The relegated Schalke team was greeted by angry fans.
There were scenes of violence and hunting, an anonymous S04 professional described the escalation.
Munich - After a 1-0 bankruptcy in Bielefeld, the relegation of FC Schalke 04 can no longer be averted four game days before the end of the season.
On the evening of the game, unpleasant scenes followed when the Schalke players were confronted with "massive aggression" from angry supporters after their arrival in Gelsenkirchen.
Apparently there were also hunting scenes in which the professionals tried to escape, as a police spokesman reported.
FC Schalke 04: Rioters hunt down their own players after relegation - video is circulating on the Internet
In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, a hundred police had to intervene to avoid an escalation. Around 500 to 600 people expected the team to return at around 1.30 a.m., but it did not remain peaceful. Two Schalke professionals are said to have been kicked, and a video is circulating on the Internet that depicts an escape scene in which three players are apparently fleeing from a pack. In the video you can also hear the most violent insults against the offensive player Mark Uth, who was probably among the hunted. According to a spokesman, however, it cannot be said exactly who can be seen on the video.
Before the violence at Schalke, the police reported that the relegated actors had been pelted with eggs.
"When the team arrived, there were violent expressions of displeasure at short notice when they left the bus," said the official announcement.
The club reacted in shock to the fans' attacks and issued a statement in which the incidents were "strongly condemned".
"The club will never accept if the physical integrity of its players and employees is endangered," said the future second division team *.
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FC Schalke 04: Professional speaks anonymously about violence night - "The fans attacked us"
FC Schalke 04 * will not publish any further statements until the events have been clarified, but one player broke his silence on Wednesday - albeit anonymously. The professional, who would rather remain anonymous, described his impressions of the scandal night in Gelsenkirchen to the broadcaster Sport1. “We were told loudly and clearly that we should be ashamed and that all players who won't be here next year should piss off immediately. If that doesn't happen, our lives would really be made hell, ”reports the professional.
The Schalke player also describes the moment when the frustration turned into violence. “Then we were pelted with eggs. Then a firecracker went off and the situation escalated completely. The fans attacked us. From then on we just ran. That was fear, pure fear! I just ran, ”he remembers. “Some of us have been kicked and kicked. I'm shocked and don't know how we should play the next games, ”said the Schalke’s sad realization after the excessive riots. (ajr)
