Flares from HSV

Violence

Updated: 18.04.2026 19:31 CET

Due to rocket flares from the HSV fan block, the Bundesliga North Derby between Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV almost escalated after the final whistle. There was even a police intervention in the guest area of the Weserstadion.

When Bremen’s 3-1 victory was confirmed, Hamburg fans initially threw small flares into the neighboring tribune block with Bremen spectators. They then fired rockets with such a long range that they reached the Werder fan block on the opposite side of the stadium, where the Bremen players were celebrating.

“This is brutally dangerous.”

Werder player Amos Pieper

“I saw some things land next to us,” said Werder coach Daniel Thioune. His defender Amos Pieper said: “These are serious projectiles. We did not expect them to fly across the entire field. This is brutally dangerous. This should not happen.” HSV coach Merlin Polzin said, “I cannot approve of this in any way, but I still need more images to assess it. I naturally hope that nothing happened to anyone.”

“I naturally hope that nothing happened to anyone.”

HSV coach Merlin Polzin

A spokesperson for Bremen said in a preliminary review at the press conference, “Property damage, yes. As of now, personal injuries are at least not known. Therefore, it ended relatively mildly.”

Police pressed with forces into the guest block

After the rocket flares were shot, both Werder fans wanted to walk towards the HSV block and Hamburg supporters wanted to push out of their stadium area. However, the police intervened and pressed into the guest block with several forces. At that time, it was already not fully occupied.

“It was clear it was heated: In the situation both clubs are in. It’s a North Derby. We play here at home,” said Pieper. “Nevertheless, a few boundaries must not be crossed.”

Before the game, there was an incident

Even before the kick-off, there was an incident: Rocket flares were shot from the HSV fan block onto the field, landing next to the DAZN TV team. The broadcaster interrupted its broadcast and showed commercials. The police had categorized the North Derby as a high-risk game.