September 16 – Players in German football’s top two divisions will this weekend put on a collective front by wearing shirts carrying messages supporting the refugees pouring into Europe.
All 36 teams will wear ‘We’re helping! #refugeeswelcome’ logos on their shirts, a joint initiative between logistics company Hermes, who have waived the right to have their logo displayed for one weekend, and the German newspaper Bild.
“We want to make it clear that everyone has to help, when and wherever they possibly can,” said Bayer Leverkusen director of sport Rudi Voller.
Germany is the preferred destination for thousands of migrants from Syria and other war-torn countries. Already most Bundesliga clubs are individually either setting up or supporting initiatives to help. Bayern Munich have pledged €1 million and are setting up special coaching courses to provide meals, German lessons and equipment for refugee children.
Wolfsburg invited 1,200 refugees to Tuesday’s Champions League game against CSKA Moscow with €1 from each ticket sold to the match donated to a charity supporting the refugees. Borussia Dortmund invited 220 to watch them play Norwegian side Odd in the Europa League, while Mainz gave out 200 free tickets for their match against Hannover.
Hertha Berlin general manager Michael Preetz said: “The refugees crisis concerns everyone, nobody can look away. We Bundesliga clubs must use our reach, influence, and ability to help the many refugees who have already suffered so much.”
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