Situation escalates during pitch invasion: Dozens seriously injured at Hamburger SV's promotion celebration

Situation escalates during pitch invasion Dozens seriously injured at Hamburger SV's promotion celebration 11.05.2025, 05:51

The euphoric fans of Hamburger SV celebrate a lavish promotion party. Many stadium visitors storm the pitch after the game. The situation becomes tense—and in at least one case, life-threatening.

At Hamburger SV's promotion celebration at the Volksparkstadion, nearly two dozen people were seriously injured as a result of the pitch invasion. One person was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the Hamburg Fire Department.

Another 19 football fans were taken to nearby hospitals with serious injuries, and five with minor injuries. Some of them jumped from the stands, a fire department spokesperson said. There were also injuries from scuffles. A total of 44 patients received medical treatment.

Due to the large number of injured people, approximately 65 emergency services and firefighters were reportedly deployed. About a dozen ambulances arrived in front of the stadium.

HSV supporters storm the pitch

HSV had completed its return to the Bundesliga after seven years in the second division that evening with a 6-1 win over SSV Ulm. A few minutes before the end, some fans stormed the pitch, knocking down advertising hoardings. By the end of the game, there was no stopping them. Police had to prevent fans from entering the locker room.

Some fans destroyed the promotion goal, as the "Bild" newspaper reported. They reportedly cut out the net and dismantled the frame into pieces. They also stole parts of the turf. A mandatory act, however, at such celebrations.

Emergency services were busy with major events over the weekend. In addition to HSV's promotion, people celebrated the 836th anniversary of the port's founding in the city, and pop star Roland Kaiser performed at the Barclays Arena near the stadium.