Schalke promotion party leads to traffic and tram standstill
TL;DR
Schalke celebrated their promotion to the Bundesliga with a massive party in Gelsenkirchen, causing traffic and tram disruptions. Coach Miron Muslić extended his contract until 2028 amidst the celebrations.
Key points
- Schalke secured promotion to the Bundesliga
- Massive celebrations took place in Gelsenkirchen
- Traffic and tram services were disrupted
- Coach Miron Muslić extended his contract until 2028
- Police reported the celebrations were exuberant
Mentioned in this story
Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius (C) celebrates with his teammates after securing promotion to the Bundesliga following the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke 04 and Fortuna Duesseldorf at Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke's return to the Bundesliga triggered a big party in Gelsenkirchen on Saturday, with tens of thousands of fans continuing the celebrations in the city centre after leaving the stadium.
Traffic came to a standstill and trams stopped running. But the mood was exuberant and did not get out of hand, German police said. Fans were also joyous at the announcement that promotion-winning coach Miron Muslić had extended his contract until 2028.
"My heart swells. We know how heavy the burden was," Muslić told a press conference, where his players gave him the obligatory beer shower while chanting "Never again in the second division."
Defender Timo Becker said: "This man has managed to give Schalke an identity again. Let him be celebrated."
The players celebrated the 1-0 home win over Fortuna Dusseldorf in style.
They strolled into the VIP area in the stadium wearing sunglasses, promotion shirts and flip-flops.
"I've already held back a few tears, it's a dream of a lifetime," midfielder Ron Schallenberg said.
Captain Kenan Karaman, who scored the promotion-clinching goal, said in a tearful voice: "Schalke belong in the first division and we're staying there now."
A Bundesliga heavyweight for many years, the heavily indebted club had fought relegation to the third division over the previous two seasons.
Duesseldorf set off pyrotechnics in the background as the two teams greet each other before the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke 04 and Fortuna Duesseldorf at Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Schalke fans set off fireworks in the stands before the German 2nd Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke 04 and Fortuna Duesseldorf at Veltins Arena. Bernd Thissen/dpa
Q&A
What caused the traffic standstill in Gelsenkirchen?
The traffic standstill was caused by the massive celebrations of Schalke fans following the team's promotion to the Bundesliga.
Who is the coach of Schalke and what is his contract status?
The coach of Schalke is Miron Muslić, who has extended his contract until 2028.
How did the police describe the celebrations after Schalke's promotion?
German police described the mood during the celebrations as exuberant and noted that the festivities did not get out of hand.
