Investigations after football pitch stormed in German city of Dresden
A stadium employee removes burning pyrotechnics from the pitch during a stoppage at the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between Dynamo Dresden and Hertha BSC, at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadium. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa Police in the eastern German city of Dresden have opened more than a dozen investigations after rioting during the second-division match between Dynamo Dresden and Hertha Berlin, the Dresden Police Directorate said on Sunday. The cases involve offences including breach of the peace, dangerous bodily harm, criminal damage, insult and ticket fraud, the police said.
It was initially unclear whether fans of both sides are being probed following the clashes on Saturday evening. Pyrotechnics were initially set off by fans from both clubs. Supporters of both teams then climbed over fences.
Masked Dresden supporters ran along the edge of the pitch towards the Hertha section. Pyrotechnics were fired back and forth. Referee Sven Jablonski had to halt the match and sent both teams to the dressing rooms after the clashes.
Police officers tried to push Dynamo supporters back into their section. A Hertha flag was then burned there. Away fans first breached a barrier and entered the inner area of the stadium, which security staff were unable to prevent, the police said.
Around 60 people on the Dresden side were also able to get past the barrier. "Operational officers then entered the inner area of the stadium and separated the two groups. The pitch was subsequently secured by police.