Who Should Bear the Cost of Polizeieinsätze at Holstein Kiel Matches?
The debate surrounding the high police costs at football matches is gaining momentum. The Association of Taxpayers in Schleswig-Holstein is advocating for a change, while the Police Union (GdP) remains skeptical.
When Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel plays a home game, the capital city of Schleswig-Holstein is flooded with police officers. For example, during the match between Holstein Kiel and Bayern Munich, according to the Association of Taxpayers, there were 300 officers present. They ensure the necessary security. In case of disturbances, fan group clashes, or pyrotechnic incidents, these officers are ready for action. So far, the costs have been solely borne by taxpayers. However, the question arises: should this continue? Opinions on this matter vary.
Association of Taxpayers: Why should the general public foot the bill for football?
Rainer Kersten, the managing director of the Association of Taxpayers, is advocating for relieving the burden on taxpayers. „Not everyone is interested in football. Unfortunately, football also attracts violent individuals, and it cannot be justified that the general public has to pay for this,“ Kersten argues. He proposes the establishment of a fund into which the German Football League (DFL) or the clubs must contribute for high-risk games.
„It is important for us to focus on the specific costs that go beyond traffic control and general security measures,“ Kersten emphasizes. In football, these costs arise during high-risk games, where violent fans converge and use the football match as an opportunity to engage in violence. Kersten demands that these extraordinary costs be covered from the millions generated by the German football league.
Holstein Kiel: Populist and not conducive to the debate
Holstein Kiel, the Bundesliga newcomer, sent a statement to NDR Schleswig-Holstein on Thursday. The club criticized the discussion as populist and not addressing the core issues. They believe that disturbances and violence are more of a societal problem rather than solely a football issue.
Furthermore, Holstein Kiel asserts, „Before discussing the football sector’s contribution to the costs of police deployments, clubs should be enabled and supported by politics and the judiciary to enforce sanctions against disruptors and troublemakers.“ The club highlights that often they are hindered by data protection regulations, and the judiciary does not consistently enforce penalties.
Expensive private security services at the stadium
The club also points out another issue. If incidents occur outside the stadium, it should not be the club’s responsibility. However, within the stadium, measures are in place: „The club, together with a private security service, enforces the house rules and regulations on the stadium premises,“ explains Holstein Kiel. The club already covers the significant costs – a six-figure amount per match day – for these services.
GdP in Schleswig-Holstein expresses skepticism
The Police Union (GdP) raises concerns regarding the financial interests of football clubs. Torsten Jäger, the state chairman of the GdP, is wary of involving clubs in police costs. He believes that clubs may underestimate potential risks compared to the police, as they operate for profit. Jäger asserts that determining high-risk games and the amount of police deployment should remain under the police’s jurisdiction. He emphasizes that there should be no influence from the clubs.
The GdP advocates for a different approach: „We expect clubs to take a clear stance against violence, hate speech, and racism.“ They suggest promoting prevention projects and enforcing stadium bans rigorously to prevent violence beforehand.
Hamburg, Bremen, and the Constitutional Court – developments everywhere
The debate in Schleswig-Holstein intensifies as Hamburg’s political stance on the matter becomes apparent. The city intends to involve professional clubs in the costs of police deployments at football matches, with the majority of the city’s council passing a resolution from the red-green coalition.
Bremen has already billed Werder Bremen for additional police costs during high-risk games. However, the German Football League is challenging this in court. If Bremen’s decision stands, a fund for police costs might be established.
Interior Ministry: No fund planned in SH
The Schleswig-Holstein Interior Ministry states that there are no plans for a fund in the region. State Secretary Magdalena Finke asserts that ensuring public safety during football matches, sports events, and festivals like the Kiel Week is the responsibility of the security authorities. The ministry will also assess the upcoming decision of the Federal Constitutional Court.
In conclusion, the debate over who should bear the costs of police deployments at Holstein Kiel matches continues to provoke discussion and differing opinions. As various stakeholders weigh in on the matter, the resolution remains elusive, with considerations ranging from financial responsibility to societal implications. The outcome of this debate will not only impact football clubs but also shape the broader discourse on public safety and accountability in sporting events.
