Cologne beat Gladbach as fireworks spark suspension and police response

Derby marred by disorder in the stands

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s miserable start to the Bundesliga season continued with a 2-1 defeat by local rivals Cologne, leaving Gladbach pointless after five matches and rooted to the bottom of the table.

The match was overshadowed by trouble in the terraces. Play was suspended for several minutes after Gladbach supporters appeared to fire fireworks into home sections, and riot police surrounded the visiting supporters’ block.

Said El Mala scored a second-half winner for Cologne. The defeat was Gladbach’s fifth in as many league games under new coach Alexander Blessin.