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Football hooligans 'getting more violent'

Published: 11 Jan 12 07:25 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/sport/20120111-40039.html

Violence at football matches in Germany’s top leagues has reached record highs, leaving police struggling to control it, the Interior Ministry said this week.

The 846 people injured in hooliganism incidents during the 2010-2011 season in Germany’s top two football divisions was largest number ever, the ministry said in an answer to a parliamentary question.

Police forces were facing increased aggression from members of so-called “ultra” fan groups which are often blamed for starting fights and riots.

“Violent riots have for years been at a high level, but a long-term increase in more violent activity can be observed,” the ministry said.

Over the past 12 seasons, 1,165 police officers and 4,044 unruly fans or innocent bystanders have been hurt during football matches, while 41,335 people have been arrested, the ministry reported.

Hooliganism is a constant problem in German football with authorities and football associations repeatedly failing to put a damper on it.

Last weekend Hamburg police cancelled an indoor tournament after admitting they could not prevent violent clashes between fans.

And in November, officials took the drastic step of banning second division team Dynamo Dresden from next season’s German Cup because of fan rioting following a defeat.

The troubles are not limited to the country’s top divisions – in September, security officials said safety was particular poor in third, fourth and fifth divisions and security had been neglected in the lower leagues.

DPA/The Local/mdm

What do you think? Leave your comment below.


Your comments about this article:

19:57 January 11, 2012 by UncleScram
I get the fact that they could be mad about a loss or something, but if they don't settle down soon the police will have to expand the size of the jail. It is just a sport.
19:59 January 11, 2012 by nickhockey09
U.S.A is awsomer than germany
06:42 January 12, 2012 by derExDeutsche
going to venue to watch professional athletes play a sport should be safe for all. Why the Euros and South Americans are so violent about kicking a stupid ball around, I will never understand. It's jut so primitive, but lets face it, so is their understanding of world issues.
22:10 January 15, 2012 by Englishted
Oh no they are not ,

and anyone who say they are had better be careful or I'll send derExDeutsche round to boor you to death.
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