Dozens injured after pitch invasion during German Cup match

Around 100 individuals, comprising 35 law enforcement personnel, sustained injuries during fan-related disturbances at the German Cup first-round match between Waldhof Mannheim and Kaiserslautern on Friday, according to local police, who confirmed the incident on Saturday. The match, identified as high-risk due to the intense rivalry between the participating clubs, was suspended for approximately 30 minutes at the conclusion of regulation play, with the score remaining tied at 0-0.

Upon resuming play, tensions escalated as fans from the visiting side allegedly discharged flares towards the main stand, prompting the home supporters to storm the pitch in retaliation. Consequently, 85 individuals required medical assistance, with eight of them transported to the hospital for additional treatment. To restore order, police intervened extensively on the field, compelling the unruly individuals back toward the home supporters' section through physical means.

A substantial deployment of nearly 1,400 police officers was necessary to ensure adequate security at the match, which took place between the two clubs situated approximately 50 kilometers apart. The game concluded with a 1-0 victory for Kaiserslautern's Ibrahim Kanate in the 120th minute.