Violence before which tainted Germany’s friendly victory in Slovenia on Saturday has left the 2006 World Cup hosts fearing a revival of hooliganism before next year’s finals.
Around 200-250 Germans ran amok in Celje city centre before kick-off, smashing windows of cars and restaurants.
At the ground they threw flares on to the pitch and ripped out seats.
Police detained 38 German fans during the pre-match violence, 12 at the stadium and two after the match.
“We’re very, very sorry. We are ashamed,” said Germany’s coach Jürgen Klinsmann.
“It was absolutely senseless and dangerous. It gave a very, very bad picture of us as host of the 2006 World Cup. It’s a shame that a few rioters were able to use an international match as a platform for their mindless and dangerous actions.”
The DFB president Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder, who was attacked as he left the stadium, added: “It’s our shame. It’s a very, very sad matter.”
The DFB sold 750 tickets to German fans but because the match was not a sell-out there was no screen ing process in place, which led to hundreds of fans travelling without tickets.
“It’s disgraceful,” said Alfred Sengle, the DFB’s head of security. “We can only apologise to the Slovenian football association.”
