Police investigate after Galatasaray fan arrests

Dortmund prosecutors on Wednesday said they were considering attempted manslaughter as one of the charges to be brought after violence that surrounded the Champions League game on Tuesday.

Listing some of the allegations, senior prosecutor Birgit Cirullies said a three-kilogram (6.6 lb) seat - including its metal fixing - had been thrown from a Galatasaray seating area into a section of Dortmund fans seated below. "There could have been fatalities," said Cirullies.

Police were said to have arrested a total of 21 Galatasaray fans for acts committed before, during and after the German side's 4-1 win at Signal Iduna stadium on Tuesday evening.

After the game, German officers detained some 700 opposing fans to check identities and arrest suspects. Prosecutors said the majority of those arrested were residents of Germany.

Police injuries, play halted

Dortmund police chief Edzard Freyhoff told reporters the trouble had begun ahead of the match in the city center, where hundreds gathered for a march to the stadium. Firecrackers and smoke bombs were lit, according to police.

"Once the game started, the supporters continued lighting [fireworks]," Freyhoff said. "We identified some and arrested them on the spot." Two police officers were injured in the violence throughout the course of the evening.

Play was halted twice during the game after fireworks were lit by Galatasaray fans. Players from the Turkish club appealed for their own supporters to desist.

Other potential violations being considered against those arrested include violations of the explosives act and disturbance of peace, according to prosecutor Sandra Mücke.

UEFA sanctions possible

After the Group D game, police also had to intervene to stop retaliatory attacks by the Dortmund fans.

Galatasaray could face sanctions and a fine by UEFA, European football's governing body. Dortmund could also face disciplinary action, although the club on Wednesday insisted there was nothing more it could have done.

"Our security staff were meticulous," Watzke said. "What went on defies description. On a scale like this, you have no chance. You can't strip the fans naked."

Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc spoke of "a permanent provocation throughout the entire match" from the Galatasaray fans, while Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp claimed the violence had "thrown a shadow over the game."

Galatasaray fans notably found themselves under investigation during the semifinal stage of the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup. Two Leeds United fans were stabbed to death ahead of the Galatasaray's home leg in Istanbul, with Turkish fans banned from attending the return leg.

rc/glb (dpa, SID, AP, Reuters)