Bayern Munich's ultra scene is one of the most engaged when it comes to fighting homophobia, sexism, antisemitism, human rights.
I find it genuinely worrying that a protest for fan rights results in a crackdown on them, and you should be, too.
Fan culture analysis thread.
I find it genuinely worrying that a protest for fan rights results in a crackdown on them, and you should be, too.
Fan culture analysis thread.
Bayern Munich’s ultra scene, especially Schickeria, their biggest ultra group, have been acknowledged (including by the DFB itself) in the past for their engagement against discrimination, for human rights in Qatar and for Holocaust remembrance.
Thanks to Bayern Munich’s ultra scene, & Schickeria in particular, we know about Kurt Landauer, #FCBayern’s Jewish president, who was practically forgotten before they raised awareness to his legacy by looking into their club’s past.
Here’s their choreo in memory of Landauer.
Here’s their choreo in memory of Landauer.
Reports in Germany now suggest Bayern Munich will crack down on Schickeria, with some blogs suggesting their fan club status and their members' season tickets are set to be taken away from them as a result of the Hopp protest.
Why does it worry me? For numerous reasons.
Why does it worry me? For numerous reasons.
First, fan activism being used as an excuse for a club to crack down on its hardcore fans will set a precedent which many clubs could follow.
This is an attempt to tame Germany's lively fan culture, a culture of being part instead of playing along.
This is an attempt to tame Germany's lively fan culture, a culture of being part instead of playing along.
In Bayern's case, this would likely mean the stadium will be full of more tourists instead of the ultras, and that the club's lively fan culture will be as good as gone. This will be a sad day for Bayern Munich.
With other clubs, it's even worse.
With other clubs, it's even worse.
Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl said that "we all miss the football as it used to be, peaceful and fun."
Football in Germany wasn't peaceful. It was discriminatory, sexist and plagued by fascists.
While the situation isn't perfect, it has significantly improved.
Football in Germany wasn't peaceful. It was discriminatory, sexist and plagued by fascists.
While the situation isn't perfect, it has significantly improved.
Just 30 years ago, German football was a very different sport. Songs about building train rails to Auschwitz for rival fans, as well as fascist symbols, are now as good as gone, and the ultras are, in many cases, to thank for this development.
This should not be forgotten.
This should not be forgotten.
As everyone that knows anything about fan culture in Germany knows, there's an ongoing struggle between different fan groups of different political affiliations in many cities.
By fighting the ultras, clubs will be allowing a power struggle over who has the say in the terraces.
By fighting the ultras, clubs will be allowing a power struggle over who has the say in the terraces.
A classic example which is hardly a single case: Borussia Dortmund's ultra scene and its struggle against far-right hooligans, as listed here by @matt_4d
Other examples: Werder Bremen, Hannover 96 and many, many others.
dw.com/en/fear-on-the…
Other examples: Werder Bremen, Hannover 96 and many, many others.
dw.com/en/fear-on-the…
If we're to crack down on the ultras, I am genuinely scared of thinking what comes next, especially given society's shift to the right in Germany.
I expect German football's heads to have the overview over the game's long-term future, but I'm hardly holding my breath. (End)
I expect German football's heads to have the overview over the game's long-term future, but I'm hardly holding my breath. (End)
(Die Idee eines Analyse-Threads ist von @Natascha_Strobl's absolutely incredible #NatsAnalyse gekalut. Danke dir, Natascha!)
