For those cynical amongst you and sick of money ruining football here's a story to warm your cockles and feeling good about the world again. Bundesliga side Darmstadt are renaming their stadium in honour of a fan who passed away.
To make the story even better the club's stadium is currently called Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, named by the club's sponsor Merck. However the pharmaceutical company, whose offices are based in southern city of Darmstadt, have agreed to waive their naming rights for the next year.
The move is in honour of fan Jonathan Heimes. The 26 year old passed away in March after a long battle with cancer and because of his strong links to the club they've decided to rename their home ground the Jonathan-Heimes-Stadion am Boellenfalltor for the rest of the season.
Advert
Image via Stadium DB
The club's shirt sponsors, Software AG, have also agreed to take their company name off their kits on the year anniversary of the fans death and will be replaced by the DUMUSSTKAEMPFEN foundation, a charity for children set up by Heimes and tennis player Andrea Petkovic.
On the renaming of the stadium Darmstadt captain Aytac Sulu told the club's website, "This is a really motivational help for us. We want to stay in the league and our connection with Johnny will push us on in this task."
Advert
It's a truly wonderful sign of respect by the Bundesliga side, we wish them all the best in trying to stay up!
(Via Sports Fan)
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, Germany, Fans, Bundesliga