England fan pleads not guilty to smuggling knife he was ‘unaware of’ to Germany

An England fan who was arrested at Heathrow Airport after being caught with a knife in his luggage has pleaded not guilty.

34-year-old Robert Mortby appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, where he was refused bail and remanded in custody before being ordered to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on 5 July.

Mortby, who had bought a ticket for England's Nations League clash against Germany in Munich, was arrested on Monday after security at Heathrow found a Rambo knife in his hand luggage. His lawyer claimed in court that he didn't pack his own bag and was unaware the weapon was in there.

It's understood that Mortby, from the London borough of Southwark, is a Millwall supporter.

Elsewhere, eight England fans were reportedly arrested in Munich today ahead of the Three Lions' clash with Germany, following reports of hotel rooms being trashed and mass brawls in the streets.

Three people were arrested for making Nazi salutes while police said another caused an estimated 2,000 euros (£1,700) worth of damage after he let off a flare inside his hotel room, while four others were arrested for incidents including insulting police officers and urinating in the street.

Some bars in the city closed early on Monday after becoming overwhelmed by the number of customers as large groups of fans wearing England replica shirts and carrying flags sang in the warm German sunshine.

Other pubs didn't bother opening at all on Tuesday after reports of incidents getting out of hand among some supporters.

Police were called to one "brawl" on Monday, reportedly involving 30-50 England fans, but said it had dispersed by the time armed officers arrived on the scene.

England ultimately drew their Nations League clash with Germany 1-1 in Munich thanks to a late Harry Kane equaliser from the penalty spot.

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