Lukas Podolski’s farewell match in Cologne caused serious scenes of violence in the streets of the German city on Thursday. A man is in serious condition after being stabbed and nine police officers have been injured.
Lukas Podolski’s jubilee in Cologne turned into a pitched battle in the streets of the German city on Thursday. Violence between two groups broke out near the cathedral and a 32-year-old Polish man, who was on his way to the match, was stabbed. He was taken to hospital in critical condition. A suspected accomplice, aged 17 and with blood on his clothes, was arrested.
Nine police officers injured
Another altercation between Polish fans and another group reportedly broke out an hour after the first, prompting the intervention of riot police. Things would then have degenerated with projectiles thrown at the police. An initial report shows nine police officers injured. The authorities are currently studying video surveillance to find the troublemakers who took advantage of the confusion to disperse.
According to some sources, the confrontation was between fans of the Polish club Gornik Zabrze, where Lukas Podolski plays, and those of GKS Katowice. Others speak of violence between Polish and German fans. Born in Poland (Gliwice) and trained at FC Cologne, the striker launched his professional career there (2003-2006) before joining Bayern Munich (2006-2009), then returning there (2009-2012). Then spent by Arsenal, Inter Milan or Galatasaray, he joined the Polish club Gornik Zabrze in 2021.
On Thursday, he faced Cologne with a “Team Poldi” for his farewell match in front of 50,000 people. Scorer for his team in the first half (which led 5-0 at the Paise), he played the second half with Cologne, helping to reduce the gap with a goal and an assist for a final score of 5-3 . Several of his former teammates attended this tribute meeting such as Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Per Mertesacker and coaches Hansi Flick and Joachim Löw.
“It’s over on the pitch, but we will certainly see each other again off the pitch, whether in the stands or outside,” confided the famous left leg of German football, crowned world champion in 2014. Once a Cologne fan, always a Cologne fan It means a lot to me that so many fans want to come and enjoy this special evening with me. It’s an honor for me to once again wear the goat (logo symbol). my chest in front of a packed house It’s a final declaration of love to this special city, to the club with its fantastic fans, to my teammates for so many years and to the other people who have accompanied my journey.
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