2nd Bundesliga
“The whole of Hamburg hates the police”: HSV fans protest against emergency services
HSV fans hold up posters that read “Never a friend, never a helper” and “The whole of Hamburg hates the police.”
© Marcus Brandt / DPA
Anger among HSV supporters: Before the game against SV Elversberg, fans of the Hamburg sports club directed a big choreo at the police.
After HSV’s second division game in Rostock, a nasty surprise awaited the fans just outside their hometown: around 400 federal and state police forces Hamburg stopped a regional train with hundreds of Rothosen fans at Hamburg-Bergedorf station. Over 850 people were checked, and the onward journey was delayed by several hours. This didn’t go unnoticed by the fans at the home game against SV Elversberg.
Huge poster of HSV fans protesting against the operation in Bergedorf
Because for some HSV fans the matter is far from over. Before the game there was a huge choreo in the corner. Such an action usually focuses on the club and cheers the team on in a special way for the upcoming game. This time it was different.
Framed by blue posters, the fan choreo showed the Hamburg police coat of arms with the inscription “ACAB”. The acronym literally stands for the English saying “All cops are bastards”. The picture was framed by two banners. It reads: “Never a friend, never a helper” and “The whole of Hamburg hates the police.”
The raid lasted late into the night
The police justified the previous raid with the search for suspected violent criminals who are said to have attacked Borussia Dortmund fans in September last year. At that time, fan camps from both teams clashed and attacked each other. There were several injured on both sides. According to the police in Bergedorf, a little more than 50 people were wanted – 31 suspects were found and their personal details were recorded. There were no arrests.
Many innocent HSV supporters suffered greatly as a result. It is said the checks began around 8pm and for some lasted more than seven hours. Fans later complained on social media that the raid was like torture because there were neither sanitary facilities nor sufficient food available.
Shortly afterwards, the “HSV Supporters Club” asked those involved to contact the club with their descriptions and announced that it would offer support in taking legal action. The fronts are apparently extremely hardened.