85 wounded in Mannheim: Home Secretary: Anyone who acts like this is not a fan but a criminal

At least 85 people were injured during violent clashes following a Bundesliga Cup match between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and SV Waldhof Mannheim in Mannheim on Friday evening. The incident occurred after the game ended 1:0 in favor of Kaiserslautern following extra time. According to police reports, 35 officers sustained injuries, with several fans temporarily detained. Eight individuals required hospital treatment, while the rest received medical attention for minor injuries. The violence erupted after fireworks were fired into the stands by supporters of Kaiserslautern, prompting a wave of fan unrest and leading to a partial evacuation of the stadium. The match took place at the fully booked Carl-Benz-Stadion in Mannheim, drawing around 23,500 spectators, including approximately 3,500 away fans. The rivalry between the two clubs has been intense since the early 1980s, often marked by heated confrontations among supporters. The tension reached its peak after the final whistle, when Kaiserslautern fans launched fireworks into the seating area, triggering a surge of anger among Mannheim supporters who stormed the pitch. Police forces, some mounted, had to intervene to restore order. Approximately 1,400 security personnel, including officers from neighboring states such as Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria, were deployed to manage the situation. The match was briefly threatened with cancellation due to the escalating chaos. A delay in the kick-off of extra time was necessary before play resumed, although the field remained calm afterward. Firefighters later extinguished a fire set by Kaiserslautern fans within the away supporters' section. Authorities have initiated investigations into alleged offenses including insults, assault, property damage, breach of the peace, attacks on police officers, and violations of the Explosives Act. Both club executives condemned the incidents. Thomas Hengen, managing director of Kaiserslautern, emphasized that while emotions run high during derbies, such behavior must not escalate beyond acceptable limits. He praised the police intervention and the referee's handling of the situation for preventing the match from being abandoned. Gerhard Zuber, managing director of Waldhof Mannheim, acknowledged that if fireworks had been directed toward families in the stands, the match might have been halted entirely. Baden-Württemberg’s Interior Minister Manuel Hagel (CDU) strongly criticized the events, stating that this was not a typical derby. “Anyone who uses football as a stage for acts of violence, deliberately endangers other fans, and especially injures security personnel is not a fan, but a criminal,” he said. Hagel pledged support for law enforcement, praising their professionalism and preparation. He emphasized the need to uphold justice and order in stadiums. The German Football Association (DFB) responded swiftly to the disturbances, announcing that it would evaluate the reports and forward them to relevant committees. The association reiterated its stance against any behavior that threatens safety within football matches. Referee Robert Schröder noted that the special report on the incident would be extensive, reflecting the gravity of the events. The match concluded with Kaiserslautern securing a narrow victory through a goal scored in extra time. Despite the chaotic aftermath, the game itself was described as fair by both teams. However, the fallout from the violence continues, with ongoing investigations and potential disciplinary actions pending. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in future matches.