Almost 400 fans fight in Dortmund

Almost 400 football fans from the rival fan camps of FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund got into a fight on Saturday evening.

September 21, 2025

From: dpa

Police seized gloves, boxing bandages, and ski masks, among other things, and are now investigating charges including grievous bodily harm. On the train journey from the away game in Magdeburg back to the Ruhr region, the emergency brake was activated twice in a row while traveling through Dortmund, police report. On the second occasion, a larger group left the train.

She then ran into a wooded area near the tracks. According to initial findings, a physical altercation occurred there between "Schalke problem fans and violent supporters" of rival football clubs BVB and 1. FC Köln, the police said in their statement.

Was there a conspiracy to commit violence?

The officers then encountered 300 Schalke fans and, nearby, around 90 BVB supporters and five fans of 1. FC Köln. Upon arrival at the scene, many of those involved had reddened hands and faces, a police spokesperson said. Investigations are underway to determine whether the fighters had arranged to meet.

Emergency services took down the victims' personal details and filed charges for dangerous interference with rail traffic, breach of the peace, and grievous bodily harm. Because several people were on the tracks, a helicopter was also deployed.
The Schalke fans were escorted back to the train by the police and were able to continue their journey half an hour later, also accompanied by the police.