DFL Addresses Security Concerns Over Simultaneous Home Matches in Berlin

The German Football League (DFL) has clarified the reasoning behind the rare scheduling of two major football matches occurring almost simultaneously in Berlin. This decision has drawn attention due to potential security and logistical challenges posed by the influx of rival fan groups in the capital on the same day.

On the upcoming matchday, both Hertha BSC and Union Berlin are set to play home games. Hertha BSC will face Dynamo Dresden at the Olympiastadion, while Union Berlin is scheduled to host SC Freiburg at their home ground just over two hours later. This occurrence is unusual, as league organizers typically avoid simultaneous home matches for clubs from the same city to prevent security risks and strain on local resources.

Scheduling Influenced by Regional Holiday Restrictions

The DFL stated that the overlap in fixtures was necessitated by specific calendar constraints. The presence of public holidays such as Reformation Day and All Saints' Day in several German states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, limited the possible match dates. On these holidays, holding football matches is restricted by law in certain regions, making it unfeasible to schedule games there.

As a result, the league was compelled to arrange Hertha BSC's game against Dynamo Dresden for early Saturday afternoon, followed shortly by Union Berlin's match. The DFL emphasized that the scheduling was coordinated closely with Berlin police authorities to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.

Security Challenges Due to High-Risk Fixtures

Authorities anticipate particular challenges surrounding the Hertha BSC versus Dynamo Dresden match, which is classified as a high-risk event. Up to 35,000 Dresden supporters are expected to travel to Berlin, raising concerns about the possibility of clashes between rival fan groups. The rivalry between the supporter bases of Hertha BSC and Dynamo Dresden is well-documented, and similar tensions exist between Dynamo and Union Berlin fans.

The close timing of the two matches means that fans from all three clubs will be present in the city at overlapping times, increasing the complexity of security operations. Berlin police are preparing for heightened measures to manage crowd movements, especially given the simultaneous departure of Dynamo Dresden fans and the arrival of Union Berlin supporters.

Coordination Between League and Authorities

The DFL reiterated that such a scheduling overlap is an exception rather than standard practice. The decision was made after extensive discussions with local law enforcement and other relevant agencies, with the primary objective of maintaining public order while accommodating the constraints imposed by holiday laws and the broader football calendar, including DFB-Pokal fixtures.

Despite the logistical challenges, the DFL expressed confidence in the ability of the city's security services to manage the situation effectively. The league also highlighted its ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with clubs and authorities to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of football matches across Germany.

This double matchday underlines the complexities faced by football organizers when balancing sporting interests, public security, and legal considerations. All parties involved will be closely monitoring the day's events to ensure that Berlin's football fans can enjoy the sport safely and responsibly.