Berlin Derby Interrupted After Fans Throw Flares on Field

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Fans were undoubtedly pumped for the Berlin Derby between city rivals Union and Hertha on Saturday, but their excitement caused a delay during the match.

As part of their celebration, fans were waving flares in the stands. However, at 50:14, fans threw a few flares onto the pitch amid the smoke filling Stadion An der Alten Försterei. One flare landed midfield and another fell near Union Berlin's bench. The players began to clear off the turf and play was temporarily stopped.

Saturday's match marks the first time Union and Hertha have met in the Bundesliga. Host Union Berlin, who was promoted last season, beat Hertha 1–0.

The two clubs' meeting also carried plenty of historical significance. The match came nearly 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989, allowing access between West Berlin and East Berlin for the first time in almost three decades.