The highly anticipated derby match between Zwickau and arch-rivals Aue ended without any violent incidents, to the relief of law enforcement agencies. The police had put in a significant effort to secure the event, deploying 658 officers to enforce strict fan separation, which paid off.
Aue won the match 2-0, but it was the lack of violence that was the most significant outcome of the derby. According to Alexander Beitz, the head of operations for the derby, there were no clashes in the vicinity of the stadium despite the heated match on the pitch.
The police, however, recorded 13 criminal offenses and 20 administrative offenses, most of which were related to violating the ban on wearing masks and burning fireworks without permission. Both clubs, Zwickau and Aue, are expected to face heavy fines in the five-digit range from the DFB due to the pyrotechnics.
At the beginning of the game, Zwickau fans lit up rockets, while in the second half, two firecrackers exploded on the other side. Both incidents prompted the referee to interrupt the game momentarily.
FSV board spokesman, Frank Fischer, expressed disappointment at the senseless destruction of club money by a few unruly fans, stating that the club would work internally to address the issue.
It is noteworthy; both clubs paid heavily after what happened in the first leg. Erzgebirge Aue was sentenced to pay €82,300 by the DFB sports court, while Zwickau received a fine of €23,700. It remains to be seen what punishment awaits the clubs this time around.
