On the terraces: Fans mark International Women’s Day, Niedersachsenderby escalates again

In a weekly Newsletter, Matt Ford keeps an eye on the action off the pitch in the Bundesliga and German football, explaining what’s going on from fan protests to finances.

According to a recent survey, almost one in four women and girls have been victims of sexual abuse in German football stadiums. From misogynistic comments to catcalling to straight-up molestation, it’s clear that some male football supporters still feel emboldened to behave inappropriately by the perceived security of a predominantly male crowd. At the weekend, International Women’s Day provided an occasion for German fans to draw attention to these issues. But, in the words of one HSV banner: “Every day is women’s day.”

Meanwhile, there was “solidarity” of a different kind in Lower Saxony, where both Hannover and Eintracht Braunschweig supporters took action against ticketing restrictions imposed on the derby. While Braunschweig’s ultras boycotted altogether, Hannover’s fan scene protested inside the stadium, where the famous tennis balls made their return.

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Matt Ford's "On the terraces" newsletter will continue to appear every week throughout the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. Last season, the newsletter featured exclusive and in-depth coverage of the Bundesliga's private equity plans and the political intrigues at VfB Stuttgart, among other things. If you like what you see, please consider taking out a paid subscription.