Taxpayers' association criticizes interior senator

In the debate about solutions to violence in stadiums, the Taxpayers' Association has criticized Hamburg's politicians. "We are calling on Andy Grote, Senator of the Interior, to provide transparency and solutions instead of apportioning blame," said Petra Ackmann, chairwoman of the association, in a statement published on Wednesday. There have been riots at several soccer matches recently, including in Hanover and Hamburg.

On the issue of soccer clubs contributing to police costs, the taxpayers' representatives criticized: "If there is no nationwide solution ("police cost fund"), the senator himself must provide his own legal basis." The Hanseatic association is in favor of a nationwide "police cost fund". According to the association, professional clubs should pay money into this fund to cover increased costs at high-risk matches.

In the discussion about clubs contributing to police costs, Grote had shown himself to be "open", but pleaded for a nationwide solution, as currently only Bremen charges the German Football League (DFL) for the costs of high-risk matches. The DFL then passes the fee notices on to Werder Bremen.

Grote strongly criticized the recent violence and called for consequences. He suggested that it may be necessary to "impose restrictions" on the area for visiting fans if this cannot be brought about by the club itself.

During the match between FC St. Pauli and Hannover 96 on Friday evening, there were violent clashes between fans and police in the visitors' block. Fan representatives later criticized the police for the use of 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.

Despite the recent incidents of violence at soccer matches in Hanover and Hamburg, FC St. Pauli and Hanover 96 are still set to compete in Bundesliga 2, with the former having encountered confrontations between fans and police during their last encounter.
In light of the ongoing debate about soccer clubs contributing to police costs, Hanover 96, like other clubs, could potentially be expected to contribute to a nationwide "police cost fund" to cover increased costs at high-risk matches, similar to the system proposed by the Taxpayers' Association.

Source: www.dpa.com