A large-scale police operation involving over 1,100 officers was conducted during the Lower Saxony derby between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hannover 96 to ensure public safety amid incidents of pyrotechnic misuse and fan misconduct.

The Lower Saxony derby between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hannover 96, held on October 15, 2023, required a significant police presence due to its historical intensity and associated security challenges. Approximately 800 officers from the Braunschweig Police Department, supported by 300 officers from the Federal Police in Hannover and additional units from the Central Police Directorate, were deployed to manage the event. The operation was meticulously planned and executed in collaboration between the agencies to ensure public safety.

Ahead of the match, around 1,900 Hannover 96 fans traveled to Braunschweig via a special train provided by Westfalenbahn and were transported to the stadium using buses operated by Braunschweiger Verkehrs-GmbH (BSVG). Meanwhile, approximately 2,000 Eintracht Braunschweig supporters participated in a fan march to the stadium. During this march, four individuals sustained injuries due to fireworks ignited within the crowd, and a BSVG employee was injured and required hospitalization. During the game, pyrotechnics were used by fans from both sides, with incidents escalating in the final minutes. Rockets were launched from the visiting Hannover fan section towards the home fan area, injuring a spectator and a police officer.

Thomas Bodendiek, the overall operation leader from the Braunschweig Police Department, and Martin Kröger, the Federal Police operation leader, expressed dissatisfaction with the incidents, despite the successful coordination of police efforts. Bodendiek emphasized the importance of the close collaboration between state and federal police forces, which ensured the smooth management of travel routes and stadium security. However, both leaders condemned the misuse of pyrotechnics, particularly the targeted attacks on police officers, emergency responders, and spectators. Thomas Ring, President of the Braunschweig Police Directorate, also criticized the behavior of certain Hannover fans, stating that such actions are unacceptable and do not represent true fan culture. Authorities have pledged to investigate these incidents thoroughly and take appropriate legal action.