Leipzig fan train attacked in Germany with suspected acid

A train carrying RB Leipzig fans was attacked by unknown individuals before its return journey from the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday, reported dpa.

Social media accounts said butyric acid had been thrown. Police said on Sunday that a foul-smelling liquid had leaked from broken bottles in two carriages. No one was injured as many supporters had not yet reached the train from the stadium.

The police did not confirm that the liquid was butyric acid, but there is a strong suspicion.

It is also suspected that the perpetrators were Gladbach supporters. Fans of the traditional club detest the Leipzig side, which was only set up in 2009 and is controlled by the Red Bull energy drink and sports empire.

There were clashes on the train platform between rivals fans and police used pepper spray. Gladbach supporters protested against Leipzig during the game.

This would be the second butyric acid attack on Leipzig fans within a year. During a match in Heidenheim at the end of April 2024, the visiting fans were doused with the liquid.

The German Football Federation (DFB) fined Heidenheim €15,000.

Leipzig sacked their coach Marco Rose on Sunday following Saturday's 1-0 Bundesliga defeat.