German Police Say Teen Injured in Post-Match Brawl With French Team Has Died

German Police Say Teen Injured in Post-Match Brawl With French Team Has Died
The pitch of a soccer club in Frankfurt, Germany, on May 30, 2023. (Michael Probst/AP Photo)
The Associated Press
5/31/2023
Updated:
5/31/2023

FRANKFURT, Germany—A 15-year-old soccer player has died after suffering severe brain injuries during a post-match brawl with an opposing team at an international youth tournament in Germany over the weekend, officials said Wednesday.

Frankfurt police said in a statement that a postmortem examination will be carried out on the teen in the coming days. A 16-year-old player from a French team remains in detention pending further inquiries.

Police said a scuffle broke out following the final whistle Sunday and then escalated into a brawl between members of the French team and a team from Berlin.

The victim was struck in the head or neck area and collapsed, police said. He was treated by emergency medical personnel at the scene and taken to a hospital.

The exact circumstances of the fight were still under investigation. Police have asked for witnesses who may have video of the brawl to come forward.