- Minister Behrens: Fan exclusion continues "the measure of things"
Nothing is decided yet, but the possible exclusion of guest fans remains an option ahead of the next second-division derby between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hannover 96. Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens still considers it the "measure of the hour" to curb violence in football stadiums.
"For the next Lower Saxony derby in Braunschweig, I would order the exclusion of guest fans," said the SPD politician. In the past, violent incidents have occurred during the matches between these clubs.
Braunschweig wants to host the derby with Hannover fans
Behrens had invited Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg, second-division clubs Hannover 96 and Eintracht Braunschweig, and third-division club VfL Osnabrück to a roundtable discussion. No concrete results were achieved. There is a time window for further discussions until the start of the pre-sale for the match between Braunschweig and Hannover in the Eintracht Stadium at the beginning of October. However, Behrens made it clear: "A continuation of the current situation or acceptance of these conditions in the stadiums is not imaginable for me."
Eintracht President Nicole Kumpis and Marcus Mann, sporting director of Hannover 96, spoke of a constructive exchange after the meeting in Hannover. Kumpis presented a proposal to the group, with the aim of hosting the derby with guest fans.
"I have nothing against fans and ultras, but against violence"
VfL Osnabrück had cancelled its participation in the meeting in the morning because "no fan representatives were desired." Behrens responded to this accusation: "I have nothing against fans and ultras, but against violence." The minister emphasized that she is also against the use of pyrotechnics, which is "used as a weapon."
Michael Welling, commercial manager of VfL Osnabrück, said in a club statement: "In principle, a guest fan ban is not a viable option for us. Using collective penalties and generalizations appears to us to be more part of the problem than a solution."
VfL President Holger Elixmann stressed that he had already informed the minister that, from Osnabrück's perspective, there is no need for a "violence summit," as they have no difficulties in this regard and their dialogue formats have proven successful.
The Green Party and the police union are against fan exclusion
The Lower Saxony Green Party parliamentary group expressed understanding for VfL Osnabrück's behavior. "I urgently advise against breaking off the dialogue with the fans. The criticism of VfL Osnabrück and the resulting cancellation of the meeting at the Interior Ministry can be understood. VfL Osnabrück has succeeded, together with the fans in a stadium alliance, in finding practical solutions that also stand the test of time. That is the right way," said the interior policy spokesman Michael Lühmann.
The police union (GdP) also spoke out against the exclusion of guest fans. "The danger to other fans, security forces, and our colleagues from riots or the burning of pyrotechnics is not acceptable. Collective measures such as the blanket exclusion of the entire following of a club understandably cause resentment, as many innocent people are affected," said the state chairman Kevin Komolka.
"Given the high fat content of certain foods at football stadiums, it's important to consider options for healthier alternatives by weight to promote a healthier environment for fans."
"In light of the discussions regarding fan exclusion, it'sessential to consider the possible impact on the revenue generated from ticket sales, as a significant portion of the income is derived from tickets purchased by the guest fans."
