Police investigating after video shows Portugal fan being punched and kicked by Euro 2024 stewards

Police are investigating a video appearing to show a fan being punched and kicked by security personnel during Portugal’s European Championship win over Slovenia.

Footage published in Portuguese media on Tuesday features several staff clad in yellow and orange vests marked “Steward” detaining two men in a concrete tunnel leading towards the pitch in Frankfurt.

The video shows one person being held face-down on the floor, with another restrained next to a wall before appearing to be punched three times in the head, thrown to the ground and punched and kicked again.

“We are of course aware of this and are already investigating,” the Frankfurt police posted on X on Wednesday in response to a user who asked about the incident.

Uefa said in a statement it was “aware of an incident which took place between stewards and a fan from the Portugal vs Slovenia match and condemns any violent behaviour”.

“The incident in the video is now the subject of a police investigation. Uefa is not in a position to comment further until the investigation has been completed.”

Football Supporters Europe, a group which brings together fan groups from across the continent and works with Uefa, said in a statement: “Anyone found to be responsible has no place in a stadium and must be held to account for their actions.”

Security at Euro 2024 has been under scrutiny over repeated lapses, which included six pitch invasions during Portugal’s win over Turkey from fans seeking selfies with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo was also at the centre of another scare following his country’s surprise defeat to Georgia after a fan almost landed on him jumping from the stands.