Riots in Paderborn
DFL protests get out of hand, numerous people injured
December 16, 2023, 8:22 a.m
There are serious riots in the 2nd Bundesliga. In Paderborn, where Hansa Rostock is a guest, numerous people are injured, one fan even seriously. Those responsible for the home club are shocked, but they expected something like this.
Numerous people were injured in fan riots surrounding the 2nd Bundesliga game between SC Paderborn and Hansa Rostock (3-0). As the police and SC Paderborn 07 announced on Saturday night, Rostock supporters had already set off pyrotechnics in their block during the game on Friday afternoon in protest against an investor deal in the German Football League.
This resulted in police intervention and interruptions twice. After the first break, around 150 away fans gathered and threw objects at the emergency services. A total of eight law enforcement officers and twelve officers were injured, and one policewoman was treated in a hospital with a cut injury. In addition, two police cars as well as catering stands, sanitary facilities and entry controls are said to have been damaged. According to WDR, small fires were also set in the toilets.
Shortly before the end of the game, a fan of the guests climbed over a fence and seriously injured a spectator in the head. Rescue workers took the man to a hospital for further treatment. According to police, there were no further riots after the game ended. According to the police, protests were announced because of the DFL’s economic planning with an investor.
Initially, the fans of both clubs were silent for twelve minutes in response to the decision by investors to join the German Football League (DFL), then the Hansa supporters went over the top again. Flares flew into the center circle of the field, accompanied by shouts of “Shit DFL!” Last week, the home game against FC Schalke 04 was about to be canceled.
“I’ve been in a responsible position at SC Paderborn for 22 years, I’ve never experienced anything like that,” said managing director Martin Hornberger after the game on Sky: “However, I have to say that I feared that this weekend.” Rostock’s interim coach Uwe Speidel chimed in: “Regardless of the sporting situation, this doesn’t help us and cannot be tolerated on our part. Of course, this is discussed in the club and ways are looked for to stop it, but that doesn’t work in away stadiums.”