Hamburg SV’s long-awaited return to the Bundesliga ended in scenes of chaos after a pitch invasion left at least 25 people hospitalized at the Volksparkstadion.
The fallen German giants secured promotion with a commanding 6-1 victory over SSV Ulm, ending their six-year stay in the 2nd Bundesliga. Jubilant supporters stormed the pitch to celebrate, but the celebration spiraled into mayhem.
According to Berliner Tageszeitung, one person suffered life-threatening injuries, 19 sustained serious harm, and five others were treated for minor injuries. A total of 44 fans required on-site medical care, with 65 emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, deployed to the scene.
Videos shared on social media show fans leaping from the stands, climbing over advertising boards, and racing toward the players. Some supporters were seen bouncing on the crossbar, which eventually gave way and collapsed, sending several people crashing to the ground.
Others attempted to enter the dressing rooms but were intercepted by police. Photos from the aftermath show torn-up turf and goal nets cut by fans eager to take mementos from the historic moment.
The emergency response was hampered by stretched resources due to the 836th Hafengeburtstag festival and a major concert at the nearby Barclays Arena.
Despite the injuries, the return to the Bundesliga marks a significant milestone for Hamburg. Once nicknamed the “dinosaurs” for their record-long uninterrupted stay in Germany’s top flight, the 1983 European Cup winners were relegated for the first time in 2018.
While the promotion brings renewed hope for the club, officials and supporters alike will be left reflecting on a celebration that turned dangerously chaotic.
