Dortmund's South district opposes Rheinmetall's plans.
The upcoming partnership between football club Borussia Dortmund and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, declared before the Champions League final, has sparked a whirl of feelings at the Westfalenstadion. Anticipated riots are looming over the weekend.
The fan group South Stand Dortmund has announced their dissent against Borussia Dortmund's sponsorship arrangement with weapons firm Rheinmetall. They've planned demonstrations for the team's debut match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (6:30 PM/Sky and live update on ntv.de). The fans aim to voice their disapproval over the questionable partnership between BVB and the Düsseldorf DAX company, sealed towards the end of May.
As stated, "We refuse to be used as puppets. We strongly object to the fact that the leaders of BVB and all its committees have consented to leverage Borussia Dortmund's radiance to enhance the public image of an arms corporation, disregarding their own values."
The fan group appealed to "every single Borussia supporter and every fan club to convey your discontentment regarding the agreement with Rheinmetall during the match. Make sure to prepare banners and/or signs to air your criticisms at the start of the second half."
Fans accuse club officials of "strategic move"
Following the announcement of the Rheinmetall deal, there were resentments from pacifists, human rights advocates, and even parts of the fanbase. The partnership reportedly features high-visibility advertising spots, marketing privileges, and event and hospitality offers in the stadium and on the club premises. BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke noted that security and defense form the basics of democracy. "Consequently, we deem it right to engage profoundly in how we can safeguard these fundamentals."
The fan group criticized their lack of involvement in the decision-making process. "Never have fan representatives been involved in the decision-making process. The impression that fan representatives were consulted in the decision-making process leading to the deal with the company Rheinmetall is incorrect." They also accused the club management of a "strategic move." The declaration of the partnership just before the Champions League final was an attempt to "deliberately overshadow this contentious decision through the media attention surrounding the final."
Despite the controversy, Borussia Dortmund's Soccer team is set to kick off their season with a match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Amidst the excitement, fans of the South Stand Dortmund group have vowed to protest the team's sponsorship with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, accusing club officials of making a "strategic move" by announcing the partnership just before the Champions League final.
