An unidentified man was critically injured after being shot by police in Hamburg ahead of the Sunday Group D opening match between Netherlands and Poland at the ongoing Euro 2024, the German police have announced.

According to the BBC, the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time on the street of Reeperbahn, where the man was dangerously wielding a pickaxe in front of police officers before he was shot multiple times by the officers.

The incident occurred near a fan zone for Dutch supporters, who had gathered to cheer the Oranje in the game against Poland. The match ended 2-1 in favour of the Netherlands, with Wout Weghorst scoring a late winner for the Dutch.

Hamburg police stated that the man also threatened to ignite a petrol bomb, prompting the police officers to pepper spray him before shooting him, the BBC reported. They added that the man was receiving medical attention.

The authorities are yet to officially comment on the possible motivation behind the incident.

Over 30,000 Dutch fans stormed the city of Hamburg for the Group D game.

Adam Buksa gave Poland the lead from a powerful header in the 16th minute, but Cody Gakpo equalised for the Netherlands with a deflected shot in the 29th minute.

Former Manchester United forward Weghorst won the game for the Netherlands with his first touch less than two minutes into his introduction.