Football riot in the stadium
Frankfurt police criticize Eintracht coach Toppmöller
As of: 4:29 p.m. | Reading time: 3 minutes
Frankfurt’s home game against Stuttgart was overshadowed by serious riots
Source: dpa/Arne Dedert
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The riots in Frankfurt did not leave Eintracht unaffected. Just five days after the incidents with over 200 injuries, a delicate European Cup game awaits. Beforehand, the club engaged in a war of words with the police.
And now? Less than a week after the serious riots in the Bundesliga, the next big test is on the agenda in the Frankfurt stadium. The duel between Eintracht and PAOK Saloniki this Thursday evening (9 p.m./RTL) in the Conference League is very explosive in terms of sport – but the situation in the stands is expected to be much more exciting. More than 200 people were injured on Saturday in the escalation of violence, which police and fans said was unprecedented in recent years.
It will probably take a long time to come to terms with the unpleasant events. Coach Dino Toppmöller’s first priority on Wednesday was to address the victims of the riots. “I would like to wish everyone who was injured a speedy recovery. I hope that everyone gets well again quickly,” said Toppmöller. The police and public prosecutor’s office called a special press conference on Monday in response. Eintracht also commented in detail in a statement.
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For now, both sides are hoping that things will remain calm on Thursday. The 43-year-old Toppmöller tried to de-escalate and show restraint before the explosive European Cup game. “I deal with the things that are in my own hands,” he said, and later: “Basically, I’m always a fan of starting with ourselves.”
Eintracht Frankfurt stands behind Toppmöller
The coach was attacked for his statement on Saturday that the fans were always a great help. Jens Mohrherr, state chairman of the police union, told “Bild”: “You have to convey more to the ultras in particular that support is one thing – but that general behavior is also part of the club’s calling card. And Mr. Toppmöller should also understand that there are more important things than complaining that there was no atmosphere in the stadium.”
Eintracht board member Philipp Reschke reacts less diplomatically than Toppmöller. “The repeated accusations and demands from the police unions use clichés that are effective in the media and are currently not helpful at all. The reprimand towards our head coach about a comment made immediately after the game is completely inappropriate,” said Reschke.
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The board also sent words of warning to the fans. “We will keep a very close eye on the involvement of those involved in this. Every single person shares responsibility for ensuring that we experience a safe, peaceful and, above all, successful football evening,” said Reschke. On Monday, the police showed scenes in which the officers were attacked with, among other things, fire extinguishers and barriers. The club also criticized some of its supporters. The fans, in turn, declared the police operation to be disproportionate and excessive.
“But we also expect this from the problem fans.”
The police have set up a special commission and are working on the incident with around 50 people. “At the same time, we are of course preparing for the game next Thursday. We will approach the game with the necessary professionalism and with composure. But we also expect this from the problem fans,” said Police Chief Stefan Müller.
Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller caused anger with his statements to the Frankfurt police
Source: dpa/–
In terms of sport, Eintracht is aiming to win the group in the Conference League. Overwintering in the European Cup is already certain for both the Hessians (nine points) and the guests from Greece (ten). “We want to have fate in our own hands. We want to win the game. I am also confident that we will do the same with a good performance,” said Toppmöller.
