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 While finances and spectator numbers have been on an upward trend
in the top two leagues, it has been accompanied by increases in
arrests, criminal proceedings as well as injuries from violence at
matches.
A total of 8,989 fans were arrested or detained last season, up 31
percent from the previous season, according to a report issued by
the German police unit in charge of monitoring deployment in sport.
The number of criminal proceedings launched from incidents at
matches was also up by 21 percent to 7,863, while the number of
injured fans and police rose to 1,281, up from 788, partly due to a
different surveying method.
Based on the previous method injuries were still up by more than 12
percent.
"Compared to 2012/13, safety-threatening or violent behavior of
so-called football fans has risen in total in both Bundesliga
divisions," the report said.
Equally worrying, the report said, was the increasing influence of
ultra fan groups in club boards, though the report said most were
peaceful and committed supporters.
However, it did note a 1.2 percent rise in the total number of
estimated fans prepared for or seeking violence before, during and
after games to a nationwide total of 10,542 individuals.
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The figures will not please German football bosses, who have seen
broadcasting rights, sponsorship and success on the pitch boom in
the past several seasons.
The top Bundesliga division also has the world's highest average
attendances per game at more than 42,000 in 2013/14.
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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