Attack after semi-final game
Masked Eisbären fans attack a bus with Cologne supporters
April 13, 2026 – 6:26 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
After the semi-final game in Berlin, 20 to 30 masked attackers stormed a coach with Cologne fans. The club distances itself and announces consequences.
20 to 30 masked fans of the Eisbären Berlin attacked a coach with guest supporters after the semi-final game of the German ice hockey championship against the Kölner Haie. The attackers hit the bus with flagpoles, fists and glass bottles, forced their way inside and injured a passenger.
The bus was driving near the Uber Arena in Berlin-Friedrichshain after the game early on Sunday evening when the perpetrators stormed onto the street. Some opened the lower overhead compartments and stole merchandise – including drums and flags. Plainclothes police intervened. The attackers disappeared into another Berlin fan group and changed their clothes. The police checked a total of 92 fans. The stolen items were then handed over to officers. The investigation is underway on suspicion of a particularly serious breach of the peace.
The polar bears thanked the police for their quick response and assured support in the investigation. Eisbären managing director Thomas Bothstede said on behalf of the club and the other fan groups: “We deeply apologize to the Kölner Haie and their fans as well as to all the inmates of the fan bus that was attacked. We reject violence in any form and condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms.”
If the perpetrators are identified, there will also be consequences within the club. Bothstede added: “Ice hockey is and remains a sport for the whole family and such acts have no place there, absolutely nothing at all. I ask that you do not lump all Eisbären fans together. We will exercise zero tolerance in dealing with it.” There will be a significantly increased police presence at the upcoming games.
The Eisbären lead the series 2-1 overall, the next game takes place on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
