Stadium violence: Interior Senator Grote demands consequences
Hamburg's interior and sports senator Andy Grote has clearly criticized the recent violence in German soccer and called for consequences. "I'm a bit tired of the fact that we always have to discuss violence and clashes afterwards after so many games," said the SPD politician in Hamburg on Tuesday.
Violence had broken out at several soccer matches in recent weeks, including in Hanover and Hamburg. Grote therefore suggested that it might be necessary to impose restrictions on the area of "visiting fans" if this cannot be brought about by the clubs themselves. "I think this is a situation that we cannot allow to continue," he added.
Grote was "open-minded" in the discussion about clubs contributing to police costs, but pleaded for a nationwide solution, as only Bremen currently charges the German Football League (DFL) for the costs of high-risk matches. The DFL then passes the fee notices on to Werder Bremen.
During the match between FC St. Pauli and Hannover 96 on Friday evening, there was an altercation in the visitors' block. After a fan was allegedly attacked, police officers entered the stands and were subsequently attacked by 96 fans. Fan representatives later criticized the police for using pepper spray. After the match in Hamburg, there were clashes between home fans and the police. At least 15 fans and 17 police officers were injured in the riots.
"I have several colleagues who were punched and kicked in the head because they were lying on the ground and then afterwards I have to listen to fan representatives saying that the police operation could have been done either way," criticized Grote. "I don't hear any self-criticism from any fan representative." They will look at the extent to which the "use of pepper spray here or there could have been done differently or should not have been done".
In response to the violence at Bundesliga 2 clubs FC St. Pauli and Hanover 96, Grote suggested stronger measures to control visiting fan areas, as the clubs have failed to address the issue. The recent match between the two teams resulted in an altercation in the visitors' block, with fans attacking police officers who intervened.
Source: www.dpa.com
