German soccer club Chemnitzer fires staff over neo-Nazi tribute

BERLIN, Germany — Fourth-tier German soccer club Chemnitzer FC has filed a complaint with local prosecutors and fired several staff members over a pre-match tribute to a recently deceased fan with neo-Nazi links.

Chemnitz’s CEO Thomas Uhlig resigned yesterday over the scandal and today the club sacks a member of the communications department and the stadium announcer.

A political storm was whipped up in Saxony state before Saturday’s 4-4 draw at home to Altglienicke when Chemnitz fans paid tribute before kickoff to Thomas Haller, a leading figure in eastern Germany’s far-right scene.

Haller reportedly took part in racist riots that rocked the city last year following the fatal stabbing of a German man, allegedly by immigrant men.

Haller had for years provided security for the club and co-founded the “HooNaRa” (Hooligans-Nazis-Racists) group in the 1990s that was disbanded in 2007, local broadcaster MDR reports.

Before Saturday’s match, a picture of Haller was displayed on a video screen at the stadium, there was a minute’s silence and banners — one saying “Rest in peace Tommy” — were rolled out, while Haller was praised in a speech.

Klaus Siemon, the club’s administrator, claims some of the club’s staff were threatened with violence, reportedly by supporters, unless the tribute took place.

— AFP