Overview

• Speaking at a DFL event, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of a negative development among fans and said behavior in stadiums must be kept "somewhat under control."
• The Dachverband der Fanhilfen called the comments "fassungslos und wütend" and labeled them "populistische Parolen," announcing the topic will be raised at its nationwide meeting this weekend.
• Merz argued the fan scene reflects broader societal and party-political trends, placing stadium safety within a larger political context.
• He reiterated support for retaining the 50+1 rule, saying football should remain a club sport with strong roles for clubs and members.
• No new security measures were announced, though the clash lands amid ongoing debates shaped by a court ruling that allows clubs to be billed for police costs at high-risk matches.