Hooligans destroy peace: After the derby in Auerbach, the riots escalate!

Hooligans destroy peace: After the derby in Auerbach, the riots escalate!

Sports rivalries can take unexpected turns. This recently became clear after the derby in the 5th league between VfB Auerbach and VFC Plauen, which ended 2-2 on Friday. While the teams fought for every point on the pitch, the fans' emotions erupted in a threatening way after the final whistle. [Bild] reports that there were confrontations between the fan groups, which culminated in a threatening atmosphere.

The arguments started before the game. Plauen fans damaged the fence at Auerbach train station and set off pyrotechnics in the arena during the game. Such actions are not uncommon in uploaded games, but the exaggerations escalated after the game. Verbal provocations clashed, and when some Plauen supporters tried to climb the fence, stewards had to intervene to bring the situation under control.

Alarming police operation

The situation escalated further when around 14 home fans tried to get to the Plauen supporters, which resulted in an extensive police operation. The police used immediate force to separate the two groups, which fortunately prevented anything worse from happening. However, there were still injuries: two Auerbachers and a Plauen fan suffered injuries. The police are now investigating suspected breaches of the peace in order to further clarify the events.

What is fascinating is that around 1,906 spectators watched the heated encounter. VfB Auerbach took the lead early on, but Plauen managed to turn the game around. However, in stoppage time, Auerbach was able to equalize with a penalty and thus took a point.

Riot at the clubhouse

The situation wasn't just escalating in the stadium. Around midnight, a group of around 20 masked people, presumably belonging to the Plauen fan scene, appeared at the VfB Auerbach clubhouse. These anonymous people not only kicked in two panes of glass, but also threw beer bottles at the building. Fortunately, however, they did not invade. A 29-year-old Auerbacher fan was slightly injured and the property damage is estimated at around 500 euros. The police then launched a manhunt and located two vehicles with ten suspects (aged 16 to 49 years).

The derby showed once again how quickly passion can turn into rioting and how important it is that security forces have these passionate but often dangerous situations under control. Even though football stirs up emotions, the safety of everyone involved should always come first.