FC St. Pauli to Engage in Further Discussions on Stadium Anthem’s Suspension
FC St. Pauli has announced its intention to host a discussion with fans and members to deliberate on the future of its suspended stadium anthem, "Herz von St. Pauli." The club plans to hold this event in April or May, and a final decision on the anthem’s fate will be made based on the outcome of the discussions.
The controversy surrounding the anthem stems from the Nazi past of its lyricist, Josef Ollig, which was uncovered through research conducted by the staff of the FC St. Pauli Museum. Prior to the discussion, the club will release an expanded documentation detailing Ollig’s involvement in the Nazi extermination campaign.
Additionally, FC St. Pauli will continue its discussions with fans and members before making a decision. The anthem will remain suspended from being played in the stadium until a resolution is reached, and there will be no replacement song.
Last Saturday, for the first time in 20 years, the anthem was not played before a home game at the Millerntor Stadium. This decision elicited mixed reactions from fans. Some booed club president Oke Göttlich, while others applauded. Supporters of the club hold diverse views on whether the anthem should be reinstated or retired.
Historical Background of Josef Ollig and the Anthem
Josef Ollig, a popular playwright and composer during the Nazi era, wrote the lyrics for "Herz von St. Pauli" in 1940. The song became the unofficial anthem of FC St. Pauli, a club known for its leftist and anti-fascist stance, after the war.
However, research conducted by the museum staff revealed Ollig’s Nazi affiliations. He was a member of the Nazi Party from 1933 and wrote propaganda plays and songs that supported the regime. Ollig’s propaganda work glorified the Nazi ideology and vilified the club’s supporters, who were often seen as politically left-wing.
Fan Reactions and Club’s Response
The revelation of Ollig’s Nazi past has sparked a heated debate among FC St. Pauli fans. Some argue that the club cannot associate itself with a song written by a Nazi collaborator, while others maintain that the song is part of the club’s history and should not be discarded.
The club has expressed its understanding of the fans’ emotional attachment to the anthem but has emphasized the need to confront its problematic origins. "We are aware that for many fans, ‘Herz von St. Pauli’ is closely linked to the club’s identity. However, we cannot ignore the fact that the lyricist was a Nazi," said Oke Göttlich, the club president.
The discussion event in April or May will provide a platform for fans and members to voice their opinions and engage in a dialogue that will inform the club’s final decision on the future of the anthem.
