Mannheim: German police announced that 35 of their officers were injured and a number of football fans were arrested following violence that erupted during a match between Waldhof Mannheim and their guests Kaiserslautern on Friday, as part of the German Cup competition.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a police spokeswoman said: “85 people received medical treatment, eight of whom were taken to the hospital, noting that their injuries were minor.”

The sold-out match was held at the Carl Benz Stadium in Mannheim, with approximately 23,500 spectators in attendance, including about 3,500 fans of the visiting team. The atmosphere inside the stadium was initially heated and tense, with fireworks being set off repeatedly in the stands. Tensions escalated after the match ended in a goalless draw, following a scuffle between players from both teams on the field.

Some Kaiserslautern fans set off fireworks in the stands, prompting a number of Mannheim supporters to invade the pitch, before the police intervened to restore order. Police explained that 35 of their officers sustained minor injuries, while approximately 1,400 security personnel were deployed to secure the match.

The game was nearly abandoned briefly, and the start of extra time was delayed, but calm was restored to the stadium after play resumed. Later, firefighters extinguished a fire started by fans in the away team’s section. Police are investigating several charges, including assault, property damage, disturbing the peace, assaulting police officers, and violating laws regarding the use of explosives.