Rising Concerns Over Football Fan Misconduct on German Trains

Incidents of vandalism, harassment, and violence linked to football fans prompt calls for accountability and preventive measures.

Deutsche Bahn incurs annual damages of approximately €2 million due to vandalism and misconduct by a small minority of football fans during train travel.
Recent incidents include significant damage to an ODEG train and harassment of singer Mine, who was subjected to sexist and racist abuse by Hertha BSC fans.
Hertha BSC condemned the behavior and initiated a dialogue with Mine, emphasizing the need for clubs to address fan culture and norms.
Experts highlight the role of entrenching societal issues, such as toxic masculinity and alcohol-fueled behavior, in escalating fan misconduct.
Preventive measures, including increased collaboration between rail operators and police, are being implemented, but broader societal changes are deemed necessary.