High-risk German Cup tie descends into chaos as pitch invasion leaves 85 injured
A massive police intervention was required to clear the field after home supporters stormed the pitch during a fixture pre-designated as high risk, with eight people hospitalised.
Local police have confirmed that 85 people required medical attention following a pitch invasion during the German Cup first-round match between Waldhof Mannheim and Kaiserslautern late Friday. The incident occurred at the end of regulation time, with the score locked at 0-0, and resulted in eight individuals being transported to hospital for further treatment.
The fixture was pre-designated as high risk due to the established rivalry between the two clubs, which are located approximately 50 kilometres apart. In response to the anticipated tension, authorities deployed almost 1,400 police officers to provide additional security for the match.
According to police, the disorder began when fans from the visitors' end fired flares towards the main stand. Home supporters subsequently stormed the pitch in response, prompting a halt to the game for approximately 30 minutes.
Police described the subsequent clearance of the field as a "massive police intervention," noting that physical measures were used to force individuals back toward the home supporters' section. While initial reports suggested about 100 people were injured, including 35 police officers, the official police statement specified the figure of 85 requiring medical attention.
The match eventually resumed and continued into extra time. Kaiserslautern secured a 1-0 victory after Ibrahim Kanate scored the decisive goal in the 120th minute, concluding a turbulent first-round tie.
