German soccer officials fear repeat of fans’ Nazi chants in Norway qualifier
Reinhard Grindel to seek tighter controls on ticketing after fans yell ‘Sieg Heil’ during match against Czech Republic, embarrassing team
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BERLIN, Germany — The head of the German soccer association (DFB) wants tighter ticketing controls for international matches after Germany fans chanted Nazi slogans during a 2018 World Cup qualifier, with FIFA poised to investigate.
The world champions are incensed after a group of German hooligans chanted “Sieg Heil” (Hail Victory) and verbally abused their own players, during Friday’s 2-1 win at Prague’s Eden Arena in a World Cup qualifier.
There were fears there would be more bad behavior from home fans when Germany hosted Norway on Monday in Stuttgart.
On Monday, a FIFA spokesman said the world soccer’s governing body is considering whether to investigate the misconduct, and is waiting for the match report.
The 200-strong group of Germans managed to get hold of tickets in a fan block meant for home supporters from a local ticketing outlet in Prague.
They hurled verbal abuse as well as disrupting the minute’s silence for two deceased Czech officials before kick-off, which has led to calls for tighter ticket checks.
“I will address the issue next week with UEFA’s executive committee,” DFB president Reinhard Grindel told German magazine Kicker, with European soccer’s governing body due to meet in Nyon, Switzerland, on September 20.
“We must discuss the issue of tickets together with the other European associations and find ways to ensure more control across Europe.
“We have a traceable allocation for our contingent through the national team’s fan club.”
“The truth is that in countries like San Marino and the Czech Republic, there are absolutely no checks, because, for example, local residents can pass on tickets unchecked (to away fans) and tickets are freely available.”
Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew said the “Sieg Heil” chants brought “shame on Germany.”
Defender Mats Hummels, who scored the winning goal in Prague, branded those responsible, “hooligans who have nothing to do with football fans.”
Victory against the Norwegians will seal Germany’s place at next year’s World Cup in Russia, providing Group C rivals Northern Ireland fail to beat the Czech Republic also on Monday.
The Times of Israel Community.