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THE police in Cologne on Wednesday said they detained five suspected perpetrators involved in the violent riots during the Conference League game between Nice and Cologne on Sept.  8.

The report said investigators and the police have been searching flats and houses in Cologne, as well as the neighbouring towns of Hürth, Pulheim and Bergisch Gladbach.

This had gone on since the early morning hours.

Cologne’s Conference League opener at Nice had to be delayed nearly an hour due to violence between fans at the match.

Local police said that 32 people were injured.

The police union described the operation as a “strong sign of the state under the rule of law” and said the decision now is in Cologne’s hand.

“We need stadium bans,” union chief Michael Mertens said.

Around 10,000 Cologne fans reportedly travelled to the south of France.

But their behaviour, namely littering and public urination, had been criticised by the Mayor of Nice and his deputy in the build-up to the game.

European football ruling body UEFA has already punished the German side with a fine of 100,000 euros (99,448.56 dollars).

They were also punished with a fan ban for two away games for using pyrotechnics, throwing objects onto the pitch and causing disturbances in the stadium.(dpa/NAN)

A.I

Tags: chief Michael Mertens. UEFA