- Hoffenheim braces for potential protests from its own supporters against Hopp
The Hoffenheim administration is on high alert, anticipating significant protests from their fanbase ahead of their Bundesliga opener against Holstein Kiel. The tension, preceding the match on Saturday (3:15 PM/Sky), has been characterized as "intensified" by the club. There seems to be a communication impasse between the club and its fan groups.
As a precautionary measure, the club is clearing the fan sector in the Sinsheim stadium, as offensive slogans could potentially be displayed there. The club expressed at a press conference that they are not attempting to suppress any opinions, but they aim to shield "Dietmar Hopp from being tormented in his own stadium." Their goal remains to involve fans in conversations.
Offensive slogans directed at Hopp
The underlying issue stems from a noteworthy move made by TSG during the summer break: the dismissal of long-term manager Alexander Rosen, leaving only the newly appointed lawyer Markus Schütz among the former four managing directors.
Following this development, TSG supporters put up banners around the Sinsheim arena and the training center in Zuzenhausen, criticizing the decision-makers. One banner read: "125 years TSG - Constructed and destroyed - Thanks for nothing!" Another targeted Hopp personally: "We, the fans, are the club. Hopp, bugger off!"
The discontent among organized supporters has persisted since then. Additionally, there have been escalated attacks against interim president Simone Engelhardt and Sinsheim's mayor Jörg Albrecht, who is vying for the club's presidency in the September 2nd elections. Both are affiliated with the Hopp faction.
The Young Boyz 07 fan club views this as the "most significant test of unity" for the club. They believe that the TSG is Hopp's lifework, but it's now time for him to relinquish control. The 84-year-old billionaire has yet to comment on the recent decisions and their implications. Hostile chants and messages towards Hopp have been prevalent for some time, but they have mainly originated from fans of other Bundesliga clubs until now.
Despite the club's efforts to engage fans in conversations and avoid suppressing opinions, the 'Wir, die Fans, sind der Club' banner, translated as "We, the fans, are the club," directly targets Dietmar Hopp with the statement, "Hopp, bugger off!". The sky is heavy with tension as protests against Hopp continue ahead of Hoffenheim's Bundesliga opener.
