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St. Pauli captain Irvine: Halftime shows are not part of football!
St. Pauli captain Jackson Irvine comments on the criticism of half-time shows in football and emphasizes the importance of fan culture.
St. Pauli captain Irvine: Halftime shows are not part of football!
Football is about more than just goals and points. It is a life all its own, characterized by passion and tradition. But in recent years the trend towards halftime shows and musical interludes has increased, which upsets many fans. St. Pauli captain Jackson Irvine expressed his opinion on this topic in a recent podcast. He has a very clear picture: “Football has its own culture that doesn’t need any additional forms of entertainment,” says St. Pauli 24. Irvine is a fan of the nature of football and believes it should not be compromised. He reverently mentions the fan culture that is omnipresent in the stadium and should determine what is relevant in football.
The question arises: Where does the path lead if even the big tournaments like the Champions League final are enhanced with band performances? In 2023, the band Linkin Park performed before the final, which was not well received by all spectators. According to a report by Tagesspiegel there were whistles and displeasure at Helene Fischer's appearance in 2017 during the DFB Cup final. These events show that the commercialization of football and the associated entertainment elements are encountering resistance, especially in Germany.
Halftime show at the 2026 World Cup – A controversial experiment
FIFA plans to introduce a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. Fifa boss Gianni Infantino calls this a “historic moment for the World Cup” and hopes such a show will attract new viewers, especially in the United States. But these innovations are not without controversy. Critics fear that the direction of football is increasingly being shaped by commercial interests, as Sport Illustrated notes.
In Germany there has been a certain aversion to this type of eventization since the 80s. Many “real” football fans don’t see halftime as a stage program, but rather as their opportunity to talk about the game and enjoy snacks. The fans might like the local connection of the acts, such as a performance by Udo Lindenberg at Hamburger SV.
A topic for the future
How can you balance tradition and entertainment? Jackson Irvine and many of those around him believe that the real life in the stadium and the connection with the fans should not be replaced by show blinds. So whether football will evolve towards commercialization or whether traditional culture will endure remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the dialogue on these issues will continue, and fans' voices will need to be heard above all else.