Police arrest 530 fans during Frankfurt derby

German police arrested 530 football fans and detained 159 of them after trouble marred the Eintracht Frankfurt-Darmstadt derby in the German league, it was confirmed on Sunday.

Relegation-threatened Eintracht boosted their survival chances with a 2-1 fight-back win on Saturday at Darmstadt, which is only 35 kilometres (21 miles) south of Frankfurt, thanks to goals by Japan midfielder Makoto Hasebe and Stefan Aigner.

The result means Eintracht are only in the bottom three on goal difference with two games left this season.

Trouble had been expected for the key derby, especially with hosts Darmstadt just above the relegation places.

But officers had to step in after disturbances throughout the day in Darmstadt with Hessen police reporting cases of “rioting, flares being set off, bullying, insulting behaviour and damage to property” from “several violent groups” of fans.

Despite a huge police presence in Darmstadt’s city centre, there was a brawl between rival fans after the match which was quickly dealt with.

Police say four officers were lightly injured during disturbances and one football fan had to be treated in hospital after pepper spray was used during an arrest.