After the "chaotic night," debate between cops and supporters continues
The recently concluded Bundesliga encounter between Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart is still making headlines for more than just the on-field action. Referee Brych's torn cruciate ligament and disturbances in the stands were notable aspects, with numerous injuries and accusations filling the air.
In the wake of the chaos, a profound investigation has been initiated by a special team, known as SOKO 2511. Their responsibility includes investigating the nature of conflicts that arose at the Nordwestkurve on a Saturday. According to the Frankfurt police, over 120 individuals were injured during the turmoil, solely from the police and security forces. The police statement mentioned that around 59 security agents and 57 officers had been injured by attacking forces, with no precise information about the number of assailants.
Meanwhile, Eintracht's fan support organization, Der 13. Mann, reported at least 70 injured fans due to the unrest. Officially, the number of injured fans remains unpredictable, with accounts from the police and fan circles presenting different versions of the events.
The authorities accused Eintracht supporters of assaulting an employee from the organizer during access control activities, wearing civilian clothes. As per the police, the employee had detained an individual who reportedly gained entry without a ticket. Two hundred to four hundred people from Frankfurt's 'risk fan scene' are suspected to be involved in the riots, as declared by the police. Nine individuals were detained for various offenses, only to be released later during the evening.
The narrative shifts amidst the Hammerschlag
The initial update from Frankfurt police was revised on Saturday, acknowledging an incorrect assessment of events that occurred in front of the Block 40 by their social media team. The police report claimed the attackers were from rival fan groups, which was later revised for inaccuracy.
Eintracht Board member Philipp Reschke highlighted that there existed diverse perspectives regarding the root cause of the riots. According to the police, Frankfurt followers had aggressed some security officials and rescue workers during access control to the fan block approximately 45 minutes before kick-off.
Upon receiving the distress call, police officers confronted the Eintracht fans, which escalated into a series of targeted bottle and pyrotechnic throws, not to mention hefty iron bars. Für den Fanshilfe Frankfurt accused the police of intentionally escalating the violence, stating that their actions were likely aimed at setting a precedent ahead of Euro 2024.
The Frankfurt Police Department even utilized pepper spray and batons against bystanders, resulting in some fans falling unconscious and down the stairs.
Eintracht to investigate, fan body accuses police
The Eintracht club will conduct a comprehensive investigation to dissect the events in the near future, aiming to assemble every detail and piece of the puzzle. Meanwhile, Eintracht Fanhilfe accuses the police of "showing off their muscles" prior to Euro 2024 with the use of excessive force.
- Despite the unrest, the planned Bundesliga fixture between Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart continues, scheduled to take place as planned.
- Investigations into the unruly incidents between Eintracht Frankfurt and VfB Stuttgart have led to the identification of numerous Eintracht supporters involved in the violence, resulting in multiple injuries.
- VfB Stuttgart and its supporters strongly condemn the disruptive activities that transpired during the Eintracht Frankfurt vs VfB Stuttgart Bundesliga match, advocating for a peaceful atmosphere for soccer spectators in the future.
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