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Dortmund Fans Hurl Tennis Balls To Halt Augsburg Match In Scheduling Protest

The action protested late or midweek fixtures that burden traveling supporters.

Overview

  • Organized Borussia Dortmund supporters unfurled banners at kickoff reading “Wann ihr spielt, entscheiden wir – pro samstags um halb Vier!”.
  • A painted clock initially showing 20:30 was altered minute by minute as tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch, forcing a stoppage.
  • The disruption was the first tennis-ball interruption reported in Bundesliga stadiums since February 2024.
  • Fans pointed to a tough travel run after a Tuesday DFB-Pokal match in Frankfurt with an early start, followed by a Friday night away game in Augsburg nearly 600 kilometers from Dortmund.
  • Reaction online was mixed, with some backing the grievance and others criticizing the ultras’ tactics, and no immediate formal response or sanctions were reported.