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Dortmund fans to launch protest in response to Hoffenheim ticket cost

Borussia Dortmund supporters are planning a protest against "abnormal" prices for their game at Hoffenheim in September after the home side set ticket prices at €55.

In 2010, the Kein Zwanni ('No to €20') movement formed in Germany, protesting against prices in the Bundesliga when ticket prices for away standing increased above €20.

Initiated by Dortmund supporters, who kicked off the campaign with a boycott of the derby away to Schalke, Kein Zwanni soon received backing from a number of other clubs in Germany's top leagues.

Publicity around the campaign has dipped in recent years as season ticket costs have remained relatively stable, but several Bundesliga clubs have introduced ticket bands that mean certain matches -- such as those involving the top clubs or derbies -- come at a premium.

Hoffenheim have placed Bayern Munich and Dortmund in the top category this season, with Schalke, Stuttgart and Borussia Monchengladbach in the category below and the remaining clubs in the cheapest category.

Hoffenheim, whose Rhein-Neckar Arena has a capacity of 30,150, will put around 1,000 seated tickets on sale at €55 for the Bayern and BVB games, with a further 1,750 standing tickets to be sold at €18.

They will charge €35 for the same seats for clubs in the second category, and €26 for those in the cheapest category.

Borussia Dortmund add a 10 percent charge when making the tickets available, increasing the cost to €60.

A message addressed to BVB fans on the Kein Zwanni website read: "That price structure can't be justified. We are asked to pay significantly more only because our jerseys have the wrong colours.

"We came to the conclusion that there is no alternative to a boycott. Don't buy tickets for the match in Hoffenheim."

They are currently discussing ideas to make their voice heard outside the stadium on Sept. 23, when Hoffenheim's meeting with Dortmund takes place.

Hoffenheim currently have no plans to adjust their pricing in response to the protest, with the club's press spokesperson, Holger Kliem, telling ESPN FC: "The match is sold out."

However, Dortmund have yet to put tickets for visiting fans on sale for the trip to the Rhein-Neckar Arena.