Dozens Injured, Including 35 Police Officers, in Pitch Invasion During German Cup Match

Local police confirmed that approximately 100 people, including 35 police officers, sustained injuries following fan disturbances during the German Cup first-round match between hosts Waldhof Mannheim and Kaiserslautern on late Friday.

Marked as high risk prior to kickoff because of the intense rivalry between the supporters of both teams, the fixture was temporarily suspended for roughly 30 minutes as regulation time ended with the score tied at 0-0.

According to law enforcement, supporters located in the visitors’ section discharged flares directed at the main stand, which subsequently provoked home supporters to storm the pitch.

Authorities stated in an official release that a combined 85 individuals needed medical assistance, with eight people subsequently taken to the hospital for further medical evaluation.

Play resumed following a heavy police intervention directly on the field to push individuals back toward the home supporters’ section through physical measures.

Nearly 1,400 police officers were mobilized to ensure heightened security for the encounter between the opposing clubs, which are situated roughly 50 kilometres or 30 miles apart.

The game eventually concluded with a 1-0 scoreline after Ibrahim Kanate of Kaiserslautern found the back of the net in the 120th minute.