For the first time since 1998, spectators can watch the European Cup from standing room again – as a pilot project. The incidents in the Borussia Dortmund game against FC Copenhagen are therefore untimely.

The fan riots at Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League opener against FC Copenhagen caused consternation for former BVB professional Flemming Povlsen. “I was shocked and horrified when I saw on TV what some chaotic people did in Dortmund,” the Danish TV football expert told the “Ruhr Nachrichten”.

According to the 55-year-old Dane, the friendship between some Dortmund ultras and Brondby supporters and their bitter hostility to local rivals FC Copenhagen explained the tension. “I can only apologize to my friends in Dortmund for what has happened in the last few days. But actually, such behavior cannot be excused,” commented Povlsen.

According to their own statements, the police only largely managed to prevent home and away fans from meeting after the game (3-0) on Tuesday evening by using tear gas and batons. The evening before, there had been clashes in the city center between a group of BVB fans and the Bröndby IF club, as well as supporters of FC Copenhagen.

Before the kick-off, tracer projectiles flew from the away block onto the lower tiers of the seating stands and in the direction of the Dortmund pros as they inspected the pitch. A banner rolled up in front of the guest block with the inscription “Trust yourself” caused additional provocation.

The negative headlines come at the wrong time. Following a decision by the UEFA Executive Committee, standing room at international matches is allowed again for the first time since 1998. Together with England and France, Germany is part of the pilot project, which is initially valid for one year. This gave BVB a club record of 70,700 spectators at a European Cup game.

FC Copenhagen issued a statement on the incidents. The problems began when a group of masked men attacked the fans from Denmark with pyrotechnics, after which they responded with pyrotechnics as well. In the statement, FC Copenhagen distanced itself from the behavior of its supporters and criticized the fact that the security measures on site could not separate the fans of both clubs.

According to the police, another meeting between the two fan groups in the parking lot near the stadium was prevented after the game.