After fans banned from the premises: City of Jena responds to criticism

In connection with the bans issued for the Ernst Abbe Sports Field, the city of Jena has reacted to accusations by Fanhilfe and sharply criticized the actions of individuals. "Against this background, it is unacceptable that attempts are now being made to put pressure on individuals in the administration, whether through direct personal messages or public appeals, leaving the impression of coercion," said Mayor Benjamin Koppe (CDU) in a statement.

What happened?

At the end of November 2024, the regional league match between FC Carl Zeiss Jena and BSG Chemie Leipzig led to violent riots with a total of 79 people injured - including 64 spectators, five stewards and ten police officers. Officers used irritant gas and batons. According to reports, uninvolved spectators were also injured.

Months later, the city of Jena issued bans on soccer supporters from both fan groups. These are each valid for a period of one year and apply to all FC Carl Zeiss Jena home matches. The measure was taken on the basis of the house rules of the City of Jena as the owner of the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld. Those affected can take legal action against the ban.

Open letter: Fanhilfe criticizes police operation

The Blau-Gelb-Weiße Hilfe from Jena has now criticized the police operation and the house bans in an open letter. "Several cases already prove that this practice is unscrupulous and arbitrary: Some of those affected can prove that they were neither involved nor even present," wrote Fanhilfe. At the same time, it called on Koppe to meet with those affected.

The city responded to the criticism and made it clear that decisions are made objectively and on the basis of the facts available to it and not due to public pressure or sentiment. "The city administration has a diametrically opposed view of the events in question on the match day in question. These have been processed by the police, legally assessed and are available to the judiciary for a decision. Until then, the bans imposed will remain in place and will not be revised," it said.