Police had to repeatedly use water cannon to separate battling supporters during the St. Pauli’s home match against bitter Hamburg rivals HSV, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Thousands of police officers were sent to maintain security during the traditionally tense match between “working class” St. Pauli and “posh” HSV.

It was the first derby clash for eight years, following St. Pauli’s promotion at the end of last season, while Hamburg is the only German club never to have been relegated from the Bundesliga since its creation in 1963.

In the Ruhr valley derby, Schalke 04 were beaten 3-1 at home by Dortmund but local police said no incidents were reported.