that they will try to find those responsible, which is welcome.

“I ought to stress, nevertheless, that that is only a small minority.”

He also thanked three Irish women who rushed to his aid in the aftermath and helped “patch him up.”

He said he had a fantastic time in Dublin but the incident on Saturday was a disappointing end to their trip.

Both Mr Lovell-Davis and Ms Clarke have since flown back to England, and Stephen told BBC News NI that An Garda Síochána (the Irish police service) contacted him about the incident on Monday morning.

In a statement released, FC Schalke 04 described some incidents involving fans as “fully unjustifiable” and said they had “overshadowed” what was intended to be a positive trip with fans.

“We count on everybody who helps and follows the membership to behave in a respectful and accountable method,” the statement read.

“We totally condemn these incidents and can rigorously examine the occasions and take acceptable motion.”

The club added that an internal review process had already begun and expressed sympathy for those affected, wishing them a full recovery.

An Garda Síochána stated they don’t touch upon named people however stated they’re finishing up enquiries into an alleged assault at Abbey Street Lower on 11 October.