Fans Critically injured after Fight Delays Cologne vs Nice and Star Begs Supporters to Break it up
- 2 years ago
A COLONIA fan is in serious condition after being injured after a five-meter fall after clashes with Nice fans.
Cologne's Europa League Group D match against Nice was delayed by 55 minutes and kicked off at 6:40 p.m.
Violence erupted after both groups of fans decided to cross the upper level to confront each other, with the police trying in vain to keep them divided.
Both sets of supporters began firing missiles, including flares, and two fans are now in serious condition, reports RMC Sport.
One of those supporters fell from the top tier and received immediate medical attention.
Local authorities said one man was in intensive care with head and chest injuries after falling from a stall and 17 others were injured.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said: "I am fed up, I am really fed up that our sport is being tarnished in this way, that we can no longer say that we are going to a stadium with our children in a serene and safe".
Police used tear gas to separate fans as Nice star Dante and Cologne captain Jonas Hector called for the violence to stop from the pitch.
In an announcement, Hector said: "We really want to play the game with you. We also want the game to happen. But we have to say that we do not approve of this, we do not like to see it at all.
"We've worked hard this last year and the playoff games. And we'd love to do it with you, and that's why I'm asking you: keep your nerves, stay calm, support us the best you can."
"That's what the club wants too. For us to be together and in peace just celebrating football and not violence. Thank you."
Cologne issued an apology to the peaceful fans caught up in the clashes and condemned the violence.
A statement from the German club reads: "Unfortunately, the start of the game was delayed due to violent disturbances between people from both fan camps in the stadium and in the stands.
"We are currently discussing the background. The Uefa security meeting is currently taking place.
Cologne's Europa League Group D match against Nice was delayed by 55 minutes and kicked off at 6:40 p.m.
Violence erupted after both groups of fans decided to cross the upper level to confront each other, with the police trying in vain to keep them divided.
Both sets of supporters began firing missiles, including flares, and two fans are now in serious condition, reports RMC Sport.
One of those supporters fell from the top tier and received immediate medical attention.
Local authorities said one man was in intensive care with head and chest injuries after falling from a stall and 17 others were injured.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said: "I am fed up, I am really fed up that our sport is being tarnished in this way, that we can no longer say that we are going to a stadium with our children in a serene and safe".
Police used tear gas to separate fans as Nice star Dante and Cologne captain Jonas Hector called for the violence to stop from the pitch.
In an announcement, Hector said: "We really want to play the game with you. We also want the game to happen. But we have to say that we do not approve of this, we do not like to see it at all.
"We've worked hard this last year and the playoff games. And we'd love to do it with you, and that's why I'm asking you: keep your nerves, stay calm, support us the best you can."
"That's what the club wants too. For us to be together and in peace just celebrating football and not violence. Thank you."
Cologne issued an apology to the peaceful fans caught up in the clashes and condemned the violence.
A statement from the German club reads: "Unfortunately, the start of the game was delayed due to violent disturbances between people from both fan camps in the stadium and in the stands.
"We are currently discussing the background. The Uefa security meeting is currently taking place.