Hungary's prime minister is on a state visit to Berlin. Outside of protocol, Viktor Orban makes a stop at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. There he meets national player Andras Schäfer. This also upset many fans of the club.
1. FC Union Berlin has defended itself after criticism of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to the An der Alten Försterei stadium. "There was an official letter from the Hungarian embassy asking for a private meeting with a Hungarian national player. We complied with this request. We did not officially receive him," said Union communications chief Christian Arbeit at the press conference before the Europa League Game of the Bundesliga soccer team against Malmö FF.
Orban came with a proper police escort and was escorted to a box in the stadium to meet with Andras Schäfer. The midfielder's second disservice after being sent off in the first leg in Malmö, which forced him to watch on Thursday (9 p.m. / RTL and in the ntv.de live ticker).
After all, the visit wasn't that private, as Orban made numerous social media posts from the meeting with the 23-year-old in the stadium's box. "A visit to the leader of the table. Meeting with Andras Schäfer," wrote Orban, who had previously met Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, under a picture published on his profile on Instagram, where he greeted Schäfer with a handshake. A Union jersey was also presented. In addition to Schäfer, the pictures also showed work and Michael Parensen as high-ranking Union employees. The Bundesliga leaders had also received strong criticism from their own fans on social networks, as Orban's policy was not compatible with the values laid down in the statutes.
"You don't judge the visit politically," Work made clear. "Viktor Orban was not undercover in Germany, he was on an official state visit," said the Union's managing director. The visit to Köpenick happened on the outskirts. The club itself did not undertake any activities with Orban. An evaluation of the visit and the media consequences will be carried out as with all other decisions, announced work.
