Hertha expects only about 700 fans in Dresden

Hertha BSC expects only about 700 fans to attend its second-division match at Dynamo Dresden. This was reported by press spokesperson Vera Krings at the press conference ahead of Saturday evening’s night game against the second-to-last-place team (8:30 p.m./Sky and RTL). The low number is also due to the fallout from the serious riots during the last matchup, to which around 3,000 Hertha fans had traveled. 

The DFB ordered that, for head-to-head matches this season, only half of the visitors’ section may be filled and tickets must be personalized. The Hertha East Stand subsequently announced it would completely boycott the match due to these restrictions.

Violent Riots in April

During Hertha’s victory in April, the match was initially interrupted for nearly five minutes due to the massive use of pyrotechnics in the visitors’ section. Amid thick fog, Dynamo fans stole a Hertha banner, after which riots broke out on the field. Pyrotechnics were thrown into both fan sections, and the police intervened. The game was halted again for nearly 20 minutes. The DFB penalized both clubs for the incidents.

Coach Stefan Leitl explained that the non-sporting issues would have no impact on the preparations of the league-leading team, which remains undefeated so far. “The point is that we try to stay focused and get our game out on the field. With the same intensity and the same approach as in recent weeks,” said Leitl, referring to “all the other issues” and pointing to general manager Peter Görlich. 

Görlich Criticizes Collective Punishments

Although Görlich had described the riots as “unacceptable” in an interview with *Kicker*, he also explained: “We operate in an emotionally charged, controversial environment. We all want to preserve German soccer culture. Whether collective punishments and medieval rhetoric—with the authority’s word as the final arbiter—will lead to the preservation of this soccer culture is something I question.”