Dispute after raid in February
HSV fans burn police shirts – LKA investigates
March 4, 2024, 6:55 p.m
A conflict has been simmering between Hamburger SV fans and the police for just over two weeks. Investigations have been initiated after the protests on Sunday at the game against Osnabrück. Not for the first time. The Hamburg police take it very seriously and don’t just make friends with it.
The renewed massive protests by Hamburger SV football fans against the police during the second division game against VfL Osnabrück have consequences. The police have opened an investigation into the burning of a police uniform shirt during Sunday’s game. The police confirmed the suspicion of “public incitement to commit crimes”. The responsible specialist department of the State Criminal Police Office is conducting the investigation.
The trigger for the latest conflict between fans and the police was a raid lasting several hours against HSV supporters on their return journey from the game at Hansa Rostock on February 17th. Around 400 emergency services searched a regional train in Hamburg-Bergedorf on which the HSV fans were on the way to Hamburg.
Police also searched the Volksparkstadion
According to a federal police spokesman, the officers were looking for suspected violent criminals who were said to have clashed with Borussia Dortmund supporters in September last year. The officials said they identified 31 suspects. After the events there was clear criticism from many quarters.
At the game the following Sunday (February 25th) against SV Elversberg, a choreography by the HSV fans caused a stir and criticism. Among other things, banners could be seen that read: “Never a friend. Never a helper. The whole of Hamburg hates the police.” Because the club distanced itself from the choreography on Monday last week, the HSV press department was also criticized by fans using banners in the game against VfL Osnabrück.
Last Wednesday there was a search at the Volksparkstadion in connection with the protest at the Elversberg game. It was about a poster showing a police helmet with a shattered visor and dripping blood. It is said to have been found during the search in a room used by HSV-Ultras.