Chaos Erupts at High-Risk Football Match Between F.C. Hansa Rostock and FC Energie Cottbus
A high-risk football match between F.C. Hansa Rostock and FC Energie Cottbus ended in chaos. Around 22,700 spectators witnessed the game, but the atmosphere turned sour due to fan behavior. The match, classified as high-risk prior to kick-off, saw both sets of fans ignite pyrotechnics, causing violations of the Explosives Act and two criminal proceedings for violations of the Assembly Act due to fans wearing disguises. The burning pyrotechnics caused a ten-minute suspension as visibility was impaired. In a shocking incident, a cup was thrown from the east stand towards the visiting team's bench, resulting in a report for suspected dangerous bodily harm. Around 600 police officers, assisted by units from Berlin, Brandenburg, and Saxony-Anhalt, were deployed to secure the game. Despite the disturbances, the arrival and departure of around 1,200 visiting fans proceeded without notable incidents. The police operations leader, affiliated with the Rostock Police, managed the security for the match. The incidents have led to criminal proceedings and a report for suspected dangerous bodily harm. Both clubs and authorities will review the events to prevent such occurrences in future matches.
