Fan protests at 1. SC Göttingen 05: What's behind it?

Fan protests at 1. SC Göttingen 05: What's behind it?

In the football match between 1. SC Göttingen 05 and SSV Vorsfelde, which took place on September 4, 2025, the focus was not only on the result of 4:2 for the guests. The fans of the Göttingen club showed a clear stance towards the board during the game by unfurling critical banners, including the provocative “Board out!” With this campaign they want to draw attention to grievances and push for the negative development of the club. As the Göttinger Tageblatt reported, the criticism is particularly directed against the club's political orientation and external image.

A look at the current situation reveals that the fans are not alone in their dissatisfaction. Discussions about fan/club relationships are not new, and they are being deliberately intensified by the changes in stadium operations. Under the new leadership of stadium announcer Arno Plumbohm, changes are being made, such as a new goal anthem, but also the elimination of a second concession stand and the cancellation of the betting game, which the fans find unsatisfactory.

Political issues in the stadium

The fans' banners, which appear under the banner of “lawn sports guerrilla”, address the political instrumentalization of the club by external groups. Here a gap becomes clear between the club board, which insists on political neutrality and sees it as a threat to the club's philosophy, and the fans, who vehemently represent their point of view. Fan representatives criticize the fact that the club relies on the attitudes of the fan scene while at the same time delegitimizing their political views.

Discrimination is a relevant issue that is an integral part of various movements around the world and also in the stadiums. The exhibition “Tatort Stadium 2” documents how racism, anti-Semitism and other discriminatory attitudes are also present in football, and have been for decades. Martin Endemann from the Alliance of Active Football Fans (BAFF) emphasizes that the stadium was previously characterized by hooligans and right-wing tendencies. This is also reflected in the reports of targeted actions by Nazis in the 1990s.

The club and its responsibility

The board of 1. SC Göttingen 05, which has five members, sees itself facing a major challenge. While he says the relationship with the fans is good, the reality is that there is a hardened conflict. The fans in particular are demanding more co-determination and commitment from the board. An exchange therefore seems urgently necessary in order to build a bridge between the club and supporters again.

To counteract this, the DFB has taken numerous measures against discrimination in football since 2006. Despite these efforts, prejudice and discriminatory behavior remain a major issue in football, exacerbated by the increasing commercialization and professionalization of the sport. One could say: Football reveals not only the game, but also the state of our society.

The upcoming home game against VfB Fallersleben will show whether the tensions within the club can take a turn or whether the conflict will continue to shape the mood in the stadium. However, one thing is certain: the discussions about fan and club culture are anything but over, and the voices of the fans are louder than ever.