Pitch invasion, fire and over 100 injured at Waldhof Mannheim — Kaiserslautern derby
The DFB-Pokal 1/32 final ended 1–0 after extra time, but a pitch invasion and a large fire at the Carl-Benz-Stadion left more than 100 people injured.
Violence and a large blaze overshadowed the DFB-Pokal meeting between Waldhof Mannheim and Kaiserslautern, a Südwest derby played on 22.08.2026; the game finished 1–0 to the visitors after extra time.
The match was halted at the end of the 90 minutes when home supporters invaded the pitch, forcing police to intervene to prevent clashes between the two sets of fans. Security operations eventually pushed Mannheim supporters back into their sector.
The operation to restore order and return fans to the stands left 110 people injured in total: 35 police officers and 85 supporters were reported hurt.
After the final whistle, fans of Kaiserslautern are reported to have escalated disturbances inside the away section and started a substantial fire, using numerous stadium seats as fuel. The episodes took place at the Carl-Benz-Stadion and required emergency response.
Despite the stoppages, the game resumed into extra time and concluded with a 1–0 victory for Kaiserslautern. Video and photo material from the stands circulated on social media in the hours after the match, showing scenes of pitch incursions and the fire.
Local authorities and both clubs are expected to review the incidents and assess responsibility for the violence and the damage to the stadium.
Photo: press material from the event
