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DFL protests get out of hand, numerous injured

Hansa riots in Paderborn

2023 December 16 . 9:00 AM

2 min read

One fan was seriously injured and had to be taken to hospital..aussiedlerbote.de

DFL protests get out of hand, numerous injured

There is serious rioting in the 2nd Bundesliga. In Paderborn, where Hansa Rostock is playing, numerous people are injured, one fan even seriously. The home club's officials are shocked, but had expected something like this.

Numerous people were injured in fan riots surrounding the Bundesliga 2 match between SC Paderborn and Hansa Rostock (3:0). According to the police and SC Paderborn 07, Rostock supporters had already set off pyrotechnics in their block during the match as a protest against an investor deal by the German Football League. "With a high level of criminal energy, a small number of visiting fans crossed the line, causing injuries to uninvolved stadium visitors, massive damage to property and causing the match to be abandoned," read a statement from the SCP and the police. Hansa sporting director Kristian Walter distanced himself "completely" from the riots on behalf of the club.

The massive use of pyrotechnics resulted in a police operation and two interruptions. According to reports, around 150 visiting fans gathered after the first break and threw objects at the police. A total of eight stewards and twelve officers were injured, and one policewoman was treated in hospital for a cut. In addition, two police cars, catering stands, sanitary facilities and admission controls were reportedly damaged. According to WDR, small fires were also set in the toilets.

Shortly before the end of the match, a visiting fan climbed over a fence and seriously injured a neutral spectator on the head. Rescue workers took the man to hospital for further treatment. According to the police, there were no further incidents after the end of the match. The investigation into the suspects is ongoing. According to the police, protests had been announced due to economic planning by the DFL with an investor.

"I've never seen anything like it"

Initially, the fan scenes of both clubs had remained silent for twelve minutes in reaction to the decision by the German Football League (DFL) to bring in an investor, but then the Hansa supporters went overboard again. Flares flew onto the pitch as far as the center circle, accompanied by shouts of "Shit DFL!". Last week, the home match against FC Schalke 04 was already on the verge of being called off.

"I've been in a position of responsibility at SC Paderborn for 22 years, I've never experienced anything like this," said managing director Martin Hornberger on Sky after the game: "However, I have to say that I feared this would happen this weekend." Rostock interim coach Uwe Speidel agreed: "Regardless of the sporting situation, it doesn't help us and is unacceptable from our side. Of course, it's being discussed within the club and we're looking for ways to stop it, but that doesn't work in away stadiums."

Hansa goalkeeper Markus Kolke, who was shown a red card midway through the second half, said on Sky: "Rocket fire really doesn't have to be. So much can happen. I'm happy that nobody was hit by it."