City has decided
Sturm and GAK supporters keep their own curve
The first important solution in the Graz stadium case has been found: The city has now given in, the fans of the two traditional clubs Sturm and GAK will keep their fan curves.
There was a great deal of excitement when the "Krone" newspaper revealed the proposal by City Councillor for Finance Manfred Eber (KPÖ) last week. For safety reasons, the supporters of Sturm and GAK in Liebenau were to share a fan curve in future. A novelty in European soccer and simply unacceptable for the fans of black and red (we reported).
For this reason, a security summit was held at the town hall on Monday. Due to the explosive nature of the issue, Mayor Elke Kahr also took part. In addition to Eber, representatives of the stadium administration and authorities, fan representatives of the two traditional Graz clubs were also present - and of course high-ranking club officials such as Sturm president Christian Jauk and GAK boss Rene Ziesler.
"We are delighted with the joint solution"
And they are very happy with the result. Because a joint curve is off the table. Sturm and GAK will continue to have their own fan sectors in the future. "We are pleased that we have found a solution that everyone involved feels is appropriate and safe, from the fans to the police," said councillor Eber, breathing a sigh of relief after almost four hours of negotiations.
GAK curve to be extended
The fan curves will be separated by glass walls that are difficult to overcome until the start of the season. GAK sector 22 will be extended by sectors 23 to 25 and will be equipped with a modular standing and seating system during the coming winter break, similar to the "black" Nordkurve.
"The structural preparations for the coming season will now begin in order to implement the most important safety measures in good time. I hope that Sturm will emerge as champions by then and that GAK will be promoted so that we can experience the coming season with even more excitement," says Eber.
Also at the derby in their own curve
The derby plays a special role. As the police consider it unacceptable for the Sturm fans to be in the nearby away sector at a GAK home game, both clubs will make their home stands available to the opposing fans during a derby.
Police: "Compromise solution with flaws"
The police welcome the constructive exchange and the efforts to find a joint solution, although they emphasize that the stadium operator's decision is a "compromise solution with flaws" from a security perspective. It is crucial that at least the necessary structural measures are implemented by the start of the new season.
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