At least 64 police officers were injured in violent incidents surrounding Saturday's German second-division football match between Magdeburg and Dynamo Dresden. The interior ministry of the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Magdeburg said on Sunday that officers were targeted with pyrotechnics, barriers and stones and also attacked with paving stones and a manhole cover by Magdeburg fans outside the stadium during the half-time break.
At least 64 police officers were injured in violent incidents surrounding Saturday's German second-division football match between Magdeburg and Dynamo Dresden.
The interior ministry of the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Magdeburg said on Sunday that officers were targeted with pyrotechnics, barriers and stones and also attacked with paving stones and a manhole cover by Magdeburg fans outside the stadium during the half-time break.
The statement said that at least 64 officers suffered various degrees of injuries and some required treatment in hospital.
"I strongly condemn yesterday's riots by alleged 1. FCM (Magdeburg) football fans and the violent attacks on our police colleagues. Hitting police officers with manhole covers and paving stones is nothing less than brutal violence," Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang said.
"I wish our injured colleagues a speedy recovery. I would like to thank all the police officers who were on duty yesterday to secure a football match and prevent clashes between home and away fans."
Visiting Dresden won the match between the two eastern German sides 2-1. The ministry said that several hundred officers were on site to safeguard the game, which also saw pyrotechnics lit by both sets of fans.
A police spokeswoman said that Magdeburg fans had tried to attack Dresden supporters in the away end of the stadium. Police said that fans committed other offences in the city.
The German police union also strongly condemned the incidents, saying: "Football should bring people together – not put security services, fans or bystanders in danger.
"Anyone who sets off pyrotechnics in densely packed stands, throws rockets and firecrackers into crowds or attacks police officers has forfeited any right to call themselves a fan. We are talking about criminals here."
Magdeburg also condemned the violence and said the club were in close contact with authorities.
"1. FC Magdeburg explicitly condemn the incidents and make clear that violence of any kind has no place in football," a statement said, adding that they was committed to ensuring a respectful, peaceful and safe stadium visit for all.
The incidents follow clashes between Hertha Berlin fans and police at their home 0-0 draw with Schalke last weekend, also in the German second division. Over 50 fans and police were hurt.
German football fans protested widely earlier in the season against plans to boost police powers at matches.
Category: General Sports
