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All over Germany ultras or hardcore fans showed their disdain for Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp prompting discussions of where the game is going in Germany.
It recently kicked off when Borussia Dortmund was handed a penalty from the DFB. A two-match ban of all fans, not just ultras, from attending matches in Sinsheim where TSG Hoffenheim play.
This is a first in this sort of all encompassing ban and as research has shown officials were merely waiting for the BVB fans to misbehave. The fact remains that since this was handed down, other clubs ultras have been in support of the Black and Yellow fans.
The history of dissent against Hoffenheim isn’t new. It has existed since Hoffenheim entered the Bundesliga now over a decade ago on the back of funding from their chairman. To be noted, a local from the area who played for the team in his youth and wanted to invest in his local community club he had known as a boy.
In recent weeks, we have had Dortmund’s fans protest in Hoffenheim, but it started growing in protest in Gladbach as they hosted Hoffenheim and their ultras displayed a banner with a caricature of Hopp with a target on him. Sporting Director for the Foals Max Eberl was able to protest and get it removed and with critical words towards his fans, “We come out against racism and discrimination before a game — and then 50 idiots put up a banner like that. It’s madness”.
With Hopp having his company SAP sponsor the Bundesliga, suddenly you had a club chairman able to utilise their influence on the league.
Well we have now met the moment where you have the fans of the Bundesliga, which encapsulate what people like about the league versus one man who looks to challenge the era of the 50+1 rule.
Is the protest worth fighting for?
You decide!
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