Kick-off was delayed by around 10 minutes as fans protested against the Bundesliga securing outside investment deals by throwing small items onto the field. The German Football League (DFL) plans to sell an 8% share of its TV and marketing rights in a 20-year agreement worth around £900 million. Security staff quickly cleared the field and players were seen kicking objects, including sweets, chocolate, cigarette packs, and even fake eyeballs off the pitch.
Similar protests have occurred in other matches, such as Union Berlin’s clash with Wolfsburg being delayed after fans threw tennis balls onto the field and bicycle locks being fitted to the goalposts by fans in a Bundesliga 2 match between Hamburg and Hannover. The 50+1 rule, in place since 1998, ensures that voting rights within a club must be majority owned by its members, preventing outside influence and protecting the club’s identity. What is your opinion on the protest?
