in Germany, supporters protest by sending remote-controlled cars onto the lawns

German supporters do not lack inventiveness in expressing their anger. Many Bundesliga and second division matches were disrupted by protests against the arrival of new investors. An agreement signed by the majority of clubs at the beginning of December provides for the transfer of 8% of television rights for the next 20 seasons in exchange for an immediate financial contribution to facilitate the promotion of the championship internationally.

Saturday February 18, four of the six Bundesliga matches were delayed, sometimes by more than a quarter of an hour. These protests have been increasing for several weeks and are only growing. Supporters increased their actions in a more visual manner. After the traditional banners, the boycotts at kick-off, the clash between the leader, Bayer Leverkusen, and the great Bayern Munich, on February 10, was delayed by the throwing of thousands of counterfeit banknotes on the pitch before the start of the match.

Other objects were thrown, such as chocolate coins and tennis balls. The latest discovery: the use of remote-controlled cars thrown on the lawn, sometimes equipped with smoke bombs like Saturday in Rostocka second division club, to prevent their rapid evacuation by the stewards.

Demonstrations to preserve the identity of clubs

Supporters denounce an agreement signed in their eyes without transparency and demand a new vote. In their eyes, this transaction undermines the “50+1” rule which guarantees in Germany that a private investor cannot control the majority of a club.

Several teams such as Borussia Mönchengladbach and Sankt-Pauli have shown their support for these protests. Some players, notably from Borussia Dortmund, hope for a rapid resolution of the conflict in the face of disruptions to the meetings. “We are suffering a lotestimated Captain Emre Can. It’s not easy, you lose your rhythm. There comes a point when enough is enough. I hope this will stop soon“.