At FC St. Pauli they are proud of their core values which include anti-racism, anti-sexism and anti-fascism and other noble views of the world. That in and of itself is a great thing, because the opposite would mean that you would come out as a racist, sexist or fascist – and who would want that if you don’t happen to be one of those right-wing douches whose favorite trip to the progressive district of Hamburg to wreak havoc there?
At the left-wing neighborhood club, they have accumulated a lot of problem game expertise over the years, which was by no means voluntary, since rioters would of course have been very happy to be denied any access to the district. One thing doesn’t have anything to do with the other, but in view of the latest developments, this question is allowed for once: Wouldn’t a game between the regional league club Teutonia Ottensen and RB Leipzig have been a fairly uncomplicated event in comparison?
Dessau was selected as an alternative venue – but this was prevented by an act of sabotage
The DFB Cup first round game was originally supposed to take place in the Millerntor Stadium, the home of St. Pauli. The reason: the small stadium in Ottensen did not meet the rules of the DFB. However, the Paulians did not consider the Millerntor as a venue to be an idea they wanted to make friends with: RB, according to the neighborhood club’s rationale, is ultimately a commercial product that is destroying football. And the fact that until recently Teutonia had been sponsored by a Russian oil company apparently added to the uneasiness. However: Would the Paulians do it differently today – knowing what was set in motion?
Because the fact that the “No entry” sign was held out to the two clubs in Hamburg did not change the fact that the game would take place and that an alternative venue was needed. They first found what they were looking for in Dessau, 350 kilometers away, but the solution didn’t last long either: an unknown substance was poured onto the lawn, apparently it was an act of sabotage, and the police and the public prosecutor’s office are now investigating.
And the game? This Tuesday will now simply take place in Leipzig. The favorite enjoys home rights, the underdog is deprived of a natural and statutory advantage. What this case proves: True to principles is an honorable request – but only as long as principles do not collide with other principles.