During the Bundesliga match between Holstein Kiel and RB Leipzig, fans of the promoted team caused a stir with a crosshair banner. The banner featured the likenesses of Jürgen Klopp, Dietmar Hopp, Martin Kind and Oliver Mintzlaff in red crosshairs and the words: "Gravedigger of German soccer". The "Bild" initially reported on this.
After a few minutes, the crosshairs were removed from the heads and a little later the entire banner was rolled up. Another poster looked like a gravestone, with the words "50+1" written on it. The 50+1 rule in German professional soccer essentially stipulates that investors cannot acquire a majority of voting rights in the capital companies of clubs.
Referee Florian Badstübner did not punish the actions. However, they could lead to sanctions from the German Football Association for the host club from Kiel. The Holstein supporters had already protested against the RB Leipzig construct with a fan march before the match.
Why protest against Klopp?
The long-serving successful coach Klopp has been criticized by some fans since he announced his move to Red Bull as Global Head of Soccer on 1 January 2025. Red Bull sports boss Mintzlaff had lured Klopp to the drinks company, which for many fan organizations is symbolic of increasing commercialization in professional soccer.
In the past, protests against Hoffenheim patron Dietmar Hopp and long-time Hannover 96 boss Martin Kind had already taken place in some stadiums with crosshair posters and insulting chants. In 2020, the Bundesliga match between Hoffenheim and FC Bayern was even interrupted for several minutes because of this.
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