The final and non-negotiable measure to close the away sector for the game against Lucerne has taken the FCSG beyond organizational limits, the club announced on Tuesday.
Source: TVO
“We condemn this in the strongest terms”
“The arrival of a larger group of fans from Lucerne could not be prevented because we, as a private organizer, do not have legal authority to do so,” the FCSG said. After it turned out that people from the Lucerne area had legally purchased tickets in the middle of the sectors and rows of seats at St.Gallen, the perpetrators regrouped these fans in sector B3. This is to “prevent mixing”.
The only problem is that despite intensive discussions and efforts beforehand and on the spot, the Lucerne fans could not resist setting fire to pyrotechnics – in close proximity to “neutral spectators” and families. “We condemn this in the strongest terms,” the FCSG said in a statement.
The reaction of visitors to the stadium
Stadium goers are also responding to FCL fans being in sector B3, which is also considered a family sector in the FCSG forum. “If I, as a family man with small children, have to sit next to a “hostile” fan block without any security measures, then this is understandably uncomfortable,” says one user.
Another user describes the situation after the final whistle: “At the end of the game, there was a slight aggravation in the upper ranks. You can’t provoke when you’re sitting next to other fans.”
The FCSG wrote in a post on Tuesday: “Our security team responded actively before and during the game and relocated several families to other sectors and areas. Unfortunately, this was not possible everywhere due to the fact that the stadium was almost sold out.”
Damage to property on regular trains
The Conference of Directors of Cantonal Justice and Police (KKJPD) does not want to put up with the organized arrival of FCL fans, as announced on Tuesday.
Particularly problematic is that the Lucerne fans set fire to pyrotechnics in the “neutral” sector and that property damage and embarrassment had already occurred when the regular trains arrived.
No immediate action
But: “Despite such unacceptable behavior by a small group of FC Lucerne supporters, the licensing authorities refrain from taking further action immediately,” the KKJPD said. Instead, he calls for the personal responsibility of the fans.
If that doesn’t work, further action will be taken. In an interview with PilatusToday and Tele 1, KKJPD co-chair Karin Kaiser-Frutchi made it clear: “We’re talking about closed home sectors and ghost games, for example.”
Karin Kaiser-Frutchi, co-chair of the KKJPD, does not rule out closed home sectors and ghost games in the future.
“Our goal is to provide peaceful and non-violent games without endangering others,” Kaiser-Frutchi continued. There are different rules of the game that all parties must follow. Among other things, she also passes the ball to fan representatives or fan organizations.
Impact on personalized tickets
The approving authorities also remind that the events of the Biglietto+ project are being implemented, to which fan groups can join. Among other things, this involves the introduction of personalized tickets.
“The behavior of the fans in the current season will affect the development of the final catalog of measures,” concludes the KKJPD.
Source: FM 1 Today
Robert Happel is an author and sports journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep passion for sports and a talent for analyzing the latest developments in the world of athletics. With a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge on the subject, Robert has become a respected voice in the field of sports journalism.
