With both sides launching fireworks towards each other and clashes in the stands, the match was interrupted for almost half an hour until the police intervened as dozens of people were injured in serious riots.

Only two months ago, Hansa Rostock were hit with a €5,000 fine following another incident against Dynamo Dresden, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

A controversial banner was unfurled in the guest block with the message: “Recommended diversion to the other bank: Dresden sucks Poland’s c*ck for the next alliance.”

The DFB (German Football Association) condemned the banner as unsportsmanlike conduct, deeming the language obscene and provocatively insulting.

The DFB sports court stated:

“Such banners represent unsportsmanlike conduct. They are at least obscenely offensive and provocatively insulting… and therefore particularly reprehensible.”

The statement proved prophetic as the banner escalated tensions between the rival fans.

On Saturday, the Rostock police headquarters reported that a total of 13 officers and five stadium employees were injured in an attack on the catering area for visiting fans.

A further 33 people were treated by paramedics in the stadium.

The situation escalated during half-time as fireworks were initially fired from the Rostock fans at players and Dresden fans. 

In response, Dynamo supporters destroyed a partition as they tried to gain access into the Hansa end.

Police said that they were forced to intervene for safety concerns:

“In order to prevent violent attacks, forces were immediately deployed in the area in question in cooperation between state and federal police and the situation was brought under control.”

Dresden fans subsequently clashed with police as a banner was removed. 

The supporters responded by throwing fireworks at the police.

Dynamo captain, Stefan Kutschke tried to mediate, but was prevented by stewards.

Players and officials soon got involved, which resulted in another scuffle.

The spectators were asked over the stadium loudspeakers to refrain from any further provocations and the match was threatened with immediate abandonment in the event of further disorder.

After the break, play continued and Hansa won the match 1-0, holding on to an 11th goal by Nils Fröling.

The win lifts Rostock to seventh in 3. Liga, still seven points behind Dresden in second.

Disorder continued outside the stadium as the police reported other alleged crimes, including property damage, coercion in traffic, violation of the Explosives Act and violation of the Weapons Act. 

Rostock and Dresden have a long history of rivalry and disorder so this will have come as no surprise to German fans and police, but this will have added fire to the flames.

Despite the fact that this was a Bundesliga fixture just three seasons ago, heading into the tie, 32 league positions separated the two sides.

The hosts, Arminia, currently reside in the 3. Liga, sitting in the promotion playoff spot behind Dynamo Dresden and Energie Cottbus.

While Freiburg find themselves sixth in Germany’s top tier, occupying a Europa Conference League qualification spot.

Therefore, Julian Schuster’s side were undoubtedly heavy favourites prior to kick-off, in spite of Bielefeld’s previous cup heroics, having already eliminated Hannover 96 and Union Berlin.

18 minutes into the tie, Freiburg appeared ready to take control over the tie as Florent Muslija stepped up to the penalty spot.

However, Jonas Kersken in the Bielefeld goal would deny the 26-year-old before the game took an unexpected turn as Christopher Lannert’s spectacular strike placed the hosts in the lead.

Julian Kania would then do what Muslija could not and convert from twelve yards, as Bielefeld ran into a 2-0 lead.

Michael Gregoritsch’s second-half strike would be cancelled out by a Louis Oppie thunderbolt as the third-division side performed their third miracle of the DFB-Pokal this season.

The quarter-finals now await Bielefeld, who look to replicate 1. FC Saarbrücken’s run to the semi-finals last season.

Nevertheless, the bonus of more than €1.6 million for advancing past the round of 16 will undeniably be just as important a factor for the club.

GGFN | Will Shopland

As stated in the report, matches from the 3. Liga, two of the Regionalliga’s, as well as several other divisions, may have been influenced through online betting.

It is understood that the German Football Association is aware of the claims being made and are taking them very seriously.

However, there is doubt surrounding whether the results were directly influenced to favour either side.

Instead, the German Football Association are investigating dubious refereeing decisions that were made, as well as unusual mistakes from goalkeepers and defenders.

According to the report, information regarding the games has been sold on the dark web, with relevant chat histories detailing probable criminal deals.

Nevertheless, as for now, the games in question will not be specified, but these accusations are not new to the lower German leagues.

Last autumn, investigations were made by the Bochum public prosecutor’s office after a match between FSV Frankfurt and TSV Steinbach Haiger contained suspiciously high bets.

As of yet, it is unknown what the outcome of the investigation will be; however, the DFB partner responsible for monitoring sports betting has failed to find any irregularities in random samples thus far.

GGFN | Will Shopland

For several weeks, the young striker has been linked with a move away from Dresden since their relegation to the 3. Liga. 

It’s reported that HSV and Dresden have agreed on a transfer fee of €1.2m plus 300k for performance-related bonuses. 

The 20-year-old leaves Dresden having played 76 competitive matches with 13 goals and nine assists. 

Hamburg will be hoping that this injection of youth along with their experienced professionals will help them finally bridge the gap and achieve promotion back to the Bundesliga. 

On the other hand, the €1.2m for Königsdörffer will help Dresden plan for the 3. Liga. The side is also about to sell Christoph Daferner to FC Nürnberg for €1m. 

From these two transfers alone, Dresden should be able to rejuvenate their squad as they hope to bounce straight back to the 2. Bundesliga at the first time of asking. 

GGFN 

The club placed their entire squad and coaching staff into lockdown on May 9 after two positive tests, which resulted in last weekend’s fixture against Hannover 96 and this weekend’s game being postponed.

A player and the partner of a member of the coaching staff tested positive for the virus and will be placed under further quarantine whilst the rest of the team will resume training on Saturday when their initial isolation period ends.

Players and staff have been put into a two-week isolation period just one week after the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga are set to resume.

“In the past few weeks, we have made enormous efforts in terms of personnel and logistics in order to strictly implement all the prescribed medical and hygiene methods,” said sporting director Ralf Minge.

“We are in contact with the responsible health authority and the DFL to coordinate further steps.”

The DFL will make a decision next week on the postponed fixture against Hannover 96.

The Czech Republic international has joined Dresden on loan until the end of the season whilst the second division outfit do have an option to buy.

“As a footballer, I have already experienced a lot in my career and have also survived pressured situations. I would like to bring my experience into the fight against relegation and pass it on to my teammates,” said Husbauer.

The Germany U21 international joins the Royal Blues on a free transfer after his contract at Dresden expired.

Arsenal had also shown an interest in the stopper.

As previously suggested, Schubert will no longer be loaned out to another club due to the departure of Ralf Fährmann to Premier League club Norwich City.

Arsenal had shown previous interest in the Germany U21 stopper.

The 30-year-old wanted a return to Germany for family reasons following Huddersfield’s relegation from the Premier League.