Over 90 BVB ultra groups protest sponsorship deal with arms manufacturer

Large-scale protests at Signal-Iduna-Park on Saturday evening conveyed the dissatisfaction of BVB ultra groups with their club’s association with German armaments company “Rheinmetall”. 

Amid the packed stands in Saturday evening’s Bundesliga “Top-Spiel” fixture between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund, BVB supporters registered constant discontent with their club’s sponsorship deal with armaments company “Rheinmetall”. The coordinated protest actions actually began outside of the stadium well before kickoff. Dortmund ultra groups mocked up a tank outside the grounds and held up symbolic red cards alongside likeness of Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.

The three-year-sponsorship deal with one of Germany’s largest armaments companies was officially sealed just days before the Champions’ League Final. It is rumored that the partnership will bring the Westphalian club a large double-digit million-Euro sum annually. Club ultra groups have consistently complained that negotiations took place without their involvement. Public statements issued by the groups accuse Dortmund of compromising its values. Throughout the match on Saturday evening, banners from more than 90 ultra groups lambasted the arrangement. 

Rheimetall is one of Germany’s largest manufacturers of weapons and ammunition. Placards and banners suggested that Dortmund found themselves in league with merchants of blood and violence. For his part, long-time club boss Hans-Joachim Watzke was unsparing in his defense of the deal when speaking on the matter last spring. Watzke noted that security and defense were “cornerstones of democracy”.

Among the many banners held up on Saturday evening, some read “Borussia connects, Rheinmetall Kills”, “Better to paint helmet than produce it”, “€20 in blood”, and “We will not be chained to your tank”. There were plenty of anti-Rheinmetall chants to be heard as well. The club has promised dialogue with the fans over the issue.