PASSIONATE and controversial protests have been a feature across German football in recent weeks as supporters’ groups join together to fight for the values that define the character and fabric of football in the country.

Banners have been unfurled in support of Borussia Dortmund fans who were banned by the DFB (German FA) from travelling to games against fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim for two seasons, following their protests against Hoffenheim’s billionaire owner Dietmar Hopp.

The ban is an activation of a suspended sentence from 2018 when Dortmund fans protested against Hopp in a manner viewed as threatening and insulting to the Hoffenheim owner.