FC St. Pauli supporters were targeted by a series of hostile banners and verbal abuse during the away match at Energie Cottbus. The 1-1 draw last weekend was overshadowed by political tensions between the clubs' fan groups.
Numerous protest banners were displayed in the Cottbus supporters' section, known as the H-Block. One attacked the internationally networked anti-fascist fan movement 'Alerta'. Another large banner accused the Ultra St. Pauli scene of living in a bubble and being in sync with the system. These attacks referenced publicly aired allegations of abuse of power and violence within the Ultra St. Pauli grouping, which is currently being investigated.
Energie Cottbus reacted to the incidents from their own fanbase and distanced themselves via an Instagram post. The club stated: 'Geschmack vermag streitbar sein, Diskriminierungen, Herabwürdigung und Gewaltverherrlichung und damit einhergehend die satzungskonformen Grundwerte unseres FC Energie Cottbus e.V. Zu missachten, jedoch nicht!' No apology was issued through this channel. FC St. Pauli has pledged its support for the internal processing of the allegations.
The Match in Ostseestadion
On the pitch, St. Pauli salvaged a point from a difficult situation. After a red card for Tomoya Ando in the 21st minute, the team fell behind. Justin Butler scored for Cottbus in the 37th minute for a 1-0 halftime lead. It wasn't until late that Martijn Kaars equalised in the 80th minute for the final 1-1 scoreline.
With that single point, FC St. Pauli sits eighth in the 2. Bundesliga table with seven points from six games, with a goal difference of 8:8. The next challenge awaits after the international break: on October 10th, the team hosts Karlsruher SC, who currently sit 14th.
First reported at Die Welt Sport
