German 2nd divison game halted as fans storm pitch
Police officers run onto the pitchduring a stoppage at the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between Dynamo Dresden and Hertha BSC, at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadium. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa A German second-division match between Dynamo Dresden and Hertha BSC had to be halted twice on Saturday after fans stormed the pitch and set off pyrotechnics. First, supporters from both sides set off pyrotechnics.
Then, Hertha and Dynamo fans suddenly jumped over the barriers. The Dresden supporters even ran across the pitch towards the Hertha supporters’ section. Referee Sven Jablonski was forced to suspend the second-division match and sent the teams back to the dressing rooms following the disturbances.
Meanwhile, police officers attempted to push the Dynamo supporters back into their section. More than 100 police officers then remained in the Dynamo half, standing in two large rows facing the ultra block. The atmosphere at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion was extremely heated.
Dresden captain Stefan Kutschke, who was suspended due to yellow cards, attempted to mediate and settle the dispute. Half an hour after kick-off, the police officers withdrew from the pitch. The stadium announcer declared that the match would resume.
Jablonski finally blew the whistle – officially – in the 19th minute. Just three minutes later, the match had to be interrupted for the first time. Hertha fans set off pyrotechnics with blue and white smoke in their away section, whilst Dynamo supporters set off fireworks behind the Ultra block outside the stadium.