Bundesliga: VfB Stuttgart promises clarification of violent scenes

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VfB players celebrate with the fans after the game against Gladbach (symbol image)

Photo: IMAGO/Michael Weber IMAGEPOWER / IMAGO/Michael Weber

After violent clashes between stewards and fans at the Bundesliga game in Stuttgart, VfB and Borussia Mönchengladbach have pledged that the incidents will be clarified.

The Swabian Bundesliga soccer club announced on Sunday that it was distancing itself "from the violence that can be seen in a video distributed on the Internet".

Recordings circulating on the internet at the weekend are said to show Stuttgart law enforcement officers beating the Gladbach fan block.

The Gladbacher Fanhilfe spoke of "an absolutely disproportionate use of force" by the VfB stewards.

Borussia also announced on Sunday: “The pictures we have so far do not speak for an appropriate action by the security service.

There is beating, kicking, that is brute force and no de-escalating intervention.

That has to be worked through.« One expects a »complete clarification«.

A spokesman for the Stuttgart police said on request on Sunday that the video material was currently being checked and, if necessary, investigations would be started.

There were several injuries in the incident.

According to the Stuttgarter, they are now collecting images and testimonies from fans and security forces.

"We ask for your understanding that we will need some time to get as complete a picture as possible," said VfB.

Gladbacher Fanhilfe asked affected fans to "please have their injuries certified and contact us".

The fan representatives also criticized the fact that the two Bundesliga clubs had initially not commented on the pictures.

After nine games without a win, VfB Stuttgart was 17th in the table.

won 3-2 against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday and celebrated the first win in the Bundesliga since mid-December.

ara/dpa