According to Bild, a serious conflict broke out during the Mannheim versus Kaiserslautern Palatinate derby in the DFB-Pokal, causing major disruption.

In the match, which Kaiserslautern ultimately won 1-0 in extra time, players from both sides clashed on the field, and large-scale rioting broke out among fans in the stands, forcing the match to be temporarily suspended as police on horseback entered the stadium to maintain order.

During the match, Kaiserslautern captain Marlon Ritter argued with several Mannheim players, after which objects were thrown at him from the main stand. In response, Kaiserslautern fans launched fireworks towards the main stand. Mannheim fans then attempted to rush onto the field, forcing referee Robert Schröder to suspend the match, while police immediately intervened.

According to preliminary police reports, the riot left 35 police officers injured, with several people temporarily detained. Additionally, 85 people received medical treatment, eight of whom were hospitalized. A police spokesperson said most injuries were minor.

After the match, both sides debated the cause of the riot.

Mannheim sporting director: Kaiserslautern fans’ fireworks were the trigger

Mannheim sporting director Matthias Schober told Sky Sports that Kaiserslautern fans were primarily responsible for the match being suspended.

Schober stated: "I deeply regret the riot that followed. After the conflict on the sideline, we attempted to de-escalate. Then the Kaiserslautern fan section launched fireworks towards our main stand, which I believe caused the match to be suspended."

Host Patrick Wasserziehr then asked directly whether this meant Kaiserslautern fans were responsible for the escalation.

Schober responded: "From my perspective, the fan stand launched fireworks towards the main stand."

However, Schober also acknowledged that Mannheim fans contributed to the problem. He noted objects being thrown from the Mannheim fan area but believed that Kaiserslautern captain Ritter's actions were also provocative.

Mannheim executive: Ritter's actions were provocative

Schober explained: "I observed three yellow cards being issued, one of them to Ritter. When he returned to the bench, he provoked and vented his frustration in his own way."

He emphasized: “That doesn’t excuse throwing cups, but his behavior was indeed very provocative.”

When the reporter pointed out that Mannheim fans had also rushed onto the field, Schober admitted that such behavior was completely unacceptable.

"Yes, this absolutely should not happen. Such conduct has no place in a stadium," Schober said.

However, he added: “But near the end of the match, Ritter deliberately wasted time on corner kicks and continued provoking us. We lost 0-1, but player number 7’s provocative behavior at that point should not have happened either.”

Kaiserslautern CEO: Both sides are responsible, and this damages football's image

Kaiserslautern took a more measured approach than Mannheim.

Kaiserslautern CEO Thomas Hengen said after the match: “Many people were provoking. What happened in the stands was unacceptable, and both sides bear responsibility. Derbies like this should not escalate—it harms everyone and damages football’s image.”

Hengen praised the police: “I can only commend them for arriving quickly and bringing the situation under control. I hadn’t expected the match to continue.”

Regarding the match itself, Hengen believed both sides played fairly.

Kaiserslautern coach Torsten Lieberknecht expressed similar views, saying: “It’s regrettable because both teams played well and competed fairly. Although emotions ran high at times, they remained manageable.”

He believed both teams deserved to win and emphasized that focus should remain on football rather than off-field events.

Ritter responds to controversy: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion”

Kaiserslautern captain Marlon Ritter dismissed Mannheim's accusations against him.

When asked about Schober's remarks, Ritter said: "It doesn't concern me. Everyone has the right to their opinion. If we had lost, I might have said more."

Ritter also mentioned that someone from Mannheim’s bench had said something to him, but he paid no attention to it.

“None of that matters to us. We won the match, and that’s what’s important. We hope to play in another derby like this in the future,” Ritter said.

Mannheim captain: The fan atmosphere was incredible; other issues need analysis

When interviewed, Mannheim captain L. Klünter seemed unfazed by the riot.

He said, "It was a very special night with a fantastic atmosphere. Our fans really pushed everything to the limit."

When asked about the violent clashes, Klünter said: "I'm talking about the match itself. During the match, everything was great. Other matters will be analyzed later."

Kaiserslautern players: We barely noticed what was happening off the field

Kaiserslautern player Semih Sahin said the players were largely unaware of the off-field incidents during the match.

He said: "Honestly, I didn't see much because we were fully focused on the match. Later, there were some clashes near the sideline, things happened quickly, and we were soon asked to return to the field."

Sahin noted that, for the players, this remained primarily a football match.

"Players don't think much about these things. It was a derby we hadn't played in a long time, and emotions can run high. But ultimately, we were happy to win."

This explosive DFB-Pokal derby ended with Kaiserslautern defeating Mannheim 1-0 in extra time. However, the riot clearly overshadowed the result. The two sides disagree on what triggered the incident, and with 35 police officers injured, 85 people receiving medical treatment, and police on horseback entering the stadium, this match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most controversial derbies in DFB-Pokal history.

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