Leitl after scandal: "Disappointing for soccer Germany"

The fortunate win at Dynamo Dresden while short-handed and after a penalty was saved has completely faded into the background for Hertha coach Stefan Leitl. After the scandalous evening with two interruptions to the game due to pyrotechnics and a pitch storm, he finds it difficult to put his Hertha's 1-0 win into context.

"I was asked, what outweighs everything? I'm happy for my team. I'm happy that we won the game, because it's about the sport. Everything else has no place on the soccer pitch. It's very disappointing for soccer Germany what unfortunately happened here in Dresden tonight," said Leitl.

The Hertha coach added: "Two great clubs, a great stadium, the conditions are almost perfect to enjoy an evening of soccer, then something like this."

Fans storm the pitch

Fans storming onto the pitch caused a scandal during the match. Both fan camps had previously set off pyrotechnics. Then Hertha and Dynamo supporters suddenly jumped over the fences. The Dresden supporters ran across the pitch towards the Hertha fan block wearing masks. Both fan camps shot pyrotechnics back and forth.

Referee Sven Jablonski had to interrupt the second division match and sent the teams to the dressing room after the riots. He received praise from both coaches for his professional handling of the difficult situation. Meanwhile, police officers tried to force the Dynamo supporters back into their block. A Hertha flag was then burnt down there.

Dynamo coach Thomas Stamm was also more than contrite. Everything had been set up for a great evening of soccer, he said. But now, in the aftermath, other things prevail. "Now the focus is on things that have no place in soccer," criticized Stamm.