Freiburg wants to block out the massive police presence and the unusual atmosphere surrounding the Europa League match against Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday. "Unfortunately, the reality is so sad that these security measures have to be taken, and we have to accept that," coach Julian Schuster said in a news conference on Wednesday.
Freiburg wants to block out the massive police presence and the unusual atmosphere surrounding the Europa League match against Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday.
"Unfortunately, the reality is so sad that these security measures have to be taken, and we have to accept that," coach Julian Schuster said in a news conference on Wednesday.
According to the police, more than 2,000 officers will be deployed for the game.
Maccabi are the most popular club in Israel and their fans have been the target of anti-Semitism, but they also have made headlines with racist and anti-Arab slogans.
"For us, it's important to focus on the sport," Freiburg captain Christian Günter said, but added that he regrets that the active fan scene is boycotting the match due to the security measures and that some seats will remain empty.
In sporting terms, the match against the Israeli team is particularly important.
"We can take a big step forward, we want to go straight into the round of 16," Günter said.
Freiburg are fifth in the table ahead of the penultimate matchday of the league phase. The top eight teams will advance directly to the round of 16.
Category: General Sports
