A friendly match in Gelsenkirchen escalated into violence as 300 fans clashed. The police intervened to prevent further incidents, with several people injured.
On Wednesday evening, September 4, a friendly match between FC Schalke 04 and NAC Breda took a violent turn, with large-scale clashes erupting between the two sets of fans. Up to 200 Schalke supporters and 100 Breda fans engaged in altercations behind the former Parkstadion in Gelsenkirchen-Erle.
The police responded with a significant force to prevent further criminal activity. According to a police statement released that evening, several individuals were injured during the brawl but fled the scene before emergency services arrived. The police took down the details of several people involved, though no arrests were made.
Pyrotechnics and further investigations
Preliminary investigations suggest that Schalke fans were responsible for instigating the violence. Peter Both, the chief of police, condemned the incident, stating: “When the police have to protect so-called ‘friendly matches’ with large-scale forces, it is a clear sign that another line of escalation has been crossed.”
Even at the beginning of the game, NAC Breda fans had set off pyrotechnics. Police are now investigating multiple offenses, including breach of the peace, aggravated assault, and violations of explosives laws. As for the match itself, Schalke won 2-1.
