Ahead of the Westfalenfalenderby between Preußen Münster and Arminia Bielefeld, a police operation caused trouble. This is what Fanhilfe and the fan community say.
The mood among Preußen Münster fans could actually be exuberant. In the 3rd division, Arminia Bielefeld were defeated 2:1 in the Westfalenliga derby – for the first time since 2014. However, a police operation before the match made headlines.
What had happened? While the game was already underway, a large proportion of the black, white and green supporters had to wait outside the stadium gates. “The trigger was a last-minute decision by the police to set up a presence in the material control area for the active fan scene,” the club said after the match.
A day later, Fanhilfe Münster and the fan community also issued a joint statement. In it, they describe their view of the “admission situation at the stadium entrance that got completely out of hand”. The perception is similar to that of the club.
According to the fan statement, “a special police presence in the material control area”, which is described as “arbitrary”, delayed admission to such an extent that the atmosphere became increasingly hectic as spectators moved in.
The police contributed to the chaos with their behavior, blocking entrances and randomly surrounding Prussia fans, “only to let them pass again a little later.” Tickets were also checked and personal details taken without cause.
In the confusing situation, “various Prussia fans from all parts of the stadium were pushed and threatened by the police”. Club representatives from Preußen Münster, the fan scene, the FANport and Fanhilfe desperately tried to defuse the situation. According to a statement, this was rejected by the officer in charge.
Finally, the fan representatives demanded that the stadium make use of its own domiciliary rights and not have police in the entrance area of the stadium. The club itself had already announced its desire for consequences and an internal review “in order to find joint and constructive solutions for the upcoming home games.”
According to the club, the situation could have been prevented through a coordinated approach and communication at eye level. This will also be necessary, especially in view of the upcoming weekend. Rot-Weiss Essen will be the visitors (Sunday, January 28, 1:30 p.m.). An already explosive encounter in which a similar situation should not be repeated