Rhine derby to be guarded by over 1,400 police as 20 fans banned

Police have banned 20 potential troublemakers from attending the Rhine derby between Bundesliga rivals Cologne and Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday and plan to safeguard the game with over 1,400 officers.

Authorities still expect around 500 people from both sets of fans who may be prepared to use violence. Police said in a statement on Thursday that they would "keep a particularly close eye" on such supporters.

The rivalry between the two clubs has been huge since the 1970s and neither side is safe from relegation, making the game even more important.

German politicians are mulling the idea of billing clubs for policing costs or denying permits for football events after a rise in violence in and around German matches.

Cologne managing director Philipp Türoff rejected "blanket threats" as not helpful.

"They demonstrably do not represent an effective lever for more security, but risk undermining the partnership-based cooperation between clubs and authorities," he told Kicker magazine.

In addition to the derby on Saturday, emergency services will also be stretched by a parallel demonstration against racism in Cologne, with around 10,000 people expected.

Police are anticipating traffic chaos, with numerous road closures in the city.

Kwasniok steadfast

Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok is adamant his side will stay up having previously predicted survival. They are one point above the relegation play-off spot.

"I stand by it: We will achieve our goal," he told a news conference despite six matches without a win.

The boss, in his first season in charge, has been under pressure from elements of the fanbase all season but said he was still the man for the job.

"Cologne were relegated from the Bundesliga for the first time in the 1997-98 season. We have gone down seven times," the 44-year-old said.

"In those seven times, they always tried to prevent it with coaching changes and it didn't work."

Top scorers Said El Mala and Jakub Kaminski are fit to play in the 100th Bundeliga derby between the rivals despite missing training on Wednesday.

"They rested yesterday but took part in everything today. They can be involved as normal," the coach said.