VfB Lübeck Separates Rival Fan Groups Amid Stadium Violence
Following violent clashes between rival supporter groups, German fourth-tier club VfB Lübeck has implemented a strict separation of its fan factions for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The club announced that the traditional standing terrace, known as the Pappelkurve, will remain closed for all remaining home matches as part of a new safety concept designed to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
The decision comes after a mass brawl erupted following VfB Lübeck’s home match against Hamburger SV II on March 13, 2026. According to multiple reports, the altercation involved members of the club’s two main supporter groups—Ultra Kollektiv Lübeck (UKL) and the “Halunken”—and resulted in several injuries. Club officials stated that subsequent attempts to mediate between the factions proved unsuccessful, as both sides refused to coexist in the same standing area.
In response, VfB Lübeck has introduced a comprehensive stadium segregation plan. For the remaining four home fixtures, UKL supporters will be assigned to the reactivated Block F2, located between the covered Pappelkurve and the Sparkassen-TRIBÜNE. Meanwhile, the Halunken will continue to occupy Block B. Neutral fans will be directed to Blocks D and E, while the Pappelkurve and the adjacent fan gathering area known as the “Contidorf” will remain off-limits for the duration of the season.
Club representatives emphasized that the measures were developed in consultation with local authorities and security partners, citing a joint risk assessment that determined mixing the rival groups posed an unacceptable threat to public safety. The club’s statement noted that relocating supporters to seated areas was not considered viable due to concerns about disturbing long-term season ticket holders in those sections.
VfB Lübeck, founded in 1919, described the action as a necessary step to restore a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for all attendees. The club characterized the divide between UKL and the Halunken as “irreconcilable,” adding that the separation would remain in place until the final match of the season.
The first match under the new arrangement took place on April 14, 2026, when VfB Lübeck hosted 1. FC Phönix Lübeck in a local derby. Club officials reported that the segregation policy was enforced without incident, marking the beginning of what they hope will be a sustained period of peaceful matchdays at the Stadion an der Lohmühle.
As the Regionalliga Nord club navigates the final stretch of the season, the focus remains on completing the fixture list without further disruption. VfB Lübeck has not indicated whether the fan separation policy will be reevaluated for the 2026-27 campaign, stating that any future adjustments will depend on the behavior of supporters and ongoing consultations with safety officials.
For continued updates on VfB Lübeck’s situation and other developments in German football, fans are encouraged to follow official club communications and trusted sports news outlets.
