HAMBURG, Germany — The Bundesliga team St. Pauli is currently facing a significant choice regarding the future of its traditional stadium anthem amidst serious allegations connecting its lyricist to Nazi affiliations. The song, titled “Das Herz von St. Pauli” or “The Heart of St. Pauli,” was penned by Josef Ollig, whose previously undisclosed wartime actions have recently come to light through a podcast produced by the St. Pauli Museum.
According to the museum, Ollig, who was conscripted into the Luftwaffe, served as a war correspondent during World War II, contributing articles that were published alongside Nazi propaganda. This revelation has sparked controversy and scrutiny among fans and the club’s management.
In light of these developments, St. Pauli chose not to perform the anthem before their Bundesliga match against Freiburg on Saturday. This decision led to a mixture of reactions among supporters, with some expressing discontent by booing club president Oke Göttlich, while others expressed their support for the action. “We’re all attached to the song, including me, but a stadium anthem doesn’t work if a significant portion, like 20, 30, or even 40%, oppose it,” stated Sven Brux, who oversees matchday affairs. He emphasized that a discussion about the anthem is just beginning and significant conversations are necessary moving forward.
This event marked the first instance in two decades that the anthem was omitted from a home game, reflecting the changing sentiments among the fan base. “The debates in this club are what have contributed to its greatness,” Göttlich commented, reinforcing the idea that ongoing discussions are essential.
Historically, St. Pauli and its supporters have been known for their strong stance against racism, fascism, and right-wing ideologies. The club acknowledged that many of its members and fans no longer feel comfortable with the anthem, highlighting that it has become more of a divisive element rather than a unifying one.
As a result, the club has committed to conducting further investigations into the anthem and its origins before facilitating additional discussions, which will include a presentation of research findings at an upcoming event at the club museum and fan shop. “Only after this thorough examination will a definitive decision be made regarding the future of the song,” the club announced.
In a previous effort to distance itself from questionable historical figures, St. Pauli renamed its stadium from Wilhelm-Koch-Stadion to Millerntor-Stadion back in 1999, due to Koch’s ties to the Nazi regime.
