The FDP Saar calls for a factual discussion about security at football matches and warns against increasingly reducing clubs, fans, and professional football as a whole to security issues and police costs.
From the perspective of the liberals, the current debates in Saarland show a development that must be viewed critically. On the one hand, the statements of AfD politician Dörr, who implies that, unlike the fans of 1. FC Saarbrücken, "there is no need to be afraid of the fans of SV Elversberg." On the other hand, the demand by Raphael Schäfer, Parliamentary Managing Director of the CDU parliamentary group, to involve "organizers," i.e., the clubs, more strongly in police costs in the future. This is justified with the argument that those who "organize and economically benefit" should be the ones to pay.
For the FDP Saar, both perspectives fall short because they view football primarily from the standpoint of risk, costs, and security situations, while ignoring the social and economic significance that the sport holds especially in Saarland. Gudrun Bierbrauer-Haupenthal, deputy state chairwoman of the FDP Saar, explains: “I explicitly disagree with the statement that one must ‘fear’ the fans of 1. FC Saarbrücken. There is no need to fear the fans of the FCS nor those of the SVE. Such statements do not help anyone and ultimately place entire fan scenes under general suspicion.”
Of course, there are situations where the police have to intervene. This is not unusual at large events in general and is part of reality. However, deriving a fundamental image of entire fan groups from this does not do justice to the fans. The overwhelming majority go to the stadium to experience football, support their club, live community, and spend time with family and friends. Many are also involved in fan projects, organize away trips, choreographies, and various social activities, not to mention the positive influence football has on young people.
From the FDP's perspective, this simplified view now continues in the debate about police costs. "When it is said that those who organize and economically benefit should pay, that sounds understandable at first. But it is not only the club that benefits economically," Bierbrauer-Haupenthal continued. On match days, gastronomy, hospitality, retail, transport companies, security firms, and numerous other service providers also benefit. Spectators bring purchasing power to the region, generate additional sales, and strengthen the local economy. The benefit does not end at the stadium gate. "Football creates value far beyond the clubs. You cannot pretend that on one side there is only a club making money and on the other side the state solely bearing the costs. Football gives back significantly more than just its direct revenue. It is an economic factor for the entire region."
The FDP Saar also views the use of the term organizer in the current debate critically. “It sounds as if clubs could freely decide whether they want to host a game. In fact, these games are part of a fixed league system with schedules, association regulations, and licensing requirements. Clubs do not choose these matches themselves. They are part of the competition. Therefore, Schäfer’s demand should rather be directed at the league.”
In addition, police operations do not solely serve to protect the clubs. "The police are not only active in the stadium. It concerns train stations, city centers, public pathways, and the protection of all involved. These are tasks of public safety and not simply services for a club."
The FDP Saar therefore also advocates for more moderation in security concepts. "At the FCS match against Hansa Rostock, I personally had the impression that the police presence was oversized. Safety always takes precedence, there is no doubt about that. Nevertheless, the question must be allowed whether bigger automatically always means better. Sometimes the impression arises that deployments are planned rather too large than too small as a precaution."
For the FDP Saar it is clear: football fans must not be played off against each other and clubs must not be one-sidedly made responsible for costs. "Football in Saarland is much more than just a game. It is identification, community, and an important economic factor. That is why we need fewer generalizations, less opposition, and more trust towards fans, clubs, and everyone who supports this sport."
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