BTSV against 96
Fewer fans at the derby? Behrens affirmed point of view
Updated on July 31, 2025 – 5:40 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Do the derbies continue to take place between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hannover 96 in front of fewer fans? Interior Minister Daniela Behrens has a clear opinion.
The Lower Saxony Interior Minister Daniela Behrens considers a renewed reduction in the guest assembly to the second division derby between Eintracht Braunschweig and Hannover 96. In particular, she sees the two clubs as a duty.
“We expect the clubs to get them from the experiences of the
Learning last season and adapting their security concepts accordingly, “said the minister.” If the police on site reach the technical assessment that this does not happen to a sufficient extent, all instruments such as the arrangement of a personalized ticketing or a reduction in the guest company also remain on the table for the upcoming derbies. “
In the 2024/25 season, only a few guest fans were approved in the 2024/25 season. There was a lot of criticism of this measure ordered by Behrens. The ultras of both clubs even boycotted the duel of the Lower Saxony rivals. There were several actions. The youngest derby was interrupted several times in March because fans threw fireworks and tennis balls onto the field. In addition, spectators showed a banner on which Behrens was shown in the crosshairs.
In principle, however, there were significantly fewer occurrences in football games in Lower Saxony in the past season. According to information from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Interior, Sport and Digitization, the number of crimes in the stadiums has decreased by 53 percent from 688 to 364 cases. The number of injuries in the context of the encounters also decreased by 46 percent from 97 to 52 people. This also led to fewer police officers.
“Reducing violence in the Lower Saxony stages is an important step in the right direction. But the numbers also show that we are not yet at the destination. We have to remain vigilant in the coming season and strengthen our efforts,” said Behrens. Above all, the use of pyrotechnics in the stadiums remains a problem.
Behrens therefore further addresses her appeal to the clubs. Behrens criticized the fact that the number of law enforcement officers has decreased as well as the decline in the bans imposed. “It is disappointing to see that the clubs used fewer staff and pronounced fewer stadium bans while the police intensified their measures. The clubs must meet their responsibility and actively contribute to security,” the SPD politician demanded.
The duel of the Lower Saxony rivals is in the season that started at the weekend between October 24th and 26th. Then Eintracht Braunschweig initially plays in front of a home backdrop. The second leg in Hanover is on the program between 20 and 22 March 2026.