Great backdrop and a clear message against racism: Fortuna Düsseldorf is going into the top game of the second league on Saturday evening with full force.
With a new sponsor and great commitment against racism, the second division football team Fortuna Dusseldorf created a worthy setting for the second free game of the season.
In the first of two top duels within four days with leaders FC St. Pauli (Saturday/8.30 p.m.), the hosts have great ambitions. “We want to be the first team to beat St. Pauli this season,” announced coach Daniel Thioune. If that doesn’t happen in the second division game, the fifth-place team will have a second opportunity on Tuesday (8:45 p.m.) at the Millerntor in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup.
52,000 spectators – “Advertising for football”
There is great joy at the second big appearance in front of 52,000 spectators after the 4-3 spectacle against 1. FC Kaiserslautern in October. “It couldn’t have been nicer. It was advertising for football, advertising for Fortuna, advertising for Düsseldorf,” said CEO Alexander Jobst after the game.
Just in time for the next free game, the club boss was also able to present the long-awaited next sponsor for the “Fortuna for All” pilot project. A Krefeld food company supports the campaign as a third long-term sponsor and increases the possibility of further free spins next season.
Call against racism
The people of Düsseldorf are also using the weekend of large demonstrations in the city to call against racism. Fortuna and other sports clubs in the city have called for participation in the rally organized by the “Düsseldorf stands across” alliance. “We should use courage and conviction to raise our voices. I think it’s cool that so many people are standing up at the moment,” said Fortuna’s head coach Daniel Thioune.
Signs will also be set in the stadium under the match day motto “For everyone, but against hatred and exclusion”. Some audience seats will remain free in memory of the victims of National Socialism.
St. Pauli as a real one Challenge
The big sporting attraction will be the top game against the Kiez kickers, who are still undefeated this season. With a win, Fortuna can make the promotion fight even more exciting. A success in the DFB Cup with a possible home game in the semi-finals would be a million-dollar deal for the club.
We know how difficult the task is, said midfielder Yannik Engelhardt. “Nevertheless, a lot is possible in our stadium with our fans,” said Fortuna’s midfielder. Thioune also knows the strengths of the opponent, who will have to do without his suspended coach Fabian Hürzeler, at least during the game. “St. Pauli is currently the measure of all things. It’s a great challenge,” said Düsseldorf’s coach.
