Bizarre scenes as Bayern & Hoffenheim players pass to each other for 10 minutes to protest 'son of a b*tch' fan banner

The German giants saw the outcome of Saturday's Bundesliga game called into question due to the behaviour of those in the stands

Posted Sunday, March 01, 2020 by Goal.com

Bayern Munich saw their Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim on Saturday halted on several occasions because of insulting banners unfurled by their supporters.

The defending German champions were always in control of the clash at the Rhein-Neckar Arena.

The outcome of the one-sided contest was cast into doubt at one stage, though, as the players were removed from the field.

Bayern fans took to protesting against Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp, while the German football association, DFB, was also targeted by a certain section of disgruntled followers in the away end.

Hopp has become a target for rivals due to the investment he has made in his club, with the billionaire bankrolling a rapid rise into the top tier.

He regularly faces accusations of having bought success, with his presence considered by some to be a symbol of the commercialisation taking over football.

Borussia Dortmund fans have led the protests of late, with the DFB going as far as imposing a two-year ban on travelling supporters attending games in Hoffenheim.

Bayern have taken up the fight, with those in charge of the German game considered to have broken certain promises, with their banner reading: "Everything stays the same: The DFB breaks its word again. Hopp remains a son of a b*tch."

Hansi Flick’s side were leading 6-0 when the match officials took to interrupting proceedings on Saturday.

With the referee bringing a halt to the game, it was left to Bayern’s players and coaching staff to try and talk their supporters around.

Flick, who spent five years as Hoffenheim manager between 2000 and 2005, was clearly disappointed with the actions of those who were supposed to be cheering his team on.

The initial protests were reined in, but they soon reappeared.

That led to both teams being taken off, as they headed back towards the dressing rooms and spent five minutes hanging around in the tunnel area.

In total, the fixture was halted three times and those on the field quickly lost their cool.

Bayern and Hoffenheim eventually returned to the pitch in an effort to get the match completed.

They did, however, take to knocking the ball around among themselves in their own protest against those making an unwelcome show of dissent in the crowd.

Matters were taken even further when the game came to a halt completely and the clock was allowed to tick down.

The full-time whistle was eventually reached, with Bayern running out convincing winners.

The game will be remembered for all of the wrong reasons, but the reigning champions had made more history before their efforts were overshadowed.

Flick’s side found the target six times in just 62 minutes, with Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Josh Zirkzee and Leon Goretzka all among the goals, while Philippe Coutinho bagged a brace.

Another high-scoring outing saw Bayern become the first side in Bundesliga history to net at least three times in five successive away games.

They have cemented their standing at the top of the table, with a four-point lead held over RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund were also dragged into the Hopp debate again on Saturday, as their fans aimed chants in the Hoffenheim owner's direction.

The stadium announcer at Signal Iduna Park had to call for an end to the songs, with those responsible warned that the match would be abandoned if they continued.