Ten Injured in Brawl at Rest Area: Cottbus Football Fans Attack Rugby Supporters

Neuruppin, Brandenburg - A disturbing incident occurred on Saturday evening at the Prignitz-West rest area on the return trip from a football match, where approximately 100 heavily intoxicated supporters from the Energie Cottbus football team launched a violent attack on a group of individuals whom they mistakenly believed were rival fans.

The confrontation took place around 7:20 PM, leading to injuries for ten people. The aggressors, traveling in two buses, confronted a group wearing rugby jerseys, mistaking them for opposing football fans. This misconception prompted the unprovoked assault, which has been widely condemned, although it does not justify the violence.

A police spokesperson noted, "The fans, possibly confused by the rugby attire, proceeded to assault these individuals without provocation." Following the incident, the police took measures to apprehend the involved parties.

The unrest was exacerbated by the fact that the Cottbus fans had already displayed troubling behavior during the match against Hansa Rostock, where they ignited numerous pyrotechnics.

In response to the incident, police undertook an extensive search operation. They conducted checks on the fan buses, which were found to be filled with intoxicated and aggressive fans. Following the checks, the buses were escorted by police back to Cottbus to ensure safety.

Due to the violent nature of the attack, the criminal police have initiated investigations into serious breaches of the peace. The incident has raised concerns about fan behavior in sports, particularly in the context of alcohol consumption and inter-group rivalry.

Energie Cottbus had recently secured a victory with a score of 3-1 against Hansa Rostock, which has intensified the competitive atmosphere among rival fans. The aftermath of this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing fan behavior during and after sporting events.

The situation at the match escalated with the use of flares and fireworks, leading to another outbreak of violence when fans stormed the pitch following a significant announcement regarding team standings.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in sports culture, underscoring the need for effective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.