Eintracht Frankfurt's supervisory board chairman Philip Holzer hopes that there will be no more fan riots in the Champions League second leg against Olympique Marseille this Wednesday (9 p.m. / DAZN). "That's the work of the executive. I'm sure everyone involved will do what is necessary to be prepared accordingly," said Holzer (56) in an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" (Tuesday).

The first leg in Marseille was overshadowed by serious riots. A Eintracht fan was seriously injured. Before the kick-off and during the game on September 13 in Marseille, flares and firecrackers were repeatedly fired at the opposing supporters from both fan blocks.

"What happened there shook me: war-like conditions prevailed. Those responsible at Olympique didn't look at what was going on in the block of Olympique supporters. According to the motto: That's standard with us," said Holzer. From his point of view, this is an example of "the French state having written off parts of its society. And I can only say: God help us that we are not experiencing the same development in Germany. For me, football in this country is one of the last glues we have left to hold society together." Football can still send messages to people “who can no longer be reached by politics”.

At the same time, Holzer condemned the behavior of his own fans in France. "Showing the Hitler salute is absolutely to be condemned and shooting pyrotechnics into other blocks is a no-go." In general, however, it has been bothering him for a long time how away fans are often treated. "It's not a good development. I think if someone celebrates when the away team has scored a goal, it has to be possible without there being any trouble. Everyone has to accept that because it's part of the sport. And that's the culture we want in Frankfurt," said Holzer.

Interview FAZ, e-paper