"Got a problem!"

Coach Hasenhüttl criticizes the German fans

Ralph Hasenhüttl is really sick of the pyro madness!(Bild: GEPA pictures)

VfL Wolfsburg coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, who has experience of playing in England, has criticized German soccer fans for the constant burning of pyrotechnics in first and second division stadiums. "I definitely have a problem with pyro," said the 56-year-old Styrian at his press conference for the Bundesliga home game against Darmstadt 98 on Thursday.

"It's dangerous. There have already been a few injuries. And a game should be a positive experience for everyone, which should also be shared with small children and families," Hasenhüttl continued. "That's why I'm a fan of vociferous support and, if you like, support designed with choreos. I think we've come a long way in that respect in Germany. That's something that doesn't happen in England, for example. They don't have this pyro madness there."

England past
Hasenhüttl worked for Southampton FC in the English Premier League from 2018 to 2022. In Wolfsburg, VfL reacted to the repeated burning of pyrotechnics in its own fan block and tightened the admission conditions ahead of the match against Darmstadt. Flags longer than two meters will be banned with immediate effect, as pyrotechnics are often prepared to be set off under large flags and choreographies in fan blocks.