St Pauli FC | Opposition | Legends & Supporters
St Pauli & Celtic: The Rebel’s Choice
Football. Packaged, branded, commercialised, bought and sold. Deep down though, there has to be a soul, a badge to identify with. Does this still apply? Looking at a strong bond for Celtic, IBWM welcomes Robin Cowan.
FC St Pauli, the punk rockers of European football have made an encouraging early start to life back in the Bundesliga 1. It almost feels like an act of rebellion and defiance for the club’s fan-adopted emblem of the skull & crossbones to be flying amidst the highly sponsored and carefully marketed glamour of one of world’s top leagues.
For the uninitiated, St Pauli are one of football’s most wonderful peculiarities. During the 1980’s the club went through a cultural transformation, which saw them regenerate from an ordinary lower division side, going about their business, toiling in obscurity, into that of countercultural icon. The club seemingly benefiting from its location within one of Hamburg’s more infamous neighbourhoods. The Reeperbahn, known as die sündige Meile or “the sinful mile” due to its proximity to the docks and red-light district. The area was seeing a growing alternative music and clubbing scene. Attendances at the Millerntor-Stadion grew rapidly throughout the decade. The club benefiting from a growing audience of Hamburg’s punks, anarchists and students.
What the club did over this period was a marketing and PR masterstroke, one in which the world’s largest corporate brands continually pay countless millions to advertising agencies to achieve; To successfully tap into, cultivate the rebellious, zeitgeist, and attach it to their product. In an era of polarizing movements, which saw the spread of right-wing inspired hooliganism throughout European football, St Pauli became the first team in Germany to outright ban any fascist or nationalistic expression within it’s ground. The club also set in place a charter characterising themselves in it’s opposition to racism, homophobia and sexism. During the next decade, St Pauli’s attendances would increase from an average gate of around 1,500 to regularly filling the 20,000 capacity Millerntor with a noisy, buzzing and colourful support.
Where most teams tacitly and sometimes begrudgingly tolerate their supporter’s expression, often with one careful eye on the reaction of their sponsors and of those in the corporate seats, St Pauli openly celebrates it. On the club’s official website, referring to themselves as “the red-light district team” they proudly acknowledge their fan’s bohemian and left-wing political heritage. Last season, despite enduring a long tenure in Germany’s second tier, they could still boast a season ticket uptake that rivalled most in the top flight.
The acknowledgement being that its this celebration with their supporters of their team’s cult status, which is the most viable business model avenue open to them.
The Buccaneers of the League have some natural allies amongst some of Europe’s more left-leaning teams, but no bond is tighter than with Glasgow’s Celtic. The slogan of the St Pauli Celtic Supporters Club in Hamburg reads “St Pauli & Celtic: The Rebel’s Choice”. It is easy to see why St Pauli identifies with The Bhoys, a club that also views its self as perennial outsiders. Supporters that characterize themselves as a perceived interloper to the Scottish and British establishment. This identity has helped generate one of the largest and most dedicated fan-bases in the world outside of the big three leagues, of those who feel a cultural connection with Celtic.
Celtic profit hugely from being a representation their supporter’s culture. A bad turnout at the 60,000 capacity Celtic Park would still be the envy of a majority of teams in Europe. Indeed figures show that the percentage of the club’s revenue generated by match day income reported at 58%, by far outstrips any of Europe’s top 20 highest earning teams.
Taking Juventus as an example who only accumulate 8% of their revenue from actually playing football matches at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino
The flip side to these figures is that 65% of Juventus’ earnings come via the TV money bubble. Compare that to the mere 17% that Celtic receive from television revenue and it is obvious the powers that be at Celtic, whatever their views or opinions, know exactly, which side their bread is buttered. (Figures from the Deloittes Money League via The Swiss Ramble.
Those powers at Celtic for their part have on occasions played the hand of being the outsider themselves. In 1965 The club was the first in the UK to publish it’s own newspaper; The Celtic View was born out of what the club felt were continued biased and unfavourable reports made by the establishment media about the team. Last season chairman Dr John Reid, no stranger to spin during his time as home secretary in Tony Blair’s government, caused a few ripples when he seemed to imply refereeing decisions as evidence of institutional favouring of title rivals Rangers.
What all this helps to do is to create a siege mentality among supporters and to re-affirm Celtic F.C as a symbol of defiance and rebellion. A sentiment that was at the heart of the formation of FC United of Manchester. Nicknamed The Red Rebels, the club defined by it’s protest to the Glazier takeover of Manchester United, has achieved three promotions since it’s formation in 2005 and despite playing in the semi-professional Northern Premier League Division One North (catch my breath), England’s 7th tier, is reported to have the second highest average attendances in non-league football.
This re-affirms what any ad man will tell you, which is that every brand is desperate for it’s product to have “meaning”. A meaning or cause inspires a greater loyalty and participation in the consumer than any other emotional pull. When you have lead singers in famous punk bands promoting the club by wearing the St Pauli skull & crossbones on stage, or acclaimed directors such as Ken Loach using FC United as a major theme in a film, then your brand is reaching markets your competitors cannot. It appears the clubs making the most of being in leagues not favoured by Rupert Murdoch, Sky, Jeff Stelling and the boys are themselves rebelling against the idea that Sky, the Surrey and Abu-Dhabi United supporters clubs and the armchair viewer hold the key to football’s future.
St. Pauli fans furious at their management: How can you support Israel?
https://www.nogomania.com/article/St-Pauli-fans-furious-at-their-management-How-can-you-support-Israel
11. October 2023
St. Pauli (foto: /)
Fans of the German St. Pauli are among the few who have decided to loudly and clearly raise their voice against the Israeli terror prevailing on Palestinian soil.
The fan association of this club (FCSP International) issued an open letter to the club’s management today, to which it had several questions. They are unclear about the support sent to Israel, which is currently in open war conflict with Palestine.
“Every war carries murders, nothing can justify violence against civilians. Therefore, it is good that the club is sensitive to this issue. However, as much as we do not want to engage in ‘whataboutism,’ we are saddened that the club did not take a stand on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who have been under blockade for 14 years, did not say anything about the people who were attacked in the Al-Aqsa mosque on their holiest day, but decided to stand aside. We watched things in silence, but this finally made us speak up.
We know and understand the cautious stance of the German left towards Israel. Because of the Holocaust that was unfortunately committed, these things will always be sensitive. However, we sadly note that this allows some fans to put pressure on the club’s management. These people constantly attack us and accuse us of anti-Semitism. Let’s be completely honest: Our resistance to Israel has nothing to do with the fact that Jews live in Israel. Since when is racism to oppose 75 years of lawlessness, unjust occupation, apartheid regime, religious and fascist authority, which concretes over people’s water sources? This is demagoguery that we do not accept. On this issue, we part ways with these people. However, in most matters, our value system is the same, we are all united by St. Pauli and we expect empathy. The kind we feel.
We are St. Pauli fans, we are all anti-fascists and anti-racists. We oppose occupation, imperialism, and colonialism. We do not want to be on the side with such people. We support the right of the Palestinian people to self-defense and self-determination. We want peace in the Middle East as much as you do, but we know very well who wants war.
We equally condemn the religious fundamentalism of Hamas, human rights violations, and the indescribable brutality of the Hamas regime, we have no more in common with these people than we do with the regime of Benjamin Netanyahu. We are not on the side of Hamas, we despise them. Hamas is simply a sad result of policies being implemented in Palestine, so we stand with the Palestinian people, the same ones who are still being bombed with phosphorus bombs today.
We call on both sides to end the war and oppression, we call for the resumption of peace talks and we call for a permanent solution, which ensures the freedom and peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine.
We address you as the “FCSP International” association, which the club management praised after the match against Dunfermline, people who are united around St. Pauli because of anti-fascist values. We feel uncomfortable that all St. Pauli fans are called pro-Israeli oriented. We take a stand based on the values that the club propagates. Therefore, we call on the management to reconsider their stance on this issue.
FREEDOM TO PALESTINE. STOP THE WAR. PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST,” says the statement from St. Pauli fans.
Otherwise, St. Pauli competes in the 2. Bundesliga, which they won once. It was in the 1976/77 season, after which they immediately returned to the Zweite.
In addition to the fans of the German club, supporters of the Scottish Celtic have traditionally supported Palestine following the latest events in the Middle East in recent days.
From Jan 2024:
St Pauli supporters sensing an end to their 32 year Celtic love affair
https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/23978887.st-pauli-supporters-sensing-end-32-year-celtic-love-affair/
9th December 2023
Celtic FC
Football
Sport
By Matthew Lindsay
@MattLindsayHT
Chief Football Writer
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St Pauli and Celtic flags fly side by side at a match between the German and Scottish clubs <i>(Image: Getty)</i>
St Pauli and Celtic flags fly side by side at a match between the German and Scottish clubs (Image: Getty)
THE stickers which are plastered across the front of The Jolly Roger pub on Budapester Strasse in Hamburg just a goal kick or so away from the Millerntor Stadium leave passers by in no doubt about the left wing leanings and punk ethos of St Pauli supporters.
Anti-Fascist Action. Boycott FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Kick Out Homophobia. Fight Racism. No Link Shaming. No Place for Antisemitism. No Beer For Nazis. International Day Against Police Violence. And The Revolution Must Come.
Their reputation for being the beautiful game’s most socially aware, politically active, alternative thinking fans is deserved.
There is evidence of the German outfit’s longstanding association with a Scottish club in amongst the sprawling display – Celtic badges and crests have been stuck up by overseas visitors to the watering hole during pilgrimages to the district in the past.
The Herald: The fact that St Pauli’s fierce rivals Hamburger SV have a friendship with Rangers which dates back to the 1970s – when workers from Glasgow travelled to the port city to find employment – was partially responsible for the bond first forming three decades ago.
Yet, their passionate followers are also kindred spirits. They share the same ideological outlook on the world, rail against humanitarian injustices, throw their weight behind charitable causes and show backing for independence movements around the world.
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The two sets of supporters have been meeting up regularly in Hamburg and Glasgow to drink beer, play music, sing songs, cheer on their heroes in friendlies, celebrate their solidarity and generally have a grand old time on a regular basis since way back in 1991.
Is, though, a love affair which has endured for 32 years in danger of fizzling out?
The pro-Palestine protest staged by members of The Green Brigade ultras group at Parkhead back in early October just hours after Hamas militants had launched attacks on western Israel from the Gaza Strip, murdered over 1,000 innocent civilians and soldiers and taken hundreds more hostage saddened, concerned and angered many of the St Pauli faithful.
As did seeing the red flag of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – a group which is classified as a terrorist organisation by the EU, if not in the United Kingdom – held aloft by the same individuals at the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park a few weeks later before they were banned indefinitely a long list of misdemeanours.
Banners which read “From Gaza to Glasgow – Fight Antisemitism” and “Free Palestine from Hamas” in German were unfurled in the stands at a St Pauli game shortly afterwards. A photoshopped image, with the words translated into English, was then downloaded onto social media. It prompted a savage response from Bhoys Celtic.
The ultras – who walked out of the cinch Premiership game against St Mirren at the start of last month in protest at the punishment meted out to The Green Brigade – posted a picture of several of their members standing in a line holding Palestinian flags and banners which read “F*** St Pauli” and “Free Hamburg From Hipsters” on X (formerly Twitter).
The Herald: “That picture was disappointing,” says Alex as he lights a cigarette outside the Shebeen bar, another establishment in the near vicinity of the ground which is popular with both Celtic and St Pauli supporters. “I think a lot of people here were unhappy about it.
“And with what happened on the day of the attacks on Israel as well. The situation in the Middle East is complex. It is one thing to sympathise with the plight of the Palestinian people. But showing support for Hamas, even appearing to show support, is something else altogether. I think that a lot of our fans were disappointed with that as well.”
READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers provides Celtic January transfer window update
Antisemitism is, for obvious reasons, of particular concern to them. The accusation has been strenuously denied in Scotland. Does Alex believe it was justified? “I am not sure,” he says. “That is a very difficult conversation to have in Germany.”
It becomes clear why emotions are so raw as you approach the stadium. There are posters plastered onto walls which show the faces of many of the Israelis – of Gadi Moses, 80, Tami Metzger, 78, of Shifra Noy, 70, of Kfir, nine months – who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 under the headline Entfuhrt – Kidnapped.
The St Pauli Museum that is situated in the Gegengerade stand is incredible. You could spend hours in the vast space looking at the sepia-tinted photographs, watching myriad films and studying the elaborate exhibits.
There is a section which tells the story of Max Kulic, the Jewish footballer who was forced to flee from the National Socialist dictatorship in the 1930s. Mostly, though, it is devoted to their colourful and storied fan subculture.
There is an international area where their links with clubs around the world are explored – they also have strong ties with, among others, Rayo Vallecano in Spain, Club Universidad Nacional in Mexico, Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, AEK Athens in Greece and Oakland Roots in the United States – in depth.
The Herald: Sven Brux, the former St Pauli fanzine editor who did so much to foster their links with Celtic, is interviewed on a screen about the origins of the relationship. A supporter called Dixie enthuses about his experiences over the years. A father and son wearing green and white hoops stand transfixed.
Brux, who is currently the head of matchday organisation and fan relations, did not, doubtless because he is a club employee and is unable to get involved in such a contentious and sensitive issue, did not respond to requests for an interview.
In the museum café, two locals spot a saltire on my rucksack. “Are you Scottish,” one of them asks. “Are you Celtic? Are you Rangers?” Inverness Caledonian Thistle is clearly not the answer they are expecting. They raise eyebrows, exchange quizzical glances and grin. News of The Duncan Ferguson Revolution has clearly not filtered through to Tor zur Welt.
St Pauli are enjoying a real revival on the park this season themselves. They are currently on top of the 2. Bundesliga and hopes are high among their followers that they can win promotion back to the top flight for the first time since 2011.
READ MORE: Celtic manager lauds ‘ideal footballer’ as he finds midfield formula
Michael and Markus are happy to talk about the title push. But they have seen the “Victory to the Resistance” and “F*** St Pauli” banners which were produced by Celtic supporters, are well aware of the friction between elements of their respective fanbases and offer their take on the spat too.
“These are good times for us, for the team,” said Michael. “There is great optimism after how we have started the season. The ‘F*** St Pauli’ picture was noticed and it did not go down well. People were especially hurt that it came from Celtic. But is this what all Celtic fans think? I don’t believe so. I’m sure it is nothing and will blow over.”
His friend has personal experience of the Celtic-St Pauli alliance. He explains that he has attended games at Parkhead “five or six times” over the years. He is of the opinion that a spark had gone out of the romance a little even before the banner exchange.
“I’m not so sure it is as important to the younger generation of supporters as it used to be,” says Markus. “Back in the early 90s, it was very strong. The number of fans who participated in events was always pretty large.
“But those fans have grown up and do not support the club in the same way as they used to. I know that I don’t. I don’t sense the same level of enthusiasm for it among the more active supporters now. I think it has cooled.
“Maybe Covid had something to do with that. We haven’t played each other in friendly matches in a long time now. Maybe that has played a part. Maybe I am wrong. But recent events haven’t done anything to help. There is definitely ill-feeling there now. The photo was bad. I do not think the damage will be easily repaired.”
The Herald: Back in The Jolly Roger, a few regulars are perched on stools watching a replay of the Bundesliga match between Borussia Monchengladbach and Hoffenheim which had taken place the day before on television as Irish rebel tunes blare out of speakers.
The barman obligingly attempts to put on the St Johnstone v Celtic game and pokes away at a laptop for several minutes. Eventually, he comes over and apologises. “I am sorry,” he says. “We have Celtic TV, but it appears someone has forgotten to pay the subscription.” An indication of a cooling in relations? Or just a simple oversight by management?
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The Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic can bring colour, noise, vibrancy and atmosphere to matches at home and abroad when they behave, raise large sums of money for worthy charities and have their backers.
But a large contingent of their fellow fans, a silent majority perhaps, have grown increasingly weary of their less savoury activities of late. Indeed, there was an appeal to the board by one exasperated shareholder to make the current ban permanent at their AGM last month.
There is, as the proliferation of flags at matches in recent weeks has highlighted, widespread empathy for the population of Palestine and revulsion at the actions of Israel during a bloody conflict in the East End of Glasgow.
There is, however, also dismay at the reputational damage which has been caused, and the schism which has opened up with St Pauli, by the thoughtlessness, recklessness and crassness of the young team.
It will be a shame if the actions of a tiny minority lead to their affiliation with the coolest club in world football souring and possibly even ending.
It is, in all likelihood, just an unfortunate episode which will be forgiven and forgotten in time. The course of true love never runs smooth. That said, reparations will clearly need to be made and attitudes re-examined before the flame can be rekindled.
The Herald: 
