In riots surrounding the second-division match between 1. FC Magdeburg and Dynamo Dresden, at least 64 police officers were injured. The officers were shot at with pyrotechnics and attacked with objects like stones and manhole covers. Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang condemned the brutal violence.
The second-division match between 1. FC Magdeburg and Dynamo Dresden ended on Saturday with a 2:1 victory for the visitors from Dresden. Shortly before the end of the first half, FCM supporters attempted to advance towards the guest block in the stadium's outer area. Police prevented this, but fierce confrontations ensued.
The officers were shot at with pyrotechnics, pelted with barriers and stones, and attacked with a manhole cover and sidewalk slabs, as stated by the Interior Ministry in Magdeburg. In total, at least 64 officers from the Saxony-Anhalt state police were injured, 17 of whom suffered significant injuries requiring hospital treatment. Forces from other states and the federal police remained uninjured.
Hundreds of officers from various regions were deployed. During the match, fans from both sides ignited pyrotechnics. In the city area, additional crimes occurred, including a robbery extortion and property damage.
Saxony-Anhalt's Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU) sharply condemned the incidents: "Attacking police officers with a manhole cover and sidewalk slabs is nothing short of brutal violence." She wished the injured a speedy recovery. The Police Union in Saxony-Anhalt stated: "Football should bring people together – not put emergency services, fans, or bystanders in danger. Anyone who ignites pyrotechnics in densely packed blocks, throws rockets and bangs into crowds, or attacks police forces has forfeited any right to call themselves a fan. Here we are talking about criminals."
A special investigation team is probing the incidents.
