Europe League
Orban visit and fan pyro disrupt Union focus on Malmö
There were riots in the first leg between Malmö FF and 1. FC Union Berlin. photo
© Matthias Koch/dpa
Union Berlin can achieve a sporting goal in Europe with a second win against Malmö. But the people of Köpenick are uneasy: the fans and a political issue are causing issues beyond football.
Urs Fischer and Rani Khedira looked like extras. The coach and midfield driver of 1. FC Union Berlin dutifully answered their questions before the Europa League game against Malmö FF.
But when it came to the explosive issues, Christian Arbeit, Head of Communications for the Bundesliga leader, was called upon. Concerns about fan riots like a week ago in Sweden and the visit of Hungary’s controversial Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the stadium at the Alte Försterei distract the iron before the important European Cup game on Thursday (9 p.m. / RTL +).
“A lot of police presence”
After the pyro excesses in the first leg, Berlin’s police declared a high level of danger for Thursday. Work also spoke of “a lot of police presence”. You are in constant contact with the guest club in order to take all precautions to prevent another misconduct with fireworks or even direct physical confrontations. The image of the always happily partying and loudly singing Union fan has cracked. “By one or two chaotic people,” as Khedira regretfully stated.
Criticism from larger parts of their own supporters has been pouring over Union since Tuesday. And work is required as a crisis communicator on the diplomatic stage. What is certain is that Orban also stopped by East Berlin during his state visit to visit Union’s Hungarian midfielder Andras Schäfer in the arena. But they can’t just say it like that.
Oran visit as a disruptive fire
“There was an official letter from the Hungarian embassy asking for a private meeting with a Hungarian international. We complied with this request. We did not receive him officially,” said Arbeit. Orban had arrived with a proper police escort and was ushered into a box at the stadium to pose with Schäfer. The midfielder’s second disservice after being sent off in the first leg in Malmo, which kept him from watching on Thursday.
Orban then posted numerous social media posts for self-portrayal. A Union jersey was also presented. The Bundesliga leaders had also received strong criticism from their own fans on social networks, as Orban’s policy was not compatible with the values laid down in the statutes. “You don’t judge the visit politically,” Work made clear. “Viktor Orban was not undercover in Germany, he was on an official state visit,” said the Union’s managing director. Fischer and Khedira were asked if the vortex was affecting the team. They shook their heads.
Sporty a lot at stake
In terms of sport, there is a lot at stake for Union. A win would be a goal after the 1-0 in the first leg. There would also be international football in Köpenick in 2023, because third place in the group and thus participation in the intermediate round of the Conference League would be secured.
But Khedira wants to do more and attack Sporting Braga and Saint-Gilloise in first and second place, which would guarantee them staying in the higher Europa League. As always, Fischer saw the preparation for the explosive Malmö duel very pragmatically. “It’s about putting the best possible team on the field,” he said. No more and no less.