High-Risk Match in Dresden: Hertha with Few Fans

Officials from Dynamo Dresden and Hertha BSC are hoping for a floodlit match in the 2nd Bundesliga this time around without any disturbances. Following the scandal-plagued match in April—which was even on the verge of being called off after fans stormed the field—the highly charged rematch takes place today at 8:30 p.m. (Sky and RTL). The match has been classified as high-risk, and police presence will be correspondingly high.

Both coaches—Thomas Stamm of Dynamo and Stefan Leitl of Hertha—assured that the previous incidents had no impact on their preparations. However, the two clubs—which together were fined nearly a quarter of a million euros by the DFB Sports Court—have been in even closer contact ever since. 

Due to a partial closure of the visitors’ section and personalized tickets, Hertha ultras have called for a boycott of the match. Berlin club officials expect 700 organized fans to travel to Dresden. A total of around 29,000 spectators are expected.

In terms of performance, the contrast between the two teams could hardly be greater at the moment: Hertha has won all five of its matches this season and leads the standings heading into the sixth matchday. Dynamo Dresden sits in second-to-last place with just four points out of a possible 15.