Hundreds of tennis balls from Berlin – but three points for Hamburger SV: Accompanied by the longest fan protests to date against the commercialization of German football, HSV achieved a very important victory in the 2nd Bundesliga.
At Hertha BSC, coach Tim Walter’s team won 2-1 (0-0) and jumped back to second place in the table in the promotion battle. However, the game on Saturday evening was also marked by protests: it had to be interrupted for a good 30 minutes after tennis balls continually flew from the stands onto the field.
In terms of sport, the encounter only picked up speed after this compulsory break. Hamburg’s lead through Miro Muheim (57′) was quickly equalized by Hertha’s Haris Tabakovic (62′), but the visitors had the final say: Ludovit Reis (82′) scored the win and HSV has a direct promotion spot again. City rivals FC St. Pauli (42 points) are currently away at the top of the table, but Hamburg (37) is at the top of the pursuers. Holstein Kiel (36) and SpVgg Greuther Fürth (35) are still within striking distance. As tenth, Hertha (26) no longer plays a role in the promotion race for the time being.
Before the break, Hamburg was basically superior, but both teams had good chances: In the 17th minute, a header from Andras Nemeth hit the crossbar, and on the other side Tabakovic (42nd) hit the post with his header. Early in the second half the tennis balls flew and referee Daniel Schlager sent the teams off the field when the score was 0-0 after 75 minutes – they had only played until the 53rd minute.
Both Hertha captain Toni Leistner and coach Pal Dardai sought discussions with fan representatives during this phase, and referee Schlager waited patiently for a long time. Only after going into the catacombs and another ten minutes could the game continue. Opportunities now arose on both sides, and Hertha was also significantly more active after Fabian Reese was substituted on.
In the past few weeks, fans in all Bundesliga stadiums have repeatedly caused disruptions by throwing chocolate coins, bouncy balls and tennis balls, but so far they have never reached such an extent. The supporters are primarily protesting against the German Football League’s (DFL) recent plans to work with an investor.