Erfurt/Jena, 29.03.2026 – A massive police presence secured the Thuringian derby between FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt and FC Carl Zeiss Jena on Sunday. Despite construction-related transfers in rail traffic and logistical challenges, the train journey of the approximately 1,000 arriving FCC fans was largely orderly, although officers had to intervene consistently in isolated incidents such as pyrotechnic throws.
- Reason for operation: Securing the Thuringian derby (approx. 15,000 spectators)
- Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Operation locations: Bahnhof Jena-West, Bahnhof Weimar, Hauptbahnhof Erfurt as well as the Steigerwaldstadion
- Incidents: Discovery of an unattended backpack (all-clear), investigations into incitement to hatred, pyrotechnics thrown at a regional train
Transfer in Weimar as a logistical feat
Due to the deep-seated fan rivalry between the two camps, the main focus of the Federal and Thuringian State Police forces was on the strict separation of the rival, partly violence-prone supporters. This year’s arrival presented a particular challenge: due to construction sites in the Jena city area, no direct train connection to Erfurt was possible. The visiting fans had to change trains at Bahnhof Weimar. To prevent clashes between rival groups at an early stage, police operational planning focused specifically on this junction.
A total of about 1,600 football fans traveled to the state capital by train, including a good 1,000 from Jena. Apart from isolated ignitions of pyrotechnics and the prohibited attachment of stickers to railway property – both of which are being prosecuted by the police – the journey on the trains proceeded without disruption.
Backpack alarm and delicate departure phase
While the match was still ongoing before around 15,000 spectators at the Steigerwaldstadion, an unattended backpack at Hauptbahnhof Erfurt caused a parallel operation in the late afternoon. Specially trained police explosive detection dogs searched the piece of luggage and quickly gave the all-clear: it was merely forgotten personal items. The brief cordons in the station were lifted in time for the massive arrival of home and away fans for their return journey. The police are now evaluating video recordings to identify the owner.
The departure phase proved to be the most critical moment of the day, as both fan camps reached the main station almost simultaneously. A coordinated approach by the units prevented direct confrontations in the station surroundings and the underpasses. However, a 16-year-old youth from the home fan camp stood out for singing the criminally relevant so-called “U-Bahn-Lied” towards the Jena supporters. The perpetrator was immediately identified; he is now being officially investigated for incitement to hatred.
The active fan scene of FC Carl Zeiss Jena began their return journey in a regional train shortly after 6:30 PM. While passing through the district of Vieselbach, unknown persons threw pyrotechnics at this train from the outside. Corresponding investigative proceedings were also initiated for this. The leading Federal Police Inspectorate Erfurt was supported in this large-scale operation by forces from the Federal Riot Police, neighboring stations, and the police flight service.
Background: Volatility of the Thuringian Derby and preventive measures
The encounter between FC Carl Zeiss Jena and FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt is traditionally considered a high-risk match in German football. The sporting and fan-cultural rivalry between the two largest Thuringian clubs dates back decades. Accordingly, the security concepts are elaborate, providing for an absolutely strict separation of fans (“buffer zones”) both in the immediate vicinity of the stadium and on the travel routes. The railway line via the Thuringian main line (Halle/Leipzig – Erfurt) as well as the Saalbahn are regularly the scene of a massive police presence on these derby days. As a preventive measure, the Federal Police often advise uninvolved travelers to switch to alternative train connections if possible or to plan for longer travel times on derby days, as transfer stations such as Erfurt, Weimar, and Jena can be temporarily heavily overcrowded and track closures may occur.
Source:
Jena: Federal Police operation at the Thuringian derby
Transparency note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.