Post season trip to St Pauli

FC United announce post season trip to St Pauli on Saturday 15 May 2010

FC United of Manchester will play member-owned St Pauli in May as part of the club’s centenary celebrations.

The German side have invited FC United to play against an All-Star St Pauli XI in Hamburg on Saturday, May 15.

"It’s the first time the two clubs will have met - despite having a number of parallels,"?? said FC Board member Alison Watt. "Like all German clubs, St Pauli is member-owned and has been dubbed by the media as a punk club, just like FC.

"Their fans are famous for creating an incredible atmosphere. In the 1980s, St Pauli realised the spread of fascist related football hooliganism within Europe and became the first club in Germany to prohibit any rightwing or nationalist demonstrations in their ground. Their fans now take a strong standpoint against fascism, racism, sexism, and homophobia and St Pauli, like FC United, have embodied this position in their constitution.

"Principles like these have led to St Pauli becoming a cult club worldwide. They appeal to many fans of other football clubs who share their philosophy, in the same way that FC United also encourages all those who share our vision to join us.

"Being asked to help mark St Pauli’s anniversary is a wonderful invitation and we’re extremely honoured that this friendly has been scheduled for the official date of their centenary. We’re looking forward to helping them celebrate such an important milestone."??

Further details of the game will be announced nearer the time but FC United fans are already looking forward to another pre-season friendly versus Cliftonville, Belfast, on Saturday 17 July.

Supporters planning to travel to this game should be aware that we have not yet received the formal signed agreement. We are assuming a level of good faith from St Pauli, as the club has included our planned game in today’s announcement of all its centenary arrangements.