The German Football Federation (DFB) is investigating second-division club Dynamo Dresden after hundreds of fans rioted during its German Cup match against Hannover 96 Wednesday night.

Violence initially broke out before the match began when around 1,400 Dresden fans pressed against the gates at a section of the ground. Some 300 supporters then overran security officials and broke into the AWD Arena, clashing with police and delaying play for 15 minutes.

Dresden went on to lose the game 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play. After the loss, Dresden fans stormed the pitch, requiring police intervention. The violence left nine people injured and 18 fans were taken into custody.

'Embarrassed and outraged'

A police spokesman said the presence of 1,000 officers at the match prevented further violence.

"We are very disappointed," he added. "There was a lot of aggression around, and the violence against the police came only from the Dynamo [Dresden] fans."

In a statement, Dynamo Dresden said it was "embarrassed and outraged," and is launching its own investigation into the affair, acknowledging a need for "discussion about security" at German football stadiums.

Punishment likely

The DFB is expected to level a heavy punishment on the club, whose fans also clashed with police during a German Cup match at Dortmund in 2011.

Dresden was initially banned from this year's competition, but the sanction was later overturned. The club was ordered to pay a 100,000 euro ($129,500) fine and play one match behind closed doors.

The DFB's disciplinary committee has delivered 20 verdicts to Dresden over the last 20 years, with a variety of sanctions and fines.

dr/mz (AFP, dpa, AP)