Armed Dortmund fans condemned

Borussia Dortmund have condemned a group of supporters who attempted to attend Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Darmstadt in possession of weapons and other banned items.

Hessen police halted two buses carrying Dortmund fans on their way to the match and subsequently prevented an estimated figure of 90 supporters from entering the stadium.

Balaclavas, flares, smoke bombs, combat gear and a variety of drugs were found, while police claimed in a statement that it was “apparent that passengers wanted to go to Darmstadt for other reasons than to follow the football game peacefully in the stadium”.

It is the second time in a week that Dortmund have been in hot water due to the behaviour of a section of their fans, after RB Leipzig supporters were attacked outside the Signal Iduna Park before their previous Bundesliga outing.

A club statement regarding their latest indiscretions read: “Anyone who travels with balaclavas, smoke bombs and combat gear in the name of Borussia Dortmund abuses the colours and values of our club and its 10 million friends and fans in Germany.

“Together with them, we stand up for the open and peaceful fan culture that we want to see in and around the stadiums week after week.

“Anyone who fully shares these values is still warmly welcomed.”