Suspect arrested in court over firecracker incident at Augsburg match

The main defendant (R) sits in the dock in a courtroom alongside other defendants in front of lawyer Harald Stehr (C). On 11 November 2023, the man is alleged to have set off a firecracker in the visitors' block during the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa

A man accused of aiding and abetting in a trial over a firecracker incident at a Bundesliga match was remanded in custudy on Tuesday.

The suspect is alleged to have interfered with a witness and was detained for danger of collusion, with the arrest warrant issued later in the day.

The main suspect had admitted to have thrown a firecracker during the Augsburg v Hoffenheim match on November 11 from the visitors' end towards the pitch. It detonated near fans, injuring 14, including five children.

He also apologised to the victims on the opening day of the trial on Monday.

The Hoffenheim fan is in custody and charged with causing an explosive device to explode and causing grievous bodily harm. Three other fans face convictions for aiding and abetting, including the one detained on Tuesday.

The trial is to be completed April 12 and 22, with a verdict however possible on April 12.

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