85 injured in Germany Cup riot incidents

The events that unfolded during the first round of the German Cup match between Waldhof Mannheim and Kaiserslautern on Friday resulted in 85 injuries, including 35 security personnel, according to an initial tally announced by local police on Saturday.

Authorities had classified the clash between third-tier Waldhof Mannheim and second-tier Kaiserslautern as high-risk due to the intense rivalry between the fans of the two teams.

The match was halted for half an hour after the end of regular time, with the scoreline at 0-0.

Following a “large-scale police intervention inside the stadium to move individuals toward the stand designated for home fans, using force when necessary,” the match resumed before Kaiserslautern secured their advancement with a goal in the 120th minute.

Mannheim police stated in a press release: “At this stage, 33 officers from the Federal Police and two officers from the Baden-Württemberg state police sustained minor injuries.”

Approximately 1,400 police officers were deployed to secure the match between the two teams, which hail from cities in western Germany separated by about 50 kilometers. Police clarified that preliminary investigations have been opened into incidents involving “insults, physical assaults of various kinds, property damage, breaches of public order, violence against police officers, as well as violations of explosives laws.”