Remote control cars storm pitch with smoke bombs as multiple German football matches disrupted

Remote control cars storm pitch with smoke bombs as multiple German football matches disrupted

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 17/02/2024

- 22:06

German football fans have been protesting against an investor deal that was struck earlier this year.

A German second division match was the latest target for protests on Saturday when remote control cars broke onto the pitch with smoke bombs.

The DFL, a group of clubs that organises the Bundesliga, announced plans to sell off an eight per cent share of German football's media rights to a private equity investor.


The proposal was passed by a two-third majority of German clubs in December with the hope it would provide some capital injection and to help promote the league globally.

But the plans haven't gone down well with football fans across the country with protests taking place in recent weeks.

Hansa Rostock and Hamburg's match was interrupted by remote control cars

Hansa Rostock and Hamburg's match was interrupted by remote control cars

GETTY

A Bundesliga 2 match between Hansa Rostock and Hamburg has become the latest match targeted by protestors.

Shortly after the 10th minute, two remote control cars carrying blue and white flares were driven onto the pitch.

The match was briefly stopped as stewards tried to chase the small vehicles off the field.

Fans jeered and whistled as the security tried kicking the cars off the field with play resuming shortly afterwards.

It wasn't the only game that featured protests on Saturday though with four of the five Bundesliga matches that took place being interrupted.

Tennis balls, marbles and chocolate coins all being thrown onto pitches in protest to the DFL deal.

Borussia Dortmund's 1-1 draw with Wolfsburg was one match that was briefly halted and some players have now called for a ceasefire from their fans.

Niclas Fullkrug said: “It’s really difficult because you keep having these interruptions.

"A solution must be found as quickly as possible because things can’t continue like this.

Multiple games were disrupted

Multiple games were disrupted

GETTY

"I don’t want to comment on what solutions there are.”

Emre Can also felt it was time for the interruptions to stop with the players struggling as a result.

He added: “We players have to accept these interruptions, even if it’s not easy. Without fans, football wouldn’t be what it is.

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"But if I can honestly express my opinion, I think it’s a good thing at some point but I hope it comes to an end at some point. We suffer extremely from it and lose our rhythm.”

Fans are said to be angry about the deal lacking transparency and fear it could threaten the integrity of the game in Germany.

DFL co-CEOs Steffen Merkel and Marc Lenz have been given a mandate that could see close to £1billion of investment in return for the eight per cent share of TV rights over the next two decades.

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