Future Ruhr derbies could be played behind closed doors, says police chief

Oct 23, 2012 9:15:00 PM

The call has gone out for serious action to combat hooliganism, in the wake of unprecedented levels of supporter violence that occurred around this weekend's key Bundesliga match

Future Ruhr derbies may have to be played without any spectators, says a police chief, following the riots that occurred as Borussia Dortmund and Schalke fans clashed on Saturday.

Dortmund police president Norbert Wesseler believes that action needs to be taken after some 180 fans were arrested following scenes of violence, which involved a local restaurant being gutted of its contents as rioters looked for potential weapons.

"We have arrived at a point where we must consider whether future games need to take place without visiting fans, or if they need to be moved," announced the police president, speaking to Bild.

"There might be the possibility of ghost matches if clubs and fans don't act soon. [Hooligans] wanted the fixture to hurt each other. A game with such violent potential, I would have to ban."

Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke also believes that action should be taken against the weekend riots, but insists that people should be careful not to brand all fans as hooligans.

"In principle, one should not make the mistake to tar all Ultras with the same brush. But we will take action against massive Ultras, who are not willing to give up using pyrotechnics or violence.

"They are at risk of not only a stadium ban, but also civil action," he said, speaking to Bild.

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