REPORT: 100 injured, 35 Police officers hurt in violent German Cup clash

A heated German Cup first-round clash between Waldhof Mannheim and Kaiserslautern descended into chaos after fan violence left around 100 people injured, including 35 police officers, before Kaiserslautern secured a dramatic extra-time victory.

The high-risk fixture, played between two clubs separated by just 50 kilometres, was halted for approximately 30 minutes late in normal time after clashes broke out between rival supporters.

The match eventually resumed, with Kaiserslautern emerging 1-0 winners thanks to Ibrahim Kanate's dramatic 120th-minute strike, but the football was ultimately overshadowed by the disturbing scenes in the stands.

Authorities had classified the derby as a high-risk encounter long before kick-off because of the long-standing hostility between the two fanbases.

Trouble erupted near the end of regulation time when visiting Kaiserslautern supporters reportedly fired flares toward the main stand, sparking a chain reaction that quickly escalated.

Home supporters from Waldhof Mannheim then stormed onto the pitch, creating a dangerous situation that required immediate intervention from security personnel and police.

According to German police, officers were forced to enter the field to restore order.

“A massive police intervention on the pitch was required to force individuals back toward the home supporters' section using physical measures,” police said in a statement.

Police confirmed that 85 people received treatment, while eight were taken to hospital for further care.

Among those injured were 35 police officers, highlighting the scale of the unrest during the derby.

The large security operation had already seen nearly 1,400 police officers deployed to the stadium in anticipation of potential disorder.

Despite the chaos, officials decided to restart the match after the situation was brought under control.

With the score still locked at 0-0 after normal time, the contest went into extra time, where Kaiserslautern finally found the breakthrough.

Ibrahim Kanate scored in the 120th minute, sealing a dramatic 1-0 victory and sending Kaiserslautern into the next round of the German Cup.