Munich (dpa) – The stadium of FC Bayern Munich shone in the colors of Ukraine before the guest appearance of the German record champions at Eintracht Frankfurt.
“FC Bayern supports the city of Munich in their signs of peace and solidarity with the Ukraine and the twin city of Kiev,” said the Bavarians.
A minute’s silence was held before the Bundesliga match TSG 1899 Hoffenheim against VfB Stuttgart because of Russia’s attack on the neighboring country. The spectators and both teams stayed in Sinsheim just before kick-off. “Stop was – we against war,” said a large poster presented by both teams.
War “incompatible with values of sport”
In the second division game in Hanover, the usual warm-up song was also dispensed with. Instead, “Imagine” by John Lennon was performed. The song was created in March 1971 during the Vietnam War and has evolved into a protest song and a symbol of hope.
“We condemn the attack on Ukraine – and thus on the life and homeland of innocent people,” the German Football League announced before the match day and recommended the Bundesliga clubs a minute’s silence. “War is unacceptable in any form – and incompatible with our values of sport. Our concern is for the local people affected.”
Clubs are concerned
Second division club Dynamo Dresden deliberately wants to use the symbol of solidarity to express their very personal bond. “I have friends in Kiev and worked with a Russian assistant coach for eight years,” said Dynamo coach Alexander Schmidt on Friday. Between 2009 and 2013, Schmidt and the Russian Denis Buschujew coached the U19s, the amateurs and finally the professional team of the then second division club 1860 Munich.
Without exception, the clubs in the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga had expressed their dismay. “We are stunned. There is war on European soil. Our thoughts are with the victims and those affected in Ukraine. Out of respect for what is happening in Ukraine, we are severely restricting our carnival content,” said 1. FC Köln.
“We condemn the attack on Ukraine – and thus on the life and homeland of innocent people,” the German Football League announced before the match day and recommended the Bundesliga clubs a minute’s silence. “War is unacceptable in any form – and incompatible with our values of sport. Our concern is for the local people affected.”