FC Köln amongst several clubs planning silent protests against football security measures

A silent protest is scheduled to happen amongst the Köln support during the opening 12 minute of their game on Saturday.

FC Köln’s organised fan scene has planned a 12 minute mood boycott against Eintracht Frankfurt this Saturday evening, a club statement reads:

“The fans’ moments of silence are painful for us, but understandable. The vibrant fan culture is an irreplaceable part of our identity and the joy of life that characterizes FC Köln and German football as a whole.

“At the same time, maximum security in our stadiums is a fundamental obligation. However, blanket, collectively punishing measures would be counterproductive in no way. We are convinced that the best way forward is through dialogue.

“Therefore, we have decided to first seek direct and constructive exchange with the relevant political actors, particularly at the state level.We are also in close contact with other clubs to work together constructively to persuade them.”

Köln, along with several other fan groups are angry at plans for centrally imposed stadium bans, the personalization of tickets and what they see as blanket surveillance.

They say football supporters are increasingly being treated as a security risk by the German government when only a small proportion are troublemakers.