Dynamo Dresden: Mega fine after fan riots in Rostock!

Dynamo Dresden: Mega fine after fan riots in Rostock!

On September 16, 2025, the DFB sports court made its verdict on the massive riots during the third division game between Hansa Rostock and Dynamo Dresden, which took place on February 22, 2025. The incidents during the game, which Rostock won 1-0, were characterized by violent clashes and a completely inadequate security concept. The sports court has now decided that Dynamo Dresden will be fined 113,450 euros, while Hansa Rostock, the organizer, will receive a fine of 135,000 euros. As Bild.de reports, the Dresden fans have to answer for the incidents that took place during the game.

The riots were numerous and extremely dangerous. The away fans were fired at with rockets by the Rostock supporters, while Dynamo fans attacked the police with Bengalos. A time delay of 27 minutes at the start of the second half was also caused by the chaotic conditions. A total of 20 Bengal torches and as many firecrackers were lit. The incident also shocked the emergency services as several police officers were injured when Bengali flares were thrown at them. As MDR.de states, there was also considerable damage to property: two security windows were destroyed, a turnstile, two toilet bowls and a fire hydrant also suffered. Fortunately, the staff at the aid station were uninjured.

Riots as a warning signal

Such chaos is not only a nuisance, but also a sign of urgent need for action. The DFB criticized the inadequate security concept during the riots, but only recognizes the importance of security to a limited extent. Hansa Rostock is threatened with a partial exclusion of spectators for two third division home games, but this will initially be suspended. There is a positive turn for Dynamo Dresden: Of the 113,450 euros fine, up to 37,800 euros can be used for security or violence prevention measures if evidence is provided by March 31, 2026. This represents an opportunity to regain fans' trust and prevent future incidents.

Over the last few years, the German Football Association (DFB) has worked intensively on a violence prevention concept called “Fair is more”. Various measures are intended to reduce violence in football and promote respectful cooperation. The measures include contact points for cases of violence and discrimination in all regional associations and financial support for fan projects. Furthermore, the aim is to detect incidents of violence at an early stage and take effective action against them, as described in a report on DFB.de.

These incidents should serve as a cautionary tale. The responsibility for a peaceful sporting event lies not only with the clubs, but also with the fans themselves. In football, the focus should be on the fun of the game, not the danger of violence and destruction.