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Violence in football: Police demand consistent action against chaos!
On November 1, 2025, there were violent clashes between football fans in Cologne. Police chiefs from Gelsenkirchen and Dortmund are calling for an end to violence in football.
Violence in football: Police demand consistent action against chaos!
On November 1, 2025, there were violent clashes between supporters of FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund in Cologne Central Station. The fans clashed, which prompted police chiefs Gregor Lange from Dortmund and Tim Frommeyer from Gelsenkirchen to comment clearly on the recent incidents. They reported a worrying spiral of violence in and around the stadiums of the first and second Bundesliga. This is not an isolated case; Violence among so-called "fans" is increasingly becoming an alarming problem, especially away from games, where bystanders and police officers are often victims.
The police announced that they would like to identify the suspects and hold them accountable. It is important to make it clear: Crimes have no place in sport. In order to prevent future acts of violence, the police announced that they would work closely with the clubs. The background is several violent incidents in recent months that have cast football in a negative light. For example, on April 13th there were clashes between fans of Borussia Dortmund II and Energie Cottbus, and on September 21st there was a fight in the forest between Schalke supporters and those from Dortmund and Cologne. On the same day, guests at a private party in Gelsenkirchen were attacked by suspected Schalke fans.
A review of the season
A current analysis of the police numbers shows a decrease in the number of injuries during the football games of the 2024/25 season. A total of 1,107 people were injured, a notable decrease of more than 17 percent compared to the previous season with 1,338 injured. Despite the violent incidents, which were particularly widely perceived by the public, the number of stadium visitors rose to 25.26 million, an increase of 3.87 percent.
The following injury-related statistics have been recorded in recent years:
| season | Visitors | Injured | criminal proceedings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 22.8 million | 1,176 | 5,498 |
| 2023/24 | 24.32 million | 1,338 | 6,179 |
| 2024/25 | 25.26 million | 1,107 | 4,700 |
An interesting aspect is the injuries caused by pyrotechnics. There have been 95 injuries this season, a decrease from 114 last year. Despite the positive development in the number of injuries, the football environment is still suffering from the ongoing violence.
Social dimension and responsibility
NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul has found a critical word on the issue of the increasing number of injuries. He calls for decisive action on the part of clubs and stadium operators as well as greater awareness of the dangers of pyrotechnics and aggression in German football. In this context, the umbrella organization of fan aid criticizes the distorted portrayal of violence in football as factually incorrect and calls for a differentiated look at the issue.
The ongoing riots and frequent arguments cast a shadowy light on the passionate football culture in Germany. It remains to be hoped that both the police and the clubs can do their part to ensure that football games become what they once were: a place of joy and cohesion. To find out more about the background to violence in football, those interested can: here or read the comprehensive data Sportschau.de see.