Police operation at the Hansa game: Rostock remains calm despite the high risk!

Police operation at the Hansa game: Rostock remains calm despite the high risk!

On December 20, 2025, an exciting football match took place in Rostock's Ostseestadion between F.C. Hansa Rostock and 1. FC Saarbrücken. The game was classified as a problem game, meaning increased precautions were taken to prevent possible riots. The preparations by the organizer and the police were extensive: around 250 police officers from the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Police were deployed to ensure security during this event. But the balance after the game was positive: There were no significant incidents, which underlines the efficiency of the security precautions, as [Müritzportal] also reported.

The police had already prepared for such a scenario in advance and were well prepared for the operation. According to information released in a press release at 5:45 p.m., the event passed without any significant incidents. This is not entirely self-evident when you consider how passionate the fan groups in German football are. The rivalry between teams often brings with it increased risks.

Background on football and police operations

The problem of acts of violence in football affects several leagues and has become more explosive in recent years. A look at the numbers: In the 2023/2024 season there were around 1.6 million police working hours in the first and second Bundesliga. This corresponds to the working hours of around 1,220 full-time police officers - an immense number that significantly increases the overall costs of police operations. These costs, as the [Tagesschau] reports, are currently borne by taxpayers, which is leading to increasing discussion in society.

In Bremen, attempts have been made for over ten years to get the German Football League (DFL) to contribute to these costs. At the end of 2014, a law was passed that imposes fees for high-risk games, i.e. events with more than 5,000 visitors where additional police forces are needed. Bremen argues that fees can be charged for something in return - a demand that is a big issue in football and police operations as a whole.

The role of federal states and associations

The DFL, on the other hand, has so far been reluctant to cover the costs and sees the home clubs as more responsible. This discussion is leading to an increased debate about the financing of security measures at football games not only in Bremen, but also in other federal states. Depending on the upcoming rulings of the Federal Constitutional Court, some countries could consider similar cost-sharing regulations. Ulrich Mäurer, Senator for the Interior in Bremen, campaigned strongly for a uniform solution.

Overall, it shows that the combination of passionate football, security precautions and the discussion about costs represents a complex challenge for the organizers, the police and society. The last game in Rostock could serve as a positive example that with the right preparation, even major risks can be successfully managed.

If you have any questions about the police presence at the game, anyone interested can contact the operations control center of the Rostock police headquarters on 038208 888-2110 or by email at elst-pp.rostock@polmv.de.