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SportsHansa Rostock fans flood London, matchday scarves sell out
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Thousands of Hansa Rostock fans have traveled to Watford, England for a friendly match against FC Watford, causing a shortage of official matchday scarves. Only about 1,200 scarves were produced for the estimated 6,000 traveling supporters. Fans have arrived by car, ferry, and plane from across Germany, with some driving through the night from Brandenburg. The fan shop employee noted high demand and the possibility of ordering more. The article highlights the extraordinary dedication of Hansa supporters, including Lutz Bartel who drove 1,300 kilometers with his family, and Kay from Lübeck who booked flights for his children's first London visit. The hosts were reportedly surprised by the scale of the blue-and-white invasion.
Source report
Scarf alert in London! For Hansa Rostock's friendly match against Watford (Saturday, 3 PM), only about 1,200 official matchday scarves were produced — yet around 6,000 Hansa fans are expected on the island. Hours before kickoff, many supporters are growing worried: those who arrive too late might miss out.
The rush is already noticeable at the fan shop. An employee told BILD: "We can feel the demand. Maybe we'll order more."
The matchday scarves are likely to sell out soon. Photo: BILD
The numbers illustrate the scale of the blue-and-white invasion. Around Watford Junction station, in front of pubs, and on streets near the stadium, Hansa colors dominate hours before kickoff. Many fans set out immediately after arriving to search for one of the coveted scarves — fearing they might end up empty-handed.
The Night on the Highway
Among the lucky ones is Lutz Bartel. The Hansa supporter already had one of the coveted scarves in his hands shortly after arriving. But he, along with his son René and his girlfriend, had an extraordinary journey behind them.
Lutz Bartel (r.) with scarves in front of the Watford fan shop. Photo: BILD
On Wednesday evening, the three got into their car in Fürstenwalde (Brandenburg). They drove all night toward England. While most people slept, they sat on the highway, racking up kilometer after kilometer and fighting through the darkness to the coast. "No distance is too far," Bartel said. Around 1,300 kilometers lay between their home and London.
Family Flight Instead of Ferry
Not everyone endured a night on the highway. Some chose the faster route. When the friendly match was confirmed, Kay from Lübeck immediately booked flights, a hotel, and tickets. With him: his children Alicia and Cahill. For both, it is their first visit to London.
Hansa fan Kay from Lübeck and his children are also looking forward to the friendly match in Watford on Saturday. Photo: BILD
"I just hope for a really nice, big crowd of us. For a truly great atmosphere and that we leave our positive mark here," Kay said.
The Scarves Might Run Out
The scarves are becoming scarce — but one thing is already clear: The hosts were apparently surprised by the enthusiasm of the Hansa fans. Thousands of supporters have booked flights, taken ferries, or endured hours-long car rides to be there.
The scarves might run out. But the stories behind this blue-and-white travel wave will not.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Hansa Rostock Fans Flood London, Matchday Scarves Run Out