For the first time in German football, pyrotechnics are permitted and are ignited in a controlled manner. The action before the HSV game against Karlsruher SC is a test run.
Hamburg (dpa) - Blue and white smoke moved through the Hamburg Volksparkstadion on Saturday, and most of the approximately 50,000 spectators were satisfied. The first approved and controlled pyro show in German professional football went without incident.
Ten HSV fans from the ultra camp had lit ten smoke pots three minutes before Hamburger SV's second division game against Karlsruher SC in the area between the north stand and the gate. A specialist company and stewards oversaw the action. Fire extinguishers were ready for emergencies. The DFB and the city authorities had approved the action. The police union had described this as "blue-eyed and very risky".
The reaction of the fans was eagerly awaited. During the three-minute show, they waved blue, black and white flags. There had been fears that the Ultras could sabotage the action and, with pyrotechnics smuggled in, burn off fireworks in the audience block and thus trigger disciplinary measures again. "It is up to our fans what we make of it," HSV trainer Dieter Hecking had appealed to the Ultras the day before.
For many football fans, pyrotechnics are part of fan culture. That's why they don't want to do without it. Controlled burning of fireworks outside of the audience area could be a compromise.
The HSV hopes for changed assessments in the pyro problem that has existed for decades. If the HSV Ultras accept the monitored show and in turn refrain from uncontrolled and forbidden burning of fireworks in the audience block, the Hamburg pilot project could find imitators nationwide.
So far, clubs have often had to pay six-figure fines because fans ignore the pyro ban and ignite fireworks in the spectator area. With the penalty of EUR 190,000 just a few days ago, Hertha BSC is the record holder for the fines for unauthorized pyro use by fans.
DFB communication
DFB sports jurisdiction
Interview with head of fan culture at HSV