Riots after Rhine Derby: Police detain 300 Leverkusen fans in Cologne-Deutz
After clashes in a KVB tram, around 300 Leverkusen fans were detained at Cologne Messe/Deutz railway station. Investigations are under way for breach of the peace.
Riot police cordon off visiting fans after Derby clashes
After serious clashes on a tram, Cologne police detained and checked around 200 to 300 Leverkusen fans at Cologne Messe/Deutz railway station in the early hours of Sunday. According to tagesschau.de, officers deployed with a strong contingent at around 21:40 — shortly after Bayer 04 Leverkusen's 2:1 victory in the Rhine Derby against 1. FC Cologne on matchday 9 of the Bundesliga.
The clashes occurred during a journey on a tram operated by Cologne Transport Services (KVB) from the stadium towards Deutz. When the tram had to stop in the Neumarkt/Heumarkt area due to traffic, several fans became aggressive: they smashed windows and forced doors open by force. Accompanying officers pushed the supporters back into the tram, using pepper spray against individual troublemakers, confirmed Cologne police in response to a WDR enquiry.
Additionally, there was suspicion that police officers had been attacked by people in the group. Riot police then received the arriving fans at Cologne Messe/Deutz railway station and cordoned off the area widely to prevent uncontrolled dispersal. Personal details of all suspects were recorded step by step and all data was secured on site.
Investigations are now under way against those involved for breach of the peace. After the checks were completed, the fans were able to begin their journey home to Leverkusen on a relief train provided. The major operation ended in the early hours of Sunday morning. Authorities announced further details would be provided during the course of the day.
Source: Google News CH — Crime (de)