When Football Unites - Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim
There have been some truly heartwarming moments throughout the history of football, where fans, players and clubs alike have come together as one - the game has never seen a conclusion as bizarre as this though.
Yesterday, eighth place Hoffenheim hosted top of the table Bayern Munich in a game that saw headlines focus on a particular event, rather than the 6-0 battering by a dominant Bayern side.
Understandably, the headlines focused on the 13-minute display that occurred after an offensive banner, directed at Hoffenheim Owner, Dietmar Hopp, was unveiled by the Bayern Munich Ultras.
Bayern’s coaches and players could be seen pleading with the Ultras to put the banner away.
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara pleading with Bayern Ultras to put the offensive banner away.
Match Official Christian Dingert called a halt to the game and took the players down the tunnel, in what took around 20 minutes.
It was what followed though which made history in its own right.
The match restarted on the 77 minute mark and unbelievably, both sets of players were playing out the rest of the game uncontested.
With scenes reminiscent of the Christmas Truce, a giant game of pass between all 22 players could be seen, amongst opposition players talking to each other whilst goalkeepers were stood around the halfway line, firmly out out of goal.
It was an act that was refreshing to see, with both sides coming together in support of each other.
The German Football League Chief Executive Christian Seifert said:
“Everyone involved - players, officials, Hoffenheim and Bayern board members and the majority of the people in the stadium reacted to this situation in an exemplary manner and sent out a clear statement that this sort of thing will no longer be tolerated.”
He then went on to say:
“This type of hatred can have no place in football. That has to be the aspiration of German football as a whole.”
The Future?
With the ongoing issues haunting our game, such as Racism - this act might be one of the best methods to counteract such hatred.
Both clubs uniting and showing respect for each other is a beautiful thing to see.
It’s clear to see that German Football has set the right example of how to deal with matters such as this.
It might be the short term future in an attempt to save our game.
Both sets of players saw out the rest of the game uncontested.
Is this the most efficient way to deal with matters of hatred in our game?
Have your say.
Article by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney
Images from: Getty Images
Video Link from: Footy Humour (@footyhumour)