Football | Loss of control in the Lower Saxony Senderby

Hannover 96 fans present a large yellow and blue banner that they stole from Eintracht fans. Photo: dpa/Swen Pförtner Actually, this is a highlight: In a cloak and dagger operation, Hanoverians stole the choreography of their arch-rivals from Braunschweig. They showed some of the banners in the second half of the home game against St. Pauli. But it wasn't funny to those who weren't involved, because it revealed how much hatred had gained the upper hand. This was also seen a week later when a black-clad mob presented the rest of the choreography on the fence in Braunschweig's Eintracht Stadium and set parts of it on fire.

The joy of this prank had long since evaporated. The meeting between the two clubs on Sunday was overshadowed by abusive chants, firecrackers thrown and rocket fire. Once again. Even among Eintracht fans, the joy of the important victory in the relegation battle was replaced by antipathy.

A grotesque rivalry has developed between the two fan camps in recent years. The Ultras of both clubs are vain – they seek escalation and attention. It's not harmless. Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) also sees it that way. In particular, the targeted firing of rockets by Hanoverians at spectators in the neighboring block beyond the buffer zone could have repercussions. Serious injuries are accepted with approval. Behrens threatened collective punishment and the exclusion of fans. That is understandable.

If the minister carries out her threat, this derby could trigger serious consequences. Such penalties would ruin the atmosphere in the stadium. Fanhilfe Hannover had already pointed this out two years ago, when Behrens made similar comments after a derby.

What would this achieve? If spectators were excluded, the danger would simply be shifted out of the stadium. The away fans in particular would then be even more difficult for the police to control. So far it has been possible to separate the two fan camps in the city, and it cannot be assumed that the organized fans will stay at home in such a scenario.

Those responsible for security will also engage in this thought process. Presumably both clubs will be fined as usual for their fans' offenses. Everyone has come to terms with this. The powerful ultra movement would have asserted itself once again. She has long since fought for her permanent place in the stadium - and won't just give it up again.

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