- Supporters advocating for demonstrations against BVB's agreement with Rheinmetall
The Dortmund-based South Tribune fan group has announced protests against BVB's partnership with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Protests are scheduled for Borussia's opening match on Saturday (6:30 PM/Sky) against Eintracht Frankfurt, with fans urged to voicing their displeasure over the controversial association between BVB and the Düsseldorf DAX company, which was finalized at the end of May.
"We won't be used as puppets. We vehemently oppose the BVB management's and its committees' decision to leverage Borussia Dortmund's fame to boost Rheinmetall's public image, disregarding their own principles," the group asserted.
The alliance urged "each and every Borussia supporter and fan club to don their dissatisfaction with the Rheinmetall deal at the stadium. Prepare posters and/or banners to air your grievances at the onset of the second half."
Grievances of exclusion
Following the Rheinmetall deal announcement, backlash emerged from peace activists, human rights organizations, and certain fans. The arrangement entails the utilization of high-visibility advertising spots, marketing rights, stadium and club premises event and hospitality offers. BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke emphasized that security and defense are foundations of democracy. "Thus, we deem it appropriate to thoroughly explore ways to safeguard these fundamental elements."
The fan alliance criticized the absence of fan representatives in decision-making: "No fan reps were consulted throughout the decision-making process. The notion that fan reps were consulted in the choice to strike a deal with Rheinmetall is false."
The South Tribune fan group has decided to express their discontent during the South stand during Borussia's match against Eintracht Frankfurt. Protesting the partnership with Rheinmetall, they aim to make their grievances against the alliance with the arms manufacturer widely known.
Despite the protests scheduled at the South stand, fan representatives were not consulted throughout the decision-making process regarding the partnership with Rheinmetall, as asserted by the South Tribune fan group.
