Hannover 96 Chairman Condemns Targeting of Minister’s Image on Fan Banner

Martin Kind, the chairman of Hannover 96, has expressed his strong disapproval regarding recent incidents during the Niedersachsen-Derby against Eintracht Braunschweig, which ended in a 1-1 draw. He condemned the actions of Hannover fans who displayed a banner featuring the head of Niedersachsen’s Interior Minister, Daniela Behrens (SPD), within a target cross, stating that this behavior is „absolutely unacceptable. It cannot be tolerated,“ as reported to the German Press Agency.

Kind criticized the active fan scene for misusing the platform provided by Bundesliga football, urging them to use their judgment wisely.

During the intense second-tier league match on Sunday, numerous protests erupted among fans. A significant group of Hannover 96 supporters chose not to occupy their usual spot in the fan block but instead purchased tickets for the opposite stand. From this location, they launched fireworks and tennis balls onto the pitch, causing multiple interruptions in the game.

In response to the banner incident, the police initiated an investigation on Sunday for suspected threats.