Union game against Malmö almost canceled – “Limits have been exceeded”

For Union Berlin, every game in the Europa League is a highlight, especially when it’s won. But despite the 0-1 away win in Malmö, the focus was on the fact that the game was almost canceled due to some fan chaos. In addition to pyro throws, firecrackers also landed on the field.

Who would have thought two or three years ago that Union Berlin would play in the Europa League? Probably as good as nobody. The games that the club is allowed to play in international competitions in the current season are all the more special.

On Thursday evening, Union also presented itself in a good sporting light for the first time. After two opening defeats against Braga and Saint-Gilloise, the Swedish Malmö FF won 1-0. And yet there was little left of the sporting positive sign – after all, the game almost had to be canceled primarily because of some Berlin fans.

About an hour into the game, chaos ensued. A group of black-clad chaots first started flaring off some pyrotechnics. The much bigger problem, however: It quickly became clear that the “fans” who had traveled with them wanted to cause even more trouble.

Shortly thereafter, seat shells from the guest area flew in the direction of the adjacent blocks, firecrackers exploded – sometimes right next to the police officers, who came running to be on the safe side. A few blasts later, the crews were sent back to the cabins. The fact that Malmö supporters, who maintain a fan friendship with Hertha BSC, waved appropriate banners did not help with the de-escalation, but at the same time should not be seen as an excuse for the riots.

It quickly became clear that the game could be canceled if things didn’t calm down as soon as possible. The police provided a buffer between the Union block and the fan areas around it. After the players returned, the focus shifted back to what was happening on the pitch.

“Shameful”: Union officials rage about chaotic performance in Malmö

“Aiming fireworks at people is going too far. The fact that a minority manages to do it again and again, that you don’t talk about the great performance of the team, I have no words. I find that shameful,” said Urs Fischer after the game disappointed (via daily mirror).

Union President Dirk Zingler also chose clear words (via picture): “Boundaries were crossed today. I don’t accept that. There were some from our block, that’s why we take responsibility, that’s very clear. We will be punished, that’s also very clear.”

Nevertheless, he emphasized that it would also be wrong to “place all 1,200 Iron fans who traveled with us under general suspicion”. He also stated that “a lot was possible” due to a “completely understaffed organizer”. And yet: “We can’t blame it on those who don’t use many forces. We have to take responsibility ourselves.”

However, Zingler is not afraid of a ghost game as a possible punishment: “I don’t think so. We are still newbies who are not on probation or have a criminal record.” However, the incidents should “shake up” the Union as an association. He does not accept such behavior, it was a taboo break.

Away from the riots, the away win was of great importance for the Bundesliga side. In this way, the Berliners are getting closer to the first two places, which will enable them to move into the next round or at least the playoffs. Before the start of the second half of the group phase, they are three points behind second place and six points behind first place.

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This article was originally published on 90min.com/DE as.