85 people have been injured after shocking scenes saw riot police on horseback clash with football fans during a cup clash on Friday night
Riot police, some of whom were on horseback, clashed with football fans during a pitch invasion that saw 85 people requiring medical attention.
An eye-watering 1400 police officers were deployed to keep the peace at the Carl-Benz-Stadium as Kaiserslautern clashed with bitter rivals Mannheim in the DFB Pokal on Friday (August 21) evening.
The already fiery encounter exploded after scuffle between players in the 90th minute – causing the travelling Kaiserslautern to launch flares and other projectiles into the stands. Mannheim fans were furious – and they stormed the pitch in retaliation as police scrambled to regain control of the match.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Riot police were able to clear the pitch, as the start of extra-time was delayed as a result of the clashes.
It had been worsened by the away fans, who had started a fire, which the local fire brigade was able to put out. In the clashes 85 people were injured, including 33 police officers.
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.
“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.”
He added: “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.”