Derby chaos: Waldhof Mannheim vs Kaiserslautern erupts
A first‑round German Cup clash between SV Waldhof Mannheim and FC Kaiserslautern descended into chaos on Friday evening, with 35 police officers injured, 85 people receiving medical treatment and eight taken to hospital as the match spiraled beyond the 0‑0 deadlock.
The two clubs, from the German state of Rhineland‑Palatinate, have a history of heated encounters that have previously sparked disorder. Their rivalry often spills beyond the pitch, setting a volatile backdrop for any meeting.
Violence erupts on and off the pitch
After 90 minutes the score remained 0‑0, prompting extra time; a scuffle on the field added fuel to the fire. Fans of Mannheim pelted staff and reserve players of Kaiserslautern, while away supporters responded by hurling fireworks at the home crowd. Players were forced to run for safety as police officers were also struck by fireworks.
The hard core of Mannheim supporters broke through the barriers, storming the field and causing the players to flee in mass. Fans exchanged punches and inflicted extensive damage inside the stadium.
Police deployed a massive contingent, using pepper spray, mounted units and canine teams to contain the unrest. Several individuals were detained, though the exact number was not disclosed.
Police intervention and match fallout
The referee halted the match, leading to a half‑hour interruption. Representatives of both clubs addressed their supporters sternly, after which extra time resumed without further incident.
Ibrahim Kanaté eventually broke the deadlock, scoring the decisive goal for Kaiserslautern and averting a penalty shoot‑out.
Kaiserslautern general director Thomas Hengen told Sky that the emotions of a derby should not justify such behaviour, adding that the incident hurts everyone and the sport itself. Waldhof general director Gerhard Zuber warned that firing fireworks at the family stand crosses a line and suggested that play might need to be halted.
German media report that both clubs could face heavy fines as a consequence of the disorder. © Uwe Anspach/DPA via APupdate captured the chaotic scenes on video.