Football supporter from BPOL-H clashes with federal police in Hanover, donning red and white Essen colors.
In an unexpected turn of events, fans of Rot-Weiß Essen football club experienced police measures at Hannover Central Station on their way to a 3rd Bundesliga match in Cottbus. The incident, which involved an 18-year-old fan attacking a federal police officer, caused a significant delay in the journey.
Upon approaching the station, the fans were initially attempting to re-board a waiting train. However, their behaviour on the train from Essen to Cottbus was deemed disorderly, leading to their exclusion from further travel by the train conductor.
The situation escalated when the 18-year-old fan attacked an officer with a hard plastic rod and punches to the head. As a result, the attacked officer had to be taken to a hospital. The federal police have initiated an investigation against the 18-year-old for assault, resisting law enforcement, and dangerous bodily harm. A blood test was ordered for the young fan.
In response to the incident, strong forces from the Federal Police Hannover and the Lower Saxony State Police were deployed to calm the situation. The police, with the help of the state police, conducted a processing line for 78 Rot-Weiß Essen fans at Hannover Central Station. After completing all police measures, the fans were allowed to continue their journey to Cottbus at around 3 pm.
Police Director Martin Kröger issued a statement, affirming that those who disturb or attack police officers on the way to a football match will not see the game. Deutsche Bahn informed the Federal Police Inspectorate Hannover about approximately 50 Rot-Weiß Essen fans travelling to the match.
At present, the investigations into the incident are ongoing, and there is no information available about the investigating judge handling the case of the 18-year-old Rot-Weiß Essen fan. The onward and return journey of the other fans proceeded without incident.
For inquiries regarding the incident, the Federal Police Inspectorate Hannover can be contacted at Kevin Müller (0162/2308369, [email protected], www.bundespolizei.de, X @bpol_nord).
