The explosive second division northern derby between FC St. Pauli and Hansa Rostock was overshadowed on Sunday by the massive use of pyrotechnics by the Rostock supporters.
Already at the kick-off in the Millerntor Stadium, which was sold out with a good 29,000 spectators, the Rostock residents who had traveled with them let blue-white smoke rise and ignited firecrackers and rockets. Later, the start of the second half was delayed by around ten minutes. Firecrackers and rockets from the Rostock fan block flew through the spectator stands and onto the field again. A crowd of stewards positioned themselves in front of the north stand, announcements by the stadium announcer went unnoticed. According to FC St. Pauli, a folder was injured by a ceramic projectile and had to be taken to the hospital. Only after the pyrotechnics had gone off did referee Benjamin Brand start the game again, about ten minutes late. Bengali torches were also lit several times during the course of the game on the part of the St. Pauli fans.
Police with a large contingent at FC St. Pauli against Hansa Rostock
The game was accompanied by massive security measures. Several hundred of the Hamburg police were on duty throughout the city and were also supported by other federal states and the federal police. Cavalry squadrons and water cannons were also ready, and a police helicopter circled over the St. Pauli district. The officials primarily relied on the concept of strict separation of the rival fan groups. Around 3,000 fans were expected from Rostock, some were attributed to the violent scene. A buffer zone was set up in the stadium between the away and home blocks, and the sale of alcoholic beverages was also prohibited.
At least outside of the stadium, the safety concept seems to have worked for the most part – apart from a few pyrotechnic incidents, for example at Hamburg Central Station and in the vicinity of the stadium. The police initially reported no major riots.
Hansa Rostock is now likely to be fined again by the German Football Association for the behavior of some supporters.
The relationship between the fans of FC St. Pauli and Hansa Rostock has been difficult for decades. In the past, there have always been serious riots around the clashes between the two clubs.
In terms of sport, FC St-Pauli and its fans celebrated three points on Sunday afternoon. After 90 minutes, it was 1-0 for Hamburg thanks to a header from Jackson Irvine (26′). They moved up to seventh place in the table. Hansa Rostock is now 13.