St. Pauli's President Oke Göttlich Fights for Preventive Approach Over Police Costs
Despite two upcoming high-risk matches with Hansa Rostock and Hamburger SV, FC St. Pauli president Oke Göttlich advocates for a more proactive approach to reducing violence at soccer matches. This comes in response to the violent clashes witnessed in recent Bundesliga 2 matches, including Hannover 96 v Eintracht Braunschweig and FC St. Pauli v Hannover.
Göttlich voices his disagreement with the suggestion to cover additional police costs for high-risk matches, contending that internal security is a state responsibility. He fears such a decision may create divisions, with organizers unfairly bearing the additional costs without contributing to the planning process.
Collaborative Efforts for Peaceful Matches
Göttlich has experienced success with collaborative efforts between authorities, fans, fire departments, medical services, and police in Hamburg. By meeting at eye level in advance and engaging in dialogue, his club has fostered a safer environment for all involved. The same strategy has also helped reduce police presence and deployment hours in other federal states.
To maintain violence-free sports events, Göttlich emphasizes the need to refrain from constantly pointing fingers at others. Instead, stakeholders should work together to find solutions, as the root causes of aggressive fan behavior often stem from larger societal issues.
Key Strategies for Promoting Safety
- Open communication between authorities, fans, and security forces can help identify potential issues before they escalate.
- Engaging with organized fan groups promotes a positive atmosphere and encourages responsible behavior.
- Collaborative planning between all stakeholders ensures effective coordination of security measures and emergency response strategies.
- Safety campaigns and educational programs help raise awareness about the consequences of violence and promote a culture of respect and safety.
- Inclusive security measures balance safety and fan experience, using technology like CCTV cameras wisely.
- Mediation services and conflict resolution mechanisms provide peaceful pathways to resolve disputes.
- Identifying and promoting positive role models within the fan base sets a good example.
- Post-match debriefings allow stakeholders to discuss past events, identify improvements, and inform future strategies.
- Supporting local initiatives and community programs strengthens social bonds and facilitates a safer environment.
- Data analysis helps predict crowd dynamics and inform decision-making processes.
By implementing these collaborative strategies, soccer clubs can create a more enjoyable and safer experience for all fans, aligning with Oke Göttlich’s vision for reducing violence at high-risk matches.
