After this morning’s statement by DFL invited fan groups across Germany to open a dialogue to address concerns about private investment in marketing revenue of German football, fan protests continued at Union Berlin.
The agreement to enter into negotiations with a “strategic partner” from the private equity sector to boost the value of its international broadcasting rights has received staunch oppostion by fans after the proposals were narrowly passed with a two-thirds majority.
Following protests at Borussia Dortmund and in Hamburg last night, the DFL released a statement inviting fans to voice their opinions away from the pitch.
The statement failed to achieve its goal as Union Berlin vs vfl Wolfsburg was suspended for over 30 minutes as fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch.
Fans feel that the private investment threatens fan ownership and supporters from both sides were vocal throughout the first half of their opposition.
The 12 minute silence at the start of Bundesliga games has fast become a tradition across Germany.
However, with DFL refusing a re-vote and proceeding with negotiations, fans are escalating their protests.
In Köpenick, the referee suspended the game in the 25th minute to protect the players from the flying projectiles.
The players were pulled from the pitch and although the game attempted to restart in the 39th minute, tennis balls again rained down from the Waldseite.
In the 40th minute, the game was officially suspended and players returned to their changing rooms.
Players re-emerged after 15 minutes and the game eventually re-started goalless with five minutes (plus added time) remaining in the first half.
GGFN | Oscar O’Mara
