Rock-bottom Hertha are heading inexorably towards relegation and a 2-1 home defeat by Nurnberg did nothing to help their cause.

After Angelos Charisteas hit an injury-time winner for the visitors, around 100 supporters invaded the pitch and appeared to be headed for the dressing rooms.

According to reports in Germany, police arrested 30 people, while four officers sustained minor injuries.

"We will act with all means possible. We will evaluate the situation when everything has calmed down," club president Werner Gegenbauer was quoted as saying on www.kicker.de.

The riots came two days after fans invaded a training session, unveiling banners to make known their disgust at the team's plight.

Hertha are bottom of the Bundesliga and, after today's defeat, nine points behind Nurnberg, who occupy the last position of safety.

"The riots have absolutely no place in a football stadium," said Hertha boss Friedhelm Funkel today.