• Bundesliga

Dortmund v Schalke game sees over 200 arrested

ESPN staff
October 20, 2012
Schalke fans are escorted by the police © PA Photos
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Violence erupted as Schalke won the 141st Ruhr derby 2-1 over rivals Dortmund, with around 200 people arrested and eight police officers injured in clashes.

A strong police presence - around 1,000 officers; twice as many as are on duty for a normal Bundesliga match - ahead of the game did little to mask the tensions as there were violent attacks before the start and a water cannon was used by police to stop Schalke fans pulling a fence down.

Once the match had been completed, Schalke fans were marched out of the stadium under guard, but groups of fans continued to clash with police and Schalke manager Horst Heldt admitted the rioting had left him stunned.

"That's not what we imagined happening here," Heldt said. "Before the game, both clubs had made a statement that we hope the rivalry would be contained to the pitch. This is not nice and can't be accepted. Maybe at some point, we can express emotions through chanting and cheering."

During the course of the day over 200 fans were arrested and eight police officers were injured, the city's police department confirmed.

"Perpetrators from Dortmund and Schalke have purposely undermined our security plans with their only goal being violent clashes with bystanders and rival fans," Dortmund's police chief Dieter Keil said.

"This has nothing to do with the enthusiasm for football and has nothing to do with what we want to see in Dortmund."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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