Cologne shows a clear edge against the right: The large demonstration in the cathedral city against the AfD and right-wing extremism is also causing enthusiasm in Geißbockheim.
Tens of thousands of people followed the call of the “Spontaneous Alliance Against Racism” on Tuesday to demonstrate in Cologne against right-wing extremism in Germany. Employees of 1. FC Köln were also among the demonstrators.
“The action was outstanding,” said central defender Timo Hübers the next day. “When you see how many people can be mobilized in such a short time, it puts a smile on my face. You don’t have to have strong opinions to be against the right. Anyone can take a position against the right.”
Foundation is committed to fighting the right
Around 30,000 people did this on Tuesday in Cologne alone. There was no direct involvement from the FC side in the short term, but the club will again be actively committed to the fight against racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination in the new year. The 1. FC Cologne Foundation recently invited participants to an educational trip to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
The increase in right-wing extremist incidents in Germany is “alarming and requires a decisive response,” the foundation said on the occasion. “It is important to take a stand together against discrimination and for acceptance.”
Human rights are what make football possible
The FC has also launched campaigns with its cooperation partner Amnesty International this season, including on International Human Rights Day under the motto #ZesammeForPeople. “Human rights are what make football as we love it possible,” said Amnesty Secretary General Markus N. Beeko recently.
And further: “The most beautiful trivial matter in the world only becomes one when no one on the field or in the stands has to have existential fears of repression or persecution when they leave the stadium. For this reason alone, football must never stop promoting the topics of respect, To promote fairness and tolerance and to stand up against racism and homophobia.”
FC squad stands for diversity
The tens of thousands of people in Cologne also fought for this on Tuesday. The FC supports the demonstration and wants to take part in other actions themselves.
The Cologne squad also stands for this: numerous players such as Sargis Adamyan (Armenia), Mathias Olesen (Luxembourg) and Jacob Christensen (Denmark) come from other countries. Others like Linton Maina (father comes from Kenya), Denis Huseinbasic (parents were born in Bosnia) or Faride Alidou (parents come from Togo) have family connections to other countries.