Minister calls for more consistent stadium bans ahead of security summit

Shortly before the security summit on German football, Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann is calling for more decisive action by the association, league and clubs against violent perpetrators. The CSU politician cites stadium bans for rioters or partial exclusion of fans as possible sanctionsabout which he wants to talk with Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), departmental colleagues from other countries and representatives of the DFB and DFL on Friday in Munich.

The German Press Agency previously told Herrmann that one should take the example of another country in Europe, such as Italy. “If things have escalated and there have been major security breaches, then a club has to deal with one for the next away or home game.” Significantly reduced spectator numbers or play without your own fans“, described the current chairman of the Sports Ministers’ Conference.

Herrmann: Why are there hardly any stadium bans in Germany?

“I don’t wish that. But we need to talk about why such measures only exist in other European countries. Likewise with the topic of stadium bans: If these have an effect in other countries, why are they not applied in Germany at all? asked Herrmann. He hopes that clubs will “implement stadium bans more consistently” and that there will be initial results at the summit.

If football does not act decisively, Herrmann does not rule out consequences from politics. He emphasized that he did not want to make any threats, but added: “Of course, politicians and the security authorities have a responsibility, that is the case with every large, public event.“The minister believes that the burning of pyrotechnics in particular poses a very great danger to spectators.

No invitation to fans: CSU politician asks for “understanding”

A number of fan associations and some clubs criticized the meeting and accused politics of populism. They argue that the issue of violence is exaggerated and that stadiums are actually very safe places. In addition, experts doubt that harsher punishments will lead to fewer riots.

There is also criticism that fans were not invited to the summit. Herrmann said: “When it comes to the security concepts for the stadiums, I ask for your understanding.” He made a comparison: “The security concept for the Oktoberfest is discussed between the police and the state capital Munich without asking millions of visitorshow she would like it. That is the job of security authorities.” (dpa)