Hertha Executive Criticizes Collective Punishments Following Riots

Hertha Managing Director Peter Görlich criticized the measures taken by the DFB Sports Court ahead of Berlin’s first game at Dynamo Dresden following the serious riots during the last match. The 59-year-old told *Kicker*, referring to the riots involving fans from both sides, that “the reactions in April during the game in Dresden were unacceptable.”

However, 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 serving as the final arbiter—will lead to the preservation of this soccer culture is something I question.” On Saturday evening (8:30 p.m./RTL and Sky), the teams will face off again in Dresden.

Fan sections may only be filled to half capacity

During Hertha’s victory in April, the game was interrupted right at the start for nearly five minutes due to the massive use of pyrotechnics in the visitors’ section. In the thick fog, Dynamo fans stole a Hertha banner. This led to riots on the field. Pyrotechnics were fired into both fan sections. The police had to intervene, and the game was once again suspended for nearly 20 minutes. 

The DFB imposed penalties on both clubs. Among other things, the visiting fan sections may only be filled to half capacity during direct matchups this season. Tickets must also be issued on a personalized basis.

The Hertha ultras have therefore called for a boycott of the match. “Let’s send a united message so that collective penalties by the associations don’t happen again. Don’t buy tickets for the game in Dresden!” the Harlekins declared.

Görlich calls for more openness from all sides

Görlich confirmed that demand for away tickets is significantly lower than usual. “I think it’s a shame that we won’t have organized support,” he said. However, he added that it was not his place to question the decision of the active fan scene. “We’re in active dialogue with the active fan scene. We’re all in the same boat, but every now and then we have different ideas about the rhythm of the rowing and what should be prioritized.”

He called for more openness from everyone involved. “We communicate internally and are very clear—and sometimes very firm—in our statements. That doesn’t always go over well. But those who impose the penalties must also be open to growth, question their own impact, and confront their own hypocrisy,” he said.

According to a report in the “Märkische Allgemeine,” some Hertha fans might travel to Potsdam instead. There, Berlin’s U23 team will face SV Babelsberg on Saturday (2:00 p.m.). “We are aware that there has been promotion among fan circles for the away game of Hertha BSC II’s U23 team at the Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion,” Katja Herzberg, co-chair of the regional league club, told the newspaper. Based on advance ticket sales so far, Babelsberg expects between 500 and 700 Hertha fans.