Fireworks, riot police, pitch invasion mar German Cup match
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Kaiserslautern edge Mannheim with 120th-minute winner.
- Kanaté seals chaotic DFB-Pokal derby win.
- Fan violence delays extra time by 30 minutes.
- Riot police, mounted units intervene after pitch invasion.
Second-division 1. FC Kaiserslautern advanced to the second round of the DFB-Pokal after securing a 1-0 victory against local rivals SV Waldhof Mannheim at the Carl-Benz-Stadion. The fixture was heavily disrupted by severe crowd disturbances as regulation time drew to a close tied at 0-0.
As the referee prepared to signal for extra time, supporters from both stands launched fireworks, Bengal flares, and projectiles onto the field.
Several players were forced to run toward the tunnel to avoid incoming objects.
Unfassbare Szenen im Carl-Benz-Stadion. Raketenbeschuss auf Zuschauer, Reiterstaffel auf dem Rasen – das hat nichts mehr mit Fußball zu tun!
— Der Prophet (@AldousHuxIey) August 22, 2026
Kriminelle missbrauchen das Derby für pure Gewalt.
Hier müssen DFB und Justiz mit maximaler Härte durchgreifen! #Mannheim #FCK #DFBPokal pic.twitter.com/v5iR4HhuS0
A group of Waldhof Mannheim supporters breached security barriers and invaded the pitch, prompting law enforcement to deploy riot police and mounted officers to restore order and clear the field.
Following a delay of just under 30 minutes, match officials and venue security deemed the pitch clear and safe for play to resume.
Both sides battled through extra time before substitute Ibrahim Kanaté struck in the 119th minute, steering Kaiserslautern into the next round of the German Cup.
