Riot police, some on horseback, clashed with football fans during a pitch invasion that left 85 people requiring medical attention at the Carl-Benz-Stadium in Mannheim on Friday evening (August 21).
Around 1,400 police officers were deployed to keep the peace as Kaiserslautern faced bitter rivals Mannheim in the DFB Pokal. The match erupted after a scuffle between players in the 90th minute, prompting travelling Kaiserslautern fans to launch flares and other projectiles into the stands. Mannheim supporters responded by storming the pitch as police moved to regain control.
Clashes delay extra-time
Riot police cleared the pitch, but the start of extra-time was delayed as a result of the clashes. The situation was worsened by away fans, who started a fire that the local fire brigade extinguished.
In the clashes, 85 people were injured, including 33 police officers.
Interior minister condemns violence
Baden-Württemberg's Interior Minister Manuel Hagel told German outlet BILD: "Today's derby in Mannheim was no ordinary game. It was a high-risk match, and we knew it would be - our police in Mannheim were highly professionally prepared."
He added: "Anyone who uses football as a platform for violent excesses, deliberately endangers other fans, and, above all, injures security forces, is not a fan, but a criminal. We will treat these individuals accordingly in order to enforce law and order in our stadiums."
Hagel also praised the officers: "Our officers did a fantastic job and have my full support. My thanks go to everyone who has been on duty since the early morning hours. My thoughts are especially with the police officers who were injured in the line of duty. Get well soon and thank you for your service."
