Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 7y

Borussia Dortmund fans protest against RB Leipzig violence

Borussia Dortmund supporters displayed anti-violence banners prior to Wednesday's DFB Pokal tie versus Hertha Berlin following attacks on RB Leipzig fans.

Ahead of Dortmund's home Bundesliga meeting with Leipzig on Saturday, several fans and police officers were injured by a group of BVB supporters

"We, the players, were and still are horrified by what happened. We're not used to seeing such actions," Schmelzer said in a video message shown on the giant screens shortly before their penalty shootout win over Hertha.

"We love the emotional and sometimes heated atmosphere in our stadium. But purely on a sporting level! On Saturday, people were hurt. We, the team, condemn violent actions against others!"

Stadium announcer Norbert Dickel also refused to welcome "the best fans in the world," and instead said: "I would like to welcome all true fans of Borussia Dortmund."

In the stands of Dortmund's famous yellow wall, the Sudtribune -- which had been labelled a "wall of shame" and a "wall of hate" in recent days -- fans, following an initiative of the fanzine schwatzgelb.de, held up signs saying "I am for Borussia, football, peaceful fan culture and" and in block capitals "AGAINST VIOLENCE."

The fans also displayed numerous anti-violence banners with one reading "#ViolenceBan" and another one "Football First" as well as several banners in German stating "Against violence"

Dortmund have come in for criticism following the violence as they await sanctions by the German FA for defamatory banners unveiled prior to kickoff against RB Leipzig, with the FA unable to punish the events outside the stadium.

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