Two Major Soccer Events Posing Challenges for Hamburg Police
This week, the Hamburg police face a double whammy of high-stakes soccer operations. On Friday evening (18:30/Sky), the city derby between local powerhouses FC St. Pauli and Hamburger SV will rock the Millerntor Stadium. Known for their fierce rivalry, these two clubs attract massive fan groups, requiring a heavy police presence to maintain order.
Just three days later, on Tuesday evening (18:45/DAZN), a Champions League match will take place at the Volkspark Stadium. The visiting team, FC Royal Antwerp, has a notorious fanbase with a history of violence. Following the riots that erupted during their September away game in Barcelona, the police are on high alert.
The upcoming games pose a significant challenge for the police. According to Thomas Jungfer from the German police union DPolG, the MC St. Pauli vs. HSV derby and the Champions League match are like the "icing on the cake" for the police (Hamburger Abendblatt, Monday).
Immediately, Public Security Measures spring into action. These involve gathering intelligence on potential troublemakers—analyzing social media and identifying known hooligans—enhancing stadium security with metal detectors, bag checks, and CCTV surveillance, ensuring robust crowd control, and having detailed emergency response plans in place.
In high-risk matches, such as derbies, police take additional precautions. Rivalry-specific intelligence and strategies, fan segregation, and mobile units are crucial for containing potential conflicts. Building relationships with local communities and fan groups can also help prevent escalations.
During the Hamburger Stadtderby, police emphasize enhanced surveillance, using specialized officers known as Fan Liaison Officers, and engaging in community outreach to maintain peace and order. In European competitions, such as the Champions League, coordination with international law enforcement, language support, and cultural sensitivity are essential.
Through combining these strategies, law enforcement can navigate the complexities of managing security for major soccer operations. By addressing potential risks associated with violent behavior, police aim to create a safe environment for all attendees.
