Eintracht Frankfurt will send out another strong signal against racism and xenophobia in their DFB Cup semi-final away to FC Bayern Munich today. The shirts of the 2018 cup winners will bear the lettering #blacklivesmatter in support of the movement that started in the USA, with the aim of taking a stand against racially motivated violence against people of colour.
As a club in a city with inhabitants from 179 countries, Eintracht Frankfurt have made their stance clear in favour of a diverse and peaceful coexistence in previous years.
Primary sponsor Indeed
As has been the case in the past, Eintracht cooperate closely with the club’s main sponsor Indeed, and the American company made the space on the front of the shirts available for #blacklivesmatter.
Frank Hensgens, managing director of Indeed Germany, said: “In light of the dramatic current developments we will use our global platform to take a stand against historical and current systemic racism, violence and hatred. We are proud to work together with Eintracht Frankfurt, united in our shared belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion and in our unwavering opposition to racism. Making the space available on the front of the jerseys for #blacklivesmatter is a clearly visible sign of our stance against racism and our support for black people.
Axel Hellmann: “Open-mindedness firmly anchored in the Eintracht DNA”
Eintracht board member Axel Hellmann emphasised that the campaign must be continued in the long-term: “We have to keep pointing this out and also use the power and reach of football to forcefully bring this important message to the world. Eintracht Frankfurt’s history is shaped by open-mindedness and international understanding. These attributes are firmly anchored in the Eintracht DNA. Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and homophobia have no place within the Eintracht family and must have no place in a liberal society.” Hellmann also highlighted the special cooperation with Indeed: “The fact that Indeed supports our cause – even in its short-term nature – shows that we have an exceptionally good partnership based not only on economic interests but also on the same understanding of values.”
Eintracht board member Fredi Bobic said that the team’s support for the campaign was without question: “Every day we demonstrate in our team that skin colour, origin and religion do not play a role in a community. Everyone is there for everyone – on the pitch and off it. This should also be the case in our society, no matter where. As a team and as Eintracht Frankfurt, we stand together against all forms of racism and we want to show this to the outside world today.”
During the match, Eintracht Frankfurt’s social media channels will primarily use black and white images. The logo will also temporarily appear in black.
The DFB Cup semi-final on Wednesday evening will be broadcast in up to 200 countries, including on ARD and the pay-TV channel Sky in Germany.
