Before the second division game between Hannover 96 and Schalke 04, the Hannover police have requested hotels to provide data on certain guests. The police aim to identify potentially violent fan groups before the match.
Specifically, the Hannover police sent an email to the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) asking for guest groups of ten or more people residing in Gelsenkirchen. The Fanhilfe Hannover shared the email on Thursday, stating that they became aware of the situation at a hospitality networking event. The email mentioned hints of a larger group of „problem fans of FC Schalke 04“ arriving on Friday. The football second division team Hannover 96 will host Schalke 04 at the Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena on Saturday.
It appears that this is not the first time the police have requested fan data. The published email also revealed that the police had received guest data from hotels in April this year. The email mentioned that previous assistance from hotels had enabled police measures to prevent major disturbances. Therefore, the police are hoping for hotel support this time as well.
The Hannover police justified their actions by stating that they aim to identify the presence of larger groups of potential troublemakers through data queries at hotels. They clarified that they do not request data on individual persons. The police also argued that this approach is intended to ensure a peaceful course of the game, with peaceful spectators not facing any additional measures. According to the police, this method is meant to enhance safety for all fans on match day.
The Fanhilfe expressed outrage at this approach, considering it a clear violation of data protection. They plan to contact the state data protection officer. The organization finds it shocking that individuals are being „generally suspected based on their mere origin,“ as stated by Paula Mundt from the Fanhilfe. She also finds it „strange“ that the Dehoga is acting as an assistant to the police.
On the other hand, the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior views the police’s actions as a „clarification measure for averting danger.“ They believe it is in line with the Lower Saxony Police Act and that there is no breach of data protection since only postal codes were requested, not personal data. The goal is to ensure the safety of the general population.
Hotels have the autonomy to decide whether to disclose guest data to the police. While the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) cannot confirm if hotel guest data was shared with the police, the association’s CEO, Rainer Balke, mentioned that such police inquiries are forwarded to hoteliers. He highlighted that the industry collaborates with law enforcement, especially in serious crimes. However, when it comes to football matches, this cooperation is not typical. Each hotel independently decides whether to respond to these emails, weighing the guest’s privacy interests against the importance of the football game.
In conclusion, the situation raises important questions about privacy, security measures, and the balance between public safety and individual rights. It is crucial for authorities, organizations, and individuals to navigate these issues carefully to uphold both security and privacy standards effectively.