Vuskovic’s “crossing the line”: St Pauli respond to HSV criticism | OneFootball

The sportswise disappointing Hamburg city derby between FC St. Pauli and HSV has a much louder aftermath off the pitch.

After the 0:0 draw, the behavior of HSV defender Luka Vuskovic came into focus. The trigger was statements made by the 18-year-old immediately after the final whistle on the Sky microphone. Vuskovic complained that supporters of FC St. Pauli "insulted my brother and my family" and made it clear: "I can't say anything positive about these fans."

The background included banners in the St. Pauli section directed against Mario Vuskovic, who was banned for doping. The emotions of the HSV player continued to run high. In the corridor to the locker rooms, Luka Vuskovic spat in the player tunnel in front of the St. Pauli locker room. Coach Merlin Polzin expressed understanding for his protégé's reaction at the subsequent press conference.

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St. Pauli condemns "sexist banners like in the HSV section"

On Saturday, FC St. Pauli responded with a detailed statement and took a clear position. "A derby is associated with great emotions. This also includes banter and unfortunately, occasionally insults on both sides," it states. The neighborhood club further clarifies: "These are not to be welcomed in themselves, and both sides should distance themselves from them; such incidents are tolerated by some in the knowledge of the heated environment, but they are not a standard for respectful interaction."

St. Pauli is clear in its criticism of specific actions: "As a club, we stand clearly for respectful interaction. This does not include derogatory remarks from our stands, nor sexist banners like those seen in the HSV section, nor other insulting content." The assessment of Vuskovic's behavior is particularly sharp: "We expect players, coaches, and representatives of the clubs to behave appropriately and professionally: not to be easily provoked, not to insult fans, and not to cross boundaries like spitting towards fans or on the floor and walls in the locker room area."

At the same time, St. Pauli rejects a one-sided interpretation pattern: "Emotions explain a lot, but they do not justify everything. Against this background, we are irritated that a narrative has been drawn over days, suggesting that only one side was provocative or causing, while other incidents are ignored."

Despite all the clarity, the brown and whites sought a conciliatory conclusion. "Overall, what is much more important and remarkable is the calm conduct of an emotional derby. That should be the standard for evaluation. For FC St. Pauli, the games against HSV are now settled, and the focus is on the future," the club explained.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.