DORTMUND fans are planning major protests at their first Bundesliga match of the season.
The German giants’ campaign has been thrown into chaos after supporters released a furious statement.
Fans of the club are set to voice their opposition to a sponsorship deal with arms manufacturers Rheinmetall.
Planned protests include unveiling a tank outside the Westfalenstadion on Saturday in club colours.
Dortmund host Frankfurt in their opening Bundesliga fixture of the campaign.
An activist is also set to be dressed as Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, with signs on display and flyers handed out.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
The three-year deal with the ammunition maker was announced back in May, just days before the Champions League final.
Fans and pundits alike slammed the deal, with Gary Lineker admitting it would be the “first time I’ll be cheering for Real Madrid”.
Dortmund went on to lose 2-0 at Wembley Stadium back on June 1.
Club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke had defended the deal at the time, explaining: “When we see every day how freedom must be defended in Europe. We should deal with this new normality.”
Most read in Football
However, Dortmund fans have now had their say in a statement from supporter association Sudtribune Dortmund.
Released on behalf of over 90 fan groups, it reads: “We won’t allow ourselves to be hitched to your wagon.
“We firmly reject the idea that management and its committees at BVB have agreed to use Borussia Dortmund’s appeal to improve the public image of an arms company and throw their own values overboard in the process.”
The statement continues: “The timing (of the announcement) suggests reactions to this controversial decision were deliberately intended to be overshadowed by reporting on the Champions League final.
“Negative effects on fans were consciously taken into account.”
Fans were also told to make their feelings known and “express your criticism” against Frankfurt this weekend.
Dortmund kickstarted the new season in German Cup on Saturday, beating fourth tier Phonix Lubeck 4-1.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
