Kaiserslautern win tense German Cup derby after crowd disorder leaves 85 injured

A German Cup match between SV Waldhof Mannheim and 1. FC Kaiserslautern descended into violence on Friday, with clashes between supporters and police leaving 85 people needing medical treatment, including 35 members of the security services.

The first-round tie was stopped for about 30 minutes after the scheduled 90 minutes had ended, with the score still 0-0. It eventually resumed in a highly charged atmosphere, before Kaiserslautern scored a decisive goal in the 120th minute to secure their place in the next round.

The fixture had been classified as high risk because of the intense rivalry between the clubs. Mannheim play in Germany’s third tier, while Kaiserslautern are a second-tier side, and their cities are only about 50 kilometres apart in western Germany.

According to police, Kaiserslautern supporters fired pyrotechnics towards the main stand before Mannheim fans invaded the pitch. A large police presence then entered the playing area and used force to push supporters back towards the stand allocated to the home fans.

Mounted riot police were also deployed as flares were set off and smoke spread across the stadium, prompting the referee to delay the match before order was restored.

Police in Mannheim said 33 members of the Federal Police and two officers from Baden-Wurttemberg suffered minor injuries.

“In total, 85 people had to receive medical care, and eight of them were taken to hospital for further treatment,” the force said in a statement reported by RMC.

Around 1,400 police officers had been assigned to the match because of the sensitivity of the derby and the long-running rivalry between the two clubs.

Several investigations have already been opened into the events. Police said the inquiries include allegations of insults, various forms of causing bodily harm, property damage, disturbing the peace and violence against police officers.

Authorities are also investigating possible breaches of laws governing weapons and explosives.

Despite the disorder in the stands and on the pitch, the match was completed. Kaiserslautern finally settled the contest with the last kick of the scheduled 120 minutes, earning a dramatic victory and progression in the German Cup.

The disturbance came after a tense evening in which supporters from both clubs used flares and fireworks. The incidents forced the authorities to move significant numbers of officers on to the field, while video footage showed smoke-filled areas of the stadium and mounted police attempting to separate rival groups.

The match was one of the most closely watched fixtures of the round because of the geographical proximity of the clubs and the hostility between their fan groups. Early estimates from police put the total number of injured at 85, with the majority treated at the scene and eight requiring hospital care.