Fan riots delay Köln's showdown with Nice
Shocking scenes at the Allianz Riveria ground in Nice have caused 1. FC Köln's Conference League matchup with the French side to be delayed.
Riotous scenes in France have caused 1. FC Köln's Conference League matchup with OGC Nice to be delayed. Supporters from both sides engaged in flare throwing prior to kickoff. It has been reported that a Köln supporter fell down from the middle seating tier and was seriously injured.
Crowd trouble in game between Nice-Köln. Game is set to be called off due to serious supporter incidents, reports RMC Sport.pic.twitter.com/Mo0zNjCuIO
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 8, 2022
The stands were immediately cleared and an emergency security meeting with UEFA was convened. The confederation has opted to try and play the match. Kickoff is now set for 19:40, Central European Time. The stadium PA issued a warning in both German and French stating that the match will be abandoned if any further incidents occur.
On their twitter feed, the German club has issued multiple statements. The club has condemned violence in all forms and expressly apologized to all Geißböcke supporters who conduct themselves in a "peaceful fashion". Squad Captain Jonas Hector is also quoted asking all fans to respect the team and behave themselves.
3/3 Das ist das, was der Verein auch will. Dass wir zusammenstehen und in Frieden einfach den Fußball feiern und nicht die Gewalt. Danke euch.“ #effzeh
— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) September 8, 2022
[Europa Conference League] [Ultras]
— Ultra Fanatic (@UltrasClips) September 8, 2022
[08.09.2022]
🇪🇺OGC-Nizza-Fc Köln
Troubles in the Stadium:
The ultras of FC Cologne attack OGC Nice, a supporter falls down from the row, which caused the kick-off to be delayed! New face-off time [19:40]
[Europa Conference League] [Ultras] pic.twitter.com/ZaX5GLGk7Q