FC St. Pauli Halts Stadium Anthem Over Lyricist’s Nazi Ties

The decision to stop playing 'Herz von St. Pauli' has divided fans, prompting a broader debate within the club about its historical legacy.

For the first time in 20 years, FC St. Pauli did not play its traditional stadium anthem, 'Herz von St. Pauli,' before a home game against SC Freiburg.
The decision was made after the club's museum uncovered that the song's lyricist, Josef Ollig, had ties to the Nazi regime.
Fans expressed mixed reactions at the stadium, with some applauding the move and others booing club president Oke Göttlich.
Club officials emphasized the importance of open debate, stating that discussions with fans will continue after the release of a scientific review on the matter.
FC St. Pauli, known for its strong stance against racism and far-right ideologies, has a history of addressing problematic aspects of its past, including renaming its stadium in 1998 due to similar concerns.