Hamburg's football unites: St. Pauli is actively fighting against right-wing extremism!

Hamburg's football unites: St. Pauli is actively fighting against right-wing extremism!

At a time when society is becoming increasingly polarized, Oke Göttlich, the president of FC St. Pauli, emphasizes the need not to use football to promote further divisions. In an interview with kicker, he expressed his wish for increased cooperation with city rivals Hamburger SV in order to take a stand against increasing radicalization. Göttlich wants Hamburg football to take active action against right-wing extremist parties like the AfD. “Hamburg has a political, liberal election outcome,” he emphasizes, which gives hope for more engagement across the country. An important motto of the season is “Stay stable”, which underlines the spirit of the club.

Such an attitude is particularly important in a diverse city like Hamburg, where people from different backgrounds live together peacefully. Görlich, who is also considered one of the first signatories of a call against right-wing extremism, is not alone in his concern. The city is currently preparing for a large rally to take place on January 19, 2024 at the Rathausmarkt. Thousands of people from trade unions, religious communities and cultural associations are expected to protest against neo-Nazi networks. “We have to stand together to send a clear signal against hate,” explains Göttlich.

Diversity and engagement in the sports community

In addition to the demonstrations, special events are planned to raise awareness of the issue of anti-Semitism in sport. On January 27, 2024, FC St. Pauli will host a memorial event at Harald-Stender-Platz to remember the victims of the Holocaust. A panel discussion on the topic of “Anti-Semitism today (in sports)” on January 28th will bring together prominent guests from various organizations, including representatives of the Jewish Community of Hamburg.

These initiatives are part of a larger movement in Germany that is taking the threat of right-wing extremism in sport seriously. A study by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation shows that around eight percent of those surveyed have a clear right-wing extremist orientation. This confirms the fears of numerous experts such as Robert Claus, who has been researching violence and right-wing extremism in sport for years. “It is important to live the values ​​of tolerance, respect and diversity in our clubs in order to create an environment that does not give room for intolerant ideologies,” explains Claus.

Together against the darkness

Given these challenges and the sport's vulnerability to ideological attacks, it is crucial that clubs like FC St. Pauli take responsibility. The Hamburg constitution, which emphasizes diversity and cosmopolitanism, is in direct contrast to the goals of the AfD, which aims to “expel” people with a migrant background. The actions aim to defend democracy and promote an inclusive community.

In summary, Oke Göttlich is not only a president of a football club, but also a champion of values ​​that go far beyond the pitch. His calls for unity and commitment against right-wing extremism could be a ray of light against the darkness that threatens society.

FC St. Pauli and its fan base show how important it is to stand together against the challenges of the times. “St. Pauli fans against the right” is not just a motto, but a clear commitment to the values ​​that must be lived in an open society.

For more information about the movement against right-wing extremism in Hamburg, read the reports from Sports1, FC St Pauli and Deutschlandfunk.