Hertha BSC says goodbye to its president. In honor of Kay Bernstein, numerous activities are planned today around the second division game against Fortuna Düsseldorf.
It is one of the hardest days in Hertha BSC’s club history. It’s the first game for the Berliners after the unexpected death of their president Kay Bernstein. The 43-year-old died on January 16th at the age of 43.
Before and during the game there will be several expressions of condolence for the former fan singer, who is very popular in the club. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf is also among the guests at the Olympic Stadium.
Ultras memorial march
“This day will be a difficult journey for all of us,” it says on the website of the fan group “Harlequins 98”: “In memory of Kay, let us go to the Olympic Stadium and pay our last respects to him.” Bernstein was a co-founder of “Harlekins 98” and was one of the leading figures in the Berlin fan scene for years.
The Hertha Ultras are holding a memorial march from Theodor-Heuss-Platz to the Olympic Stadium from 10:30 a.m. According to the call, it is a silent remembrance. Alcohol and pyrotechnics should be avoided. In addition, guests from other fan scenes from near and far will take part in the march.
Bernstein’s place should remain empty
There will be a total of five memorial sites for amber at the Olympic Stadium. Hertha’s website says: “Please only bring individual flowers and avoid plastic, arrangements and wreaths. You can also place candles in front of the east gate, but these are prohibited in other places in the stadium.” There is already a large picture of Bernstein hanging at the stadium.
There will also be activities in the stadium. A memorial service will start at 12:15 p.m. in the chapel of the Olympic Stadium, which will also be broadcast on the screens in the stadium. Bernstein’s seat in the honorary box (seat 1 on the left) remains empty. According to the “Bild” newspaper, club committees are discussing hanging Bernstein’s Hertha jacket – his trademark – over his empty seat.
The east curve, where Hertha’s most loyal fans stand, will go into the stadium dressed in black or with the “amber jacket”. A little choreography is also planned. In addition, the podium from which Bernstein once whipped up the Hertha fans as lead singer is to be built in front of the east curve. It is still unclear whether the fans will remain silent throughout the game or cheer on their team.