Saturday, October 2nd, 2021
After a scandal at 1. FC Union
Pictures are supposed to expose football anti-Semites
The game in the Europa Conference League ends with a win, but nobody talks about it two days later. Instead, 1. FC Union Berlin is in the midst of an anti-Semitism scandal. The perpetrators from the stands should now be identified in pictures.
1. FC Union Berlin is working with the police to come to terms with the anti-Semitic incidents during the Conference League game against Maccabi Haifa. “The first picture material is already available and we will now use all sources of information to identify people,” said Union communications chief Christian Arbeit at a press conference, speaking of “a close exchange” with the capital’s authorities. “People who were in the block and observed the scenery also got in touch with us,” said Arbeit. These people “are sure to help us with identification,” he said.
On Thursday evening, according to reports from eyewitnesses and those affected, there were insults and attacks against supporters of the Israeli soccer champions in a fan block in the Olympic Stadium. The state security of the Berlin State Criminal Police Office is investigating several people, among other things, on suspicion of sedition. The incidents first became public through reports from the Young Forum of the German-Israeli Society.
Union had already reported to this organization on Friday. “It was a very good contact,” said Arbeit over the phone: “You were very happy to be contacted and also described how it went in the block.” That will also help to clarify the incidents as completely as possible.
“It was important that there were people in this block who noticed that and stepped in. For that, many thanks to everyone who opened their mouths and opposed it,” said Arbeit on behalf of the Bundesliga club: “That is exactly what we need. “
Union had already sharply criticized the anti-Semitic actions of fewer fans in the 3-0 victory on Friday. “It’s just the case that a minority can always break something. I think that’s a shame,” said Union coach Urs Fischer before the away game on Sunday (3:30 pm) at FSV Mainz 05 and added: “But I also think you can shouldn’t give them too much of an area. “