Ten hooligans behind bars in Zurich

Following an attack on German football fans in Zurich, ten hooligans suspected of violence are now in pre-trial detention.

The ten men, aged 21-34, were arrested on Wednesday. Zurich city police and the public prosecutor’s office announced on Monday that the men would be held in custody until they are tried before a court.

The men are accused of attacking German football fans on Langstrasse on October 25, 2018.

The incident occurred after the Europa League match between FC Zurich (FCZ) and Bayer Leverkusen. Men attacked several German fans, three of whom needed medical attention.

Most of the attackers had FCZ fan articles on their person. The police investigation, supported by German police, finally led to the arrests of the men last week.

Travel ban

In recent months, violence among football fans has increased in Zurich, triggered by a smaller group of violent fans. The police assume that around 200 people belong to this group.

Hooliganism has been a problem throughout Switzerland in recent years. In 2016, Switzerland banned nearly 800 known hooligans from travelling to the Euro 2016 football tournament in France.

A database launched on a trial basis has been tracking the violent activity at matches in Switzerland.