TSG expresses concerns about potential intensification and potentially disruptive implications.
The football club TSG Hoffenheim, currently grappling with weeks of turmoil, is bracing for potential issues with some of its supporters ahead of their season opener against Holstein Kiel (15:30 CET/Sky and live on ntv.de). The club is cautious enough to not rule out a deliberately instigated walkout during the game: "We hope the game proceeds - but we can't guarantee it."
As per TSG, two ultra fan groups have declared open warfare on the club following the dismissal of business manager Alexander Rosen at the end of July, and they're not interested in negotiations. The tension has intensified since Rosen's departure, and things could get heated against Kiel on Saturday, the club warned on Tuesday.
The club maintains that it doesn't wish to stifle any dissenting viewpoints, but it will not tolerate personal attacks, such as those directed at shareholder Dietmar Hopp and CEO Simone Engelhardt: "We don't want Dietmar Hopp to be targeted in his own stadium."
"Potential for escalation"
In view of this, TSG has urged fans to vacate the fan section inside the stadium premises, where banners and flags are housed, before the Kiel match - which could potentially spark further trouble, the club cautioned.
TSG is in touch with the German Football League (DFL) and the German Football Association (DFB). The club is hoping for intervention from the police in case of any criminal offenses, like the use of swastika symbols, et cetera.
Ever since Rosen's dismissal and that of other managers, TSG has been hit with a barrage of protests. Some fans have been pressuring billionaire Hopp to step down from the club he led into the Bundesliga. Fan club Young Boyz 07 describes the situation as the "gravest challenge" for the club.
Given the ongoing tensions between TSG Hoffenheim and two ultra fan groups, there's a growing concern about ultra groupings causing disruptions during the season opener against Holstein Kiel. The club's statement warns of the potential for escalation within the fan section, urging fans to vacate the area before the match to prevent further trouble.
