Rhine derby to be guarded by over 1,400 police as 20 fans banned
Cologne fans set off smoke bombs and pyrotechnics in the stands during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1. FC Cologne and Borussia Moenchengladbach at the RheinEnergieStadion. Police have banned 20 potential troublemakers from attending the Rhine derby between Bundesliga rivals Cologne and Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday and plan to safeguard the game with over 1,400 officers.
Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa Police have banned 20 potential troublemakers from attending the Rhine derby between Bundesliga rivals Cologne and Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday and plan to safeguard the game with over 1,400 officers. Authorities still expect around 500 people from both sets of fans who may be prepared to use violence. Police said in a statement on Thursday that they would "keep a particularly close eye" on such supporters.
The rivalry between the two clubs has been huge since the 1970s and neither side is safe from relegation, making the game even more important. German politicians are mulling the idea of billing clubs for policing costs or denying permits for football events after a rise in violence in and around German matches. Cologne managing director Philipp Türoff rejected "blanket threats" as not helpful.
"They demonstrably do not represent an effective lever for more security, but risk undermining the partnership-based cooperation between clubs and authorities," he told Kicker magazine. In addition to the derby on Saturday, emergency services will also be stretched by a parallel demonstration against racism in Cologne, with around 10,000 people expected. Police are anticipating traffic chaos, with numerous road closures in the city.
Kwasniok steadfast Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok is adamant his side will stay up having previously predicted survival. They are one point above the relegation play-off spot. "I stand by it: We will achieve our goal," he told a news conference despite six matches without a win.