85 injured as crowd trouble delays Mannheims German Cup tie with Kaiserslautern

A first-round German Cup match between Mannheim and 1. FC Kaiserslautern was halted for almost 30 minutes after fireworks were thrown by home supporters and fans invaded the pitch, with 85 people requiring medical attention.

The disruption came after the scheduled 90 minutes had been completed. Players were sent to the dressing rooms while security forces moved in to restore order and take control of the situation.

The match eventually resumed, and 1. FC Kaiserslautern secured a dramatic victory over their local rivals when Ibrahim Kanate scored the winning goal in extra time, according to the German Press Agency.

Police said 85 people were injured or needed medical treatment, including 35 members of the security services. Eight of those treated were taken to hospital for further care.

Mannheim police said in a statement: “At this stage, 33 members of the federal police and two officers from the Baden-Wurttemberg state police suffered minor injuries.”

The statement added: “A total of 85 people had to receive medical treatment, eight of whom were taken to hospital for further treatment.”

The police have opened initial investigations into a number of incidents linked to the disturbance. These include insults, physical assaults, property damage, disturbances of the public order and violence against police officers.

Authorities are also examining possible breaches of laws governing explosive materials, following the use of fireworks during the fixture.

The match had already reached the end of normal time before the interruption, but the crowd trouble created a lengthy delay before extra time could begin. With the players temporarily off the field, police and security personnel worked to bring the situation under control.

Kaiserslautern then completed the tie by scoring in extra time and progressed to the second round of the German Cup. Their victory came against Mannheim, who play in Germany’s third tier.

The incident therefore overshadowed the result, with the focus after the final whistle falling on the injuries, the pitch invasion and the police investigations rather than Kaiserslautern’s progress in the competition.

Authorities said the inquiries remain at an early stage and cover several different offences arising from the disorder. The reports of injuries included both members of the public and police officers, while the hospital transfers were made so that those affected could receive additional treatment.