Hansa Rostock’s Match Against Unterhaching Canceled Due to Security Concerns

The last-minute cancellation of the third league match between Hansa Rostock and SpVgg Unterhaching is reportedly not connected to the violent incidents that occurred at Rostock’s Ostseestadion last Saturday. This was confirmed by Hansa’s CEO Jürgen Wehlend as well as the Munich police, who emphasized that the decision should not be perceived as linked to the recent violence, according to the Ostsee-Zeitung.

The match, classified as a high-risk event, was called off due to inadequate security measures provided by the Unterhaching organizers. The sports park in Unterhaching was closed by the municipality, as stated by the German Football Association (DFB).

Challenging Times for Hansa

Hansa Rostock was scheduled to play on Sunday in the Munich district, with 1,300 guest tickets reportedly sold. According to the DFB, relocating the match to another venue was deemed too last-minute.

Last Saturday, serious disturbances occurred during the eastern duel between FC Hansa and Dynamo Dresden, resulting in 51 injuries, including 13 police officers, five stadium staff, and 33 spectators. The DFB’s control committee has initiated an investigation against both clubs.

Police Support Wehlend’s View

A police spokesperson in Munich confirmed on Wednesday evening that there had been no reassessment of the situation following the recent incidents in Rostock, thus supporting Wehlend’s perspective.

The municipality of Unterhaching’s decision was based on the view that the submitted safety plan from the organizers, SpVgg Unterhaching, was not deemed sufficient to ensure the necessary security for the match.

Hansa Rostock Examines Legal Options

It was noted that the Bavarian club missed the deadline to revise the safety concept set by the municipality. Although the measures submitted by SpVgg Unterhaching to the DFB at the start of the season were approved by the relevant safety authorities, the latest assessment indicated that the existing safety plan was no longer adequate, according to a club statement.

Hansa Rostock is also reviewing the legal situation to protect its interests, as stated in a club announcement. No rescheduled date for the match has been determined yet.