A THIRD-DIVISION game in Germany has been suspended after wild scenes both on and off the field. Rostock's 3. Liga showdown with Dynamo Dresden was halted for almost half an hour as riot police struggled to gain control. Nils Froling gave Rostock an early lead in the contest, with Dresden arriving chasing an automatic promotion spot.
![[Police officers in riot gear stand guard at a sporting event.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/police-officeres-stand-guard-stands-974113275.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But it was events off the field which derailed the bad-tempered clash at the Ostseestadion. During halftime, Dresden fans unveiled a banner which led to police heading into the visiting supporters, per Welt. Various videos circulating on social media showed fireworks being fired at riot police from the away section.
![[Police officers and soccer fans igniting flares in a stadium.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fans-dresden-rostock-lit-flares-974113308.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Police stood firm as various pyrotechnics were sent their way. Fans from both teams then began sending pyrotechnics towards each other on the terraces. Dynamo captain Stefan Kutschke attempted to calm proceedings, only for a brawl to break out on the field.
![[Soccer fans throwing flares at police in a stadium.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fans-dresden-rostock-throw-lit-974113268.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Coaches and players from both sides were involved in the fracas, with the game in total suspended for 28 minutes. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS. Pleas were made over the tannoy for fans to stop firing fireworks into their respective sections. And the game was even threatened with abandonment if the crowd continued.
![[Police officers confronting fans throwing flares at a soccer match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fans-dresden-rostock-throw-lit-974113287.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Tempers eventually cooled enough to resume the game, with Rostock holding on for a 1-0 victory. The result leaves Dresden second in the table, three points behind leaders Cottbus. Rostock meanwhile are now 7th and within just four points of the playoff spot.
