After an ice hockey playoff semifinal, around 20 to 30 masked Eisbären Berlin fans attacked a bus carrying Kölner Haie supporters near the Uber Arena in Berlin-Friedrichshain. Attackers used flagpoles, fists and glass bottles, and stole fan items. Police are investigating a particularly serious breach of the peace.
The incident occurred after the game as the Kölner fans' bus was driving. Masked attackers stormed the street, opened luggage compartments and stole drums and flags. One passenger was injured by a bottle thrown after some attackers entered the bus, police reported.
Plainclothes officers intervened. The attackers blended into another Berlin fan group and changed clothes. Officers checked 92 fans in total, and the stolen items were returned.
Eisbären Berlin distanced itself from the attack. Managing director Thomas Bothstede stated: "We deeply apologize to the Kölner Haie and their fans, as well as to all passengers on the attacked fan bus. We reject violence in any form and condemn the attack in the strongest terms." Upcoming games will see increased police presence.
