Why Dortmund Fans Are Boycotting Their First Away Game Of The Season

A number of Borussia Dortmund supporters' groups will boycott their first away game of the season on Saturday because of their opponents - Red Bull Leipzig.

Leipzig's meteoric rise to the Bundesliga has caused outrage in Germany, mainly because of their relationship with Red Bull.

Until 2009, Leipzig were a fifth division club but Austrian energy drink manufacturer Red Bull bought the club's licence, changed their name and gave the side a transfer budget of £85 million.

Many believe that the fact Leipzig have been funded by Red Bull in their incredible journey from the fifth division of German football to the Bundesliga 'contradicts all sporting and emotional values', meaning some have refused to travel to the game on Saturday.

Instead they will be watching Dortmund's youth team play at their old ground, Rote Erde.

A statement from a supporters group read:

'The construct of the newly promoted side from Leipzig stands against everything that we associate with football.

'It is scandalous that a purely commercial marketing branch of an Austrian drinks manufacturer may actually compete in Germany's top flight. This contradicts all sporting and emotional values.

'For us, the consequence is clear: We do not buy tickets and do not travel to BVB's away game in Leipzig.'

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Do you agree with Dortmund fans' values ahead of their away game at Red Bull Leipzig?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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