German club condemns fan behaviour after tourists attacked
Carly Clarke and Stephen Lovell-Davis were in Dublin for a photography exhibition when they came across a group of football fans parading through the streets
- Published
A German football club has condemned the actions of some of their supporters after two tourists said they were attacked by fans in Dublin.
The incident on Abbey Street was said to have happened on Saturday, as a crowd of supporters of FC Schalke 04 walked through the city centre.
Carly Clarke, a photographer from Eastbourne, said one fan pushed her after trying to grab her camera. Fellow photographer, Stephen Lovell-Davis, 70, from London, attempted to intervene, but was pushed to the ground and repeatedly kicked in the head.
In a statement released at the weekend, the club condemned the actions of some of its supporters in the city, saying it will "rigorously investigate the events".
German football club FC Schalke 04 described incidents involving fans over the weekend in Dublin as "completely unjustifiable"
The club, which plays in the German second division, said about 2,000 fans travelled to the Republic of Ireland for their 3–2 defeat in a friendly match against League of Ireland side Bohemians on Saturday.
Ms Clarke and Mr Lovell-Davis had both been in Dublin for an exhibition at the Photo Museum Ireland when they came across the group of fans in the city centre.
Speaking to BBC News NI, Ms Clarke said she saw several people recording the march, so she grabbed her camera to take some photographs of her own.
"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 said they walked towards them and began taking some photos but quickly realised that the fans were "incredibly hostile" and "seemed to be more of an angry mob rather than a parade".
'Kicked him in the head'
"One of them lunged for me and tried to grab my camera, which was strapped around my neck," she said.
"When Steve saw this, he stepped over, and that's when he was pushed to the ground.
"They then kicked him in the head, and he was unable to get up.
"What was most appalling and disgusting was that they just continued to kick him while he was on the ground - it was relentless."
The friendly match between Bohemians and Schalke 04 at Dalymount Park in Dublin ended in a 3-2 loss for the visitors
Mr Lovell-Davis told BBC News NI that he cannot remember too much after being struck on the ground, but said he has been left with bruising and cuts around 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 said.
"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 should stress, however, that this is just 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 SÃochána (the Irish police service) contacted him about the incident on Monday morning.
Club launches internal review process
In a statement released, FC Schalke 04 described some incidents involving fans as "completely unjustifiable" and said they had "overshadowed" what was intended to be a positive trip with fans.
"We expect everyone who supports and follows the club to behave in a respectful and responsible manner," the statement read.
"We utterly condemn these incidents and will rigorously investigate the events and take appropriate action."
The club added that an internal review process had already begun and expressed sympathy for those affected, wishing them a full recovery.
An Garda SÃochána said they do not comment on named individuals but said they are carrying out enquiries into an alleged assault at Abbey Street Lower on 11 October.