A SV Darmstadt 98 fan collapsed during the DFB-Pokal match against Schalke 04 and is now in critical condition in hospital. The incident occurred shortly after kickoff on the north stand at the Stadion am Böllenfalltor. Darmstadt still won the match convincingly 4:0.
The DFB-Pokal second-round match between SV Darmstadt 98 and FC Schalke 04 took place on October 29, 2025, at the Stadion am Böllenfalltor. Darmstadt won 4:0 (2:0) and advanced to the round of 16, with Hiroki Akiyama scoring in the 23rd minute for 1:0, Matej Maglica making it 2:0 five minutes later, Fraser Hornby increasing to 3:0 in the 48th minute, and Bartosz Białek netting the 4:0 in the 60th minute.
A few minutes after kickoff, a medical emergency occurred on the north stand: a fan collapsed. The arena, which had started heatedly, fell into respectful silence that lasted most of the first half. After about 30 minutes, the supporters resumed cheering for their teams.
A spokesperson from Hesse announced at the post-match press conference: "The fan is in critical condition in the hospital." The incident highlights risks in packed stadiums, but the game continued without further interruptions. Darmstadt thereby eliminated the Second Bundesliga leaders.