Borussia Dortmund fans are up in arms over the club’s recent sponsorship deal with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. The announcement of the three-year partnership has sparked major protests among the fan base, with many expressing their discontent and opposition to the deal.
The supporter association Südtribüne Dortmund, representing over 90 Dortmund fan groups, released a statement expressing their strong disapproval of the partnership. They stated that they refuse to be associated with an arms company and believe that the club’s values have been compromised in the process.
Rheinmetall, the world’s largest maker of artillery ammunition, has a controversial history as a major armaments manufacturer during World Wars I and II. The company’s use of forced labor during World War II has further fueled the outrage among the fans.
Fans have planned various forms of protest to voice their opposition to the sponsorship deal. They are preparing signs and banners for the upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt to make their criticism known. Additionally, there are plans for a petition and a protest outside the stadium with a tank decorated in Dortmund’s colors and an activist representing Rheinmetall’s CEO.
Despite the backlash from fans, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke has defended the sponsorship deal. He emphasized the importance of defending freedom in Europe and suggested that the partnership aligns with the current geopolitical climate.
The controversy surrounding Borussia Dortmund’s sponsorship deal with Rheinmetall has highlighted the tension between the club’s financial interests and the values and principles held by its loyal fan base. The ongoing protests and criticism from fans reflect a growing disconnect between the management’s decisions and the expectations of the supporters. It remains to be seen how Dortmund will navigate this challenging situation and address the concerns raised by its fan community.
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