Saxony-Anhalt soccer president calls for tough penalties

After the massive riots at the second division match between 1. FC Magdeburg and Dynamo Dresden, the president of the Saxony-Anhalt Football Association has called for a crackdown. Offenders must be identified quickly and then it is crucial that there are quick and harsh sentences, said the former Interior Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, Holger Stahlknecht (CDU), to the MDR. It is also about a preventative effect. Instead of a suspended sentence or fine, a prison sentence might also be appropriate.

Police are looking for photos and videos from the stadium

At the same time, Stahlknecht spoke out against ghost games. "We always have some people who don't follow the rules, and in the end an entire society suffers from these excesses." At least 64 police officers were injured during the second division match on Saturday evening, 17 had to be treated in hospital. Supporters of 1. FC Magdeburg had tried to get into the visitors' block and were stopped by police officers.

The police have now set up their own investigation team and a tip-off portal on the internet. The Magdeburg police inspectorate is asking witnesses to upload photos or videos of the riots via the portal.