Chaos after friendly: fans escalate in Gelsenkirchen

Chaos after friendly: fans escalate in Gelsenkirchen

On Wednesday evening, September 4, 2024, after a friendly game between FC Schalke 04 and Nac Breda in Gelsenkirchen, chaos. What started as a sporting competition quickly developed into a tense Situation when around 300 fans of both teams were involved in a mass brawl. The police had to intervene with considerable effort to end the violent arguments.

The mood was already heated during the game. Bengalos and pyrotechnics lit fans of the Dutch club, which led to a heated exchange between the two fan groups. During the half -time break, there were verbal confrontations that indicated the escalation after the final whistle. After Schalke emerged 2-1 as the winner from the game, the aggressions of the fans escaped. Schalke trailer, in the majority, directed their anger against the approximately 100 fans of Nac Breda.

massive police presence required

The police received news about the disputes and had to act quickly. The police tried to separate the crowds of crowds. According to reports, fists flew, and several people went down. The situation was so chaotic that the injuries quickly disappeared from the field of view when the police arrived.

The situation continued to worsen when riots occurred in a nearby restaurant, where Schalke fans and her friends of Twente Enschede had gathered. Despite the establishment of several personal details, most rioters remained anonymous, which made the efforts of the police make it difficult to contain violence.

Reactions of the police leadership

In a press release, Peter Both, the senior police director Gelsenkirchen, commented very concerned about the circumstances: "If we even have to secure friendly games with massive forces, another escalation line is exceeded." The police are now investigating the breach of the country, dangerous bodily harm and violations of the explosive law, which could result in serious consequences for those responsible and possibly also for the organization of such games. The question is in the room whether future “friendly games” can take place under similar conditions.

This incident throws a disturbing light on the security situation at football games in Germany. While many people regularly attend the games to enjoy the atmosphere and sport, this event shows that even peaceful events can turn into violence in a short time. It remains to be seen which measures the responsible authorities will take to prevent such incidents in the future.