By David Gold
May 17 – The German Football Association (DFB) has launched an investigation into crowd disturbances during the relegation playoff between Hertha Berlin and Fortuna Dusseldorf this week.
An hour into the game, with Fortuna leading 2-1, flares were thrown onto the pitch, forcing play to stop.
When it finally resumed, Hertha equalised, but at 2-2 in the match’s dying moments, fans streamed onto the pitch thinking the game was over.
The match eventually restarted with the final score 2-2, meaning Fortuna won 4-3 on aggregate to win promotion to the Bundesliga.
The DFB said in a statement that it is investigating scenes at the game.
“Our committee has already launched an investigation,” the DFB said.
“We saw the events in this game with consternation and worry.
“The DFB and the league agree that such irresponsible behaviour that threatens the health of many peaceful fans cannot be tolerated and must be punished.
“The sports court…must find the appropriate punishment.”
Following the second interruption, players were forced into their changing rooms, with referee Wolfgang Stark convincing Hertha’s players to return to the pitch.
There have been suggestions Hertha could appeal and ask for a rematch because of the disruptions.
This was their second relegation in three seasons from the Bundesliga.
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