Fans of Second Bundesliga side Union Berlin are planning a "15-minute silence at the start of their home game against RB Leipzig on Friday to protest against their big-spending opponents," who are backed by the energy drink maker Red Bull, according to REUTERS. RB Leipzig is owned by the Austrian drinks company and "has been a big spender for several seasons" as it climbed up the divisions, with the Bundesliga now firmly in its sights. Union fan group Scene Koepenick said in an open letter, "Leipzig has again spent vast amounts of money on new players, almost all of whom had offers from the top division. The financial possibilities seem endless. But we will fight for the preservation of football culture for as long as possible. Pure marketing instruments like RasenBallsport will never be part of that culture and that is why we call on a 15-minute silence." A club official said that Union was "fully behind" the fan initiative. Club spokesperson Christian Arbeit said, "I can only use the words of our president Dirk Zingler who fully backs this initiative by 100%. RB Leipzig can expect more protests" (REUTERS, 8/26).
