Ultra Football Fans to Stage Massive Protest in Leipzig Against New Security Measures

Thousands of ultra football fan groups from across Germany are set to gather in Leipzig this weekend for a large-scale demonstration opposed to intensified stadium security measures. The protest rallies against planned policies including personalized tickets, facial recognition technology, and a nationwide stadium ban commission.

Scheduled from 11:30 AM to 3 PM, the protest will follow a route starting and ending at Goethestraße in Leipzig, coinciding strategically with a national team match and upcoming interior ministers' talks on fan-related issues. Leipzig police are preparing for a significant deployment to maintain public order amid concerns of potential violence, especially as rival fan groups are also expected to attend.

In a joint statement, the Ultras criticized a zero-tolerance stance on pyrotechnics, arguing it demonstrates a misunderstanding of fan culture. They emphasize that the true risks in stadiums stem from unpredictable police conduct rather than fan activities. Organizers have urged participants to refrain from using pyrotechnics or face coverings out of respect for the host city and other fans.

The demonstration, titled "Der Fußball ist sicher! Schluss mit Populismus – Ja zur Fankultur!" (Football is safe! Stop populism – yes to fan culture!), is foreseen to attract over 10,000 Ultras, signaling a growing movement against the proposed security policies.

Leipzig’s preparations highlight the event’s scale and the significance of this fan-driven protest in the broader debate over football culture and security reforms in Germany.