August 7 – A police officer was forced to go to hospital with a head injury and a steward suffered a dislocated shoulder as a weekend pre-season fixture between an English and a German club was abandoned.
Premier League Burnley were leading Hannover 1-0 when the match was called off because of unrest in the Hannover section that threatened to escalate.
“A group of travelling Hannover fans attempted to attack fans in the home stands, as well as police officers and stewards,” said a police spokesman. “Children and families were in attendance at what was a pre-season friendly match, which should have passed peacefully and without incident – but which ended up being abandoned due to the behaviour of some of the travelling Hannover fans.”
Seats were ripped up and thrown after visiting supporters surged towards the home fans about five minutes before the end of the first half.
The statement from the club and local police said “the behaviour of many Hannover fans before and during the game was confrontational from the outset”.
“Forty minutes into the game a large group of Hannover fans attempted en-masse to breach segregation and attack home supporters. This violence escalated with police officers and stewards being attacked and Lancashire police decided, in consultation with the referee and the club’s ground safety officer, that the game could not continue.
“Extra resources were quickly drafted in from across the county and the visiting Hannover fans were escorted from the stadium and away from the ground to ensure no further disorder took place.”
Hannover released a statement condemning the behaviour of their fans.
“Our attitude is clear: Hannover 96 condemns the incidents in the stadium and dissociates itself vehemently from any kind of violence,” said a club statement.
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