HSV takes uncompromising action against misconduct

Almost 40,000 spectators, floodlights in the Volksparkstadion and a varied second division match: Hamburger SV's home match against Fortuna Düsseldorf last Saturday (16 October, 1:1) had the potential for a football festival, but was severely disrupted by the misconduct of individuals. Flying beer mugs and an assistant referee being hit by a thrown object almost caused the game to be abandoned. In addition, HSV received several tips about racist insults towards players of both teams in the hours after the game. 

"We take these incidents and reports very seriously and are now in the analysis and clarification phase," said HSV event manager Kurt Krägel. The DFB has initiated an investigation in which HSV will contribute to the maximum clarification. In concrete terms, this means that in addition to the incidents reported to the HSV-Ankerplatz and Service Centre, video recordings and the club's own observations will also be evaluated in order to identify potential perpetrators and to punish their behaviour appropriately. Depending on the degree of the rule violation, the punishment can range from a warning to a stadium ban, members can be threatened with expulsion from the club and possible DFB fines can be charged directly to the perpetrators. 

The video footage available allows for a much better identification of the persons involved, and misconduct can even lead to criminal consequences. HSV is already following up on several concrete indications of perpetrators. Sanctions will follow.