Police investigation launched as fan punched and kicked by stewards in Portugal's Euro 2024 match vs Slovenia

A police investigation has been launched after footage of a Portugal fan being punched and kicked by stadium stewards emerged online.

On Monday, July 1, Portugal secured a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a penalty shootout victory against Slovenia.

24 hours later, footage obtained by Portuguese outlet Record showed stewards and security guards at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt assaulting a supporter in the tunnel during the match.

The footage shows two individuals being restrained in the tunnel area of the stadium. One of them appears to be punched several times in the head and face by a steward while he is being held against a wall by two other members of staff.

The victim then falls to the floor with three stewards falling with him. Two other stewards then appear to kick and punch the individual, who is lying on the ground.

The second individual remains restrained by stewards throughout the incident.

On Wednesday, a Frankfurt Police spokesperson told The Athletic: "I can confirm that we have knowledge of the incident and that we are investigating it."

Frankfurt Police also confirmed this via their official X account.

A UEFA spokesperson told SPORTbible: "UEFA is 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."

UEFA said it would increase security measures at Euro 2024 after Portugal's win against Turkey was interrupted by several pitch invasions from supporters.

Portugal's last-16 tie with Slovenia ended goalless after extra-time after Cristiano Ronaldo saw his extra-time penalty saved by Jan Oblak.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner redeemed himself by scoring his side's first spot-kick of the shootout, although Diogo Costa was the hero as he saved three penalties in a 3-0 win.

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