Matt Ford
@matt4d.bsky.social
Freelance journalist based in Germany | German & European football, sports politics & fan culture | The Guardian, The New European, London Evening Standard, BBC Sport, DW Sports, 11Freunde, SoFoot, etc | United We Stand 🇾🇪
🟡 #BVB board reshuffle following former CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke's move over to the parent club.
- Carsten Cramer: Director Comms & Marketing (and new board spokesman
- Svenja Schlenker: Director Personnel (plus head of women's football)
- Thomas Treß: Director Finances
- Lars Ricken: Director Sport
- Carsten Cramer: Director Comms & Marketing (and new board spokesman
- Svenja Schlenker: Director Personnel (plus head of women's football)
- Thomas Treß: Director Finances
- Lars Ricken: Director Sport
November 26, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🟡 #BVB board reshuffle following former CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke's move over to the parent club.
- Carsten Cramer: Director Comms & Marketing (and new board spokesman
- Svenja Schlenker: Director Personnel (plus head of women's football)
- Thomas Treß: Director Finances
- Lars Ricken: Director Sport
- Carsten Cramer: Director Comms & Marketing (and new board spokesman
- Svenja Schlenker: Director Personnel (plus head of women's football)
- Thomas Treß: Director Finances
- Lars Ricken: Director Sport
🇾🇪 New United We Stand and Red News out at Old Trafford tonight - the latter with an exclusive interview with Diogo Dalot.
🇾🇪 We’re lucky to still have two very different fanzines. Buy them, read them, contribute to them and support an independent fan culture in Manchester.
#mufc
🇾🇪 We’re lucky to still have two very different fanzines. Buy them, read them, contribute to them and support an independent fan culture in Manchester.
#mufc
November 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM
🇾🇪 New United We Stand and Red News out at Old Trafford tonight - the latter with an exclusive interview with Diogo Dalot.
🇾🇪 We’re lucky to still have two very different fanzines. Buy them, read them, contribute to them and support an independent fan culture in Manchester.
#mufc
🇾🇪 We’re lucky to still have two very different fanzines. Buy them, read them, contribute to them and support an independent fan culture in Manchester.
#mufc
🟡 Hans-Joachim Watzke is elected club president of Borussia Dortmund with only 59% of the vote - and to the sound of some boos inside the Westfalenhallen. Watzke, who ran unopposed, had previously said that anything less than 70% would concern him. #BVB
November 23, 2025 at 5:52 PM
🟡 Hans-Joachim Watzke is elected club president of Borussia Dortmund with only 59% of the vote - and to the sound of some boos inside the Westfalenhallen. Watzke, who ran unopposed, had previously said that anything less than 70% would concern him. #BVB
Watzke on proposed stadium security measures:
"The active fan scene can rest assured that we are on the same page. The interior ministers have completely misjudged the situation. It is not dramatic; we don't need drastic measures. Stadium ban commission & personalised tickets are not acceptable."
"The active fan scene can rest assured that we are on the same page. The interior ministers have completely misjudged the situation. It is not dramatic; we don't need drastic measures. Stadium ban commission & personalised tickets are not acceptable."
November 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Watzke on proposed stadium security measures:
"The active fan scene can rest assured that we are on the same page. The interior ministers have completely misjudged the situation. It is not dramatic; we don't need drastic measures. Stadium ban commission & personalised tickets are not acceptable."
"The active fan scene can rest assured that we are on the same page. The interior ministers have completely misjudged the situation. It is not dramatic; we don't need drastic measures. Stadium ban commission & personalised tickets are not acceptable."
Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e. V. Dortmund
Members‘ meeting 2025 - for the first ever time in hybrid presence/online format for all 230,000 members.
Outgoing GmbH & Co. KGaA chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke is standing unopposed for election as president of the parent club (e. V.)
#BVB
Members‘ meeting 2025 - for the first ever time in hybrid presence/online format for all 230,000 members.
Outgoing GmbH & Co. KGaA chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke is standing unopposed for election as president of the parent club (e. V.)
#BVB
November 23, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e. V. Dortmund
Members‘ meeting 2025 - for the first ever time in hybrid presence/online format for all 230,000 members.
Outgoing GmbH & Co. KGaA chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke is standing unopposed for election as president of the parent club (e. V.)
#BVB
Members‘ meeting 2025 - for the first ever time in hybrid presence/online format for all 230,000 members.
Outgoing GmbH & Co. KGaA chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke is standing unopposed for election as president of the parent club (e. V.)
#BVB
Während Fans hier in Köln und aus ganz Deutschland gegen repressive Maßnahmen und für eine freie und lebendige Fankultur in sicheren Stadien demonstrieren, zünden die Frankfurter Ultras Böller, schießen mit Raketen und sorgen für eine Spielunterbrechung. Toll, Jungs. Wirklich super.
November 22, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Während Fans hier in Köln und aus ganz Deutschland gegen repressive Maßnahmen und für eine freie und lebendige Fankultur in sicheren Stadien demonstrieren, zünden die Frankfurter Ultras Böller, schießen mit Raketen und sorgen für eine Spielunterbrechung. Toll, Jungs. Wirklich super.
HT: Köln 1-2 Frankfurt
Strange game. Köln generally solid with Ache as a dangerous outlet - as with opening goal, when he laid off well to Kaminski. But an impressive-looking Theate reserve-header and good pressing in injury time leading to Dahoud‘s goal see Frankfurt ahead at HT. #bundesliga
Strange game. Köln generally solid with Ache as a dangerous outlet - as with opening goal, when he laid off well to Kaminski. But an impressive-looking Theate reserve-header and good pressing in injury time leading to Dahoud‘s goal see Frankfurt ahead at HT. #bundesliga
November 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
HT: Köln 1-2 Frankfurt
Strange game. Köln generally solid with Ache as a dangerous outlet - as with opening goal, when he laid off well to Kaminski. But an impressive-looking Theate reserve-header and good pressing in injury time leading to Dahoud‘s goal see Frankfurt ahead at HT. #bundesliga
Strange game. Köln generally solid with Ache as a dangerous outlet - as with opening goal, when he laid off well to Kaminski. But an impressive-looking Theate reserve-header and good pressing in injury time leading to Dahoud‘s goal see Frankfurt ahead at HT. #bundesliga
"We burn for the present and will determine our future ourselves"
1. FC Köln supporters end their 12-min atmosphere boycott with chants of "Scheiß Eintracht Frankfurt" plus pyrotechnics.
#bundesliga
1. FC Köln supporters end their 12-min atmosphere boycott with chants of "Scheiß Eintracht Frankfurt" plus pyrotechnics.
#bundesliga
November 22, 2025 at 5:46 PM
"We burn for the present and will determine our future ourselves"
1. FC Köln supporters end their 12-min atmosphere boycott with chants of "Scheiß Eintracht Frankfurt" plus pyrotechnics.
#bundesliga
1. FC Köln supporters end their 12-min atmosphere boycott with chants of "Scheiß Eintracht Frankfurt" plus pyrotechnics.
#bundesliga
🤫 Silence in Köln.
1. FC Köln ultras in their matchday flyer: "We don’t enjoy freezing our arses off in Leipzig on football-free weekends or keeping our gobs shut for 12 minutes either. But the overall goal remains: preventing the ministers‘ absurd measures."
#bundesliga
1. FC Köln ultras in their matchday flyer: "We don’t enjoy freezing our arses off in Leipzig on football-free weekends or keeping our gobs shut for 12 minutes either. But the overall goal remains: preventing the ministers‘ absurd measures."
#bundesliga
November 22, 2025 at 5:35 PM
🤫 Silence in Köln.
1. FC Köln ultras in their matchday flyer: "We don’t enjoy freezing our arses off in Leipzig on football-free weekends or keeping our gobs shut for 12 minutes either. But the overall goal remains: preventing the ministers‘ absurd measures."
#bundesliga
1. FC Köln ultras in their matchday flyer: "We don’t enjoy freezing our arses off in Leipzig on football-free weekends or keeping our gobs shut for 12 minutes either. But the overall goal remains: preventing the ministers‘ absurd measures."
#bundesliga
12 minutes of silence in Dortmund: "Is this to be the future of football?“
BVB supporters: "Clubs & federations: defend your terraces from populists!"
Stuttgart supporters: "Clubs: go on the offensive against populism!"
#bundesliga
BVB supporters: "Clubs & federations: defend your terraces from populists!"
Stuttgart supporters: "Clubs: go on the offensive against populism!"
#bundesliga
November 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
12 minutes of silence in Dortmund: "Is this to be the future of football?“
BVB supporters: "Clubs & federations: defend your terraces from populists!"
Stuttgart supporters: "Clubs: go on the offensive against populism!"
#bundesliga
BVB supporters: "Clubs & federations: defend your terraces from populists!"
Stuttgart supporters: "Clubs: go on the offensive against populism!"
#bundesliga
Leaflets distributed by the "Südtribüne Dortmund" at the Westfalenstadion this afternoon, calling on politicians to "return to the facts, make deliberations public and tone down the rhetoric," and on DFL/DFB to "show politicians how nonsensical their populist demands are."
📷 @schwatzgelb.de #BVB
📷 @schwatzgelb.de #BVB
November 22, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Leaflets distributed by the "Südtribüne Dortmund" at the Westfalenstadion this afternoon, calling on politicians to "return to the facts, make deliberations public and tone down the rhetoric," and on DFL/DFB to "show politicians how nonsensical their populist demands are."
📷 @schwatzgelb.de #BVB
📷 @schwatzgelb.de #BVB
"Interior ministers: you are creating fear where there is no danger - against repression and a surveillance state - freedom for the terraces!"
A mixed picture in Mainz last night where not all groups took part in the 12-min atmosphere boycott, while others opted for banners instead.
#bundesliga
A mixed picture in Mainz last night where not all groups took part in the 12-min atmosphere boycott, while others opted for banners instead.
#bundesliga
November 22, 2025 at 12:58 PM
"Interior ministers: you are creating fear where there is no danger - against repression and a surveillance state - freedom for the terraces!"
A mixed picture in Mainz last night where not all groups took part in the 12-min atmosphere boycott, while others opted for banners instead.
#bundesliga
A mixed picture in Mainz last night where not all groups took part in the 12-min atmosphere boycott, while others opted for banners instead.
#bundesliga
"But our battle is never lost!"
Hertha BSC supporters end their 12-minute boycott with a colourful blue-and-white display in the Ostkurve, demonstrating the impact of a vibrant fan culture.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
Hertha BSC supporters end their 12-minute boycott with a colourful blue-and-white display in the Ostkurve, demonstrating the impact of a vibrant fan culture.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 5:49 PM
"But our battle is never lost!"
Hertha BSC supporters end their 12-minute boycott with a colourful blue-and-white display in the Ostkurve, demonstrating the impact of a vibrant fan culture.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
Hertha BSC supporters end their 12-minute boycott with a colourful blue-and-white display in the Ostkurve, demonstrating the impact of a vibrant fan culture.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
"Populists are taking an axe to fan culture: is this to be the future of football? Clubs: stand up for your fans!"
Hertha BSC kicking off the weekend‘s protests against proposed security measures with a 12-minute atmosphere boycott at home to Eintracht Braunschweig.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
Hertha BSC kicking off the weekend‘s protests against proposed security measures with a 12-minute atmosphere boycott at home to Eintracht Braunschweig.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 5:44 PM
"Populists are taking an axe to fan culture: is this to be the future of football? Clubs: stand up for your fans!"
Hertha BSC kicking off the weekend‘s protests against proposed security measures with a 12-minute atmosphere boycott at home to Eintracht Braunschweig.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
Hertha BSC kicking off the weekend‘s protests against proposed security measures with a 12-minute atmosphere boycott at home to Eintracht Braunschweig.
📷 @shermanns.bsky.social
After Sunday's demonstration in Leipzig, the "Fanszenen Deutschlands" have called on supporters across Germany to remain silent for the first 12 minutes of matches this weekend in order to show "the contrast between vibrant fan culture and silent stands."
#Bundesliga
#Bundesliga
November 21, 2025 at 12:59 PM
After Sunday's demonstration in Leipzig, the "Fanszenen Deutschlands" have called on supporters across Germany to remain silent for the first 12 minutes of matches this weekend in order to show "the contrast between vibrant fan culture and silent stands."
#Bundesliga
#Bundesliga
Historic sexual abuse allegations against a former club employee and personal travel expenses claims: outgoing Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke facing awkward questions ahead of club presidential election ➡️ p.dw.com/p/53y6a
November 20, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Historic sexual abuse allegations against a former club employee and personal travel expenses claims: outgoing Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke facing awkward questions ahead of club presidential election ➡️ p.dw.com/p/53y6a
🗣️ Representative of the Südkurve Jena addresses demo: "We’ve reached a level of mutual understanding. It’s clear that we have an enemy which is greater than any rivalry: police and politicians. But when ultras stand together, no-one can stop us." (via LVZ)
November 16, 2025 at 1:52 PM
🗣️ Representative of the Südkurve Jena addresses demo: "We’ve reached a level of mutual understanding. It’s clear that we have an enemy which is greater than any rivalry: police and politicians. But when ultras stand together, no-one can stop us." (via LVZ)
🇩🇪 German fan and ultra groups from across the country to demonstrate together in Leipzig on Sunday against repressive new stadium security measures being proposed by politicians & police.
Full background on the Gegenpressing newsletter: gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
Full background on the Gegenpressing newsletter: gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
November 13, 2025 at 9:41 AM
🇩🇪 German fan and ultra groups from across the country to demonstrate together in Leipzig on Sunday against repressive new stadium security measures being proposed by politicians & police.
Full background on the Gegenpressing newsletter: gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
Full background on the Gegenpressing newsletter: gegenpressing.substack.com/p/on-the-ter...
November 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
🇩🇪 #Bundesliga:
🔴 Bayern Munich's record 16-game winning streak comes to an end with a 2-2 draw away at - obviously - Union Berlin. Injury-time equaliser from - obviously - Harry Kane.
🟡 Borussia Dortmund can't capitalise, conceding an injury-time equaliser away at HSV (1-1).
🔴 Bayern Munich's record 16-game winning streak comes to an end with a 2-2 draw away at - obviously - Union Berlin. Injury-time equaliser from - obviously - Harry Kane.
🟡 Borussia Dortmund can't capitalise, conceding an injury-time equaliser away at HSV (1-1).
November 8, 2025 at 4:29 PM
🇩🇪 #Bundesliga:
🔴 Bayern Munich's record 16-game winning streak comes to an end with a 2-2 draw away at - obviously - Union Berlin. Injury-time equaliser from - obviously - Harry Kane.
🟡 Borussia Dortmund can't capitalise, conceding an injury-time equaliser away at HSV (1-1).
🔴 Bayern Munich's record 16-game winning streak comes to an end with a 2-2 draw away at - obviously - Union Berlin. Injury-time equaliser from - obviously - Harry Kane.
🟡 Borussia Dortmund can't capitalise, conceding an injury-time equaliser away at HSV (1-1).
November 8, 2025 at 2:28 PM
"Prometheus left us fire so that we may unleash it for Dynamo"
SG Dynamo Dresden at home to 1. FC Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga. Just a regular Friday night in Dresden.
FT: Dynamo 1-2 Nürnberg
SG Dynamo Dresden at home to 1. FC Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga. Just a regular Friday night in Dresden.
FT: Dynamo 1-2 Nürnberg
November 8, 2025 at 11:11 AM
"Prometheus left us fire so that we may unleash it for Dynamo"
SG Dynamo Dresden at home to 1. FC Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga. Just a regular Friday night in Dresden.
FT: Dynamo 1-2 Nürnberg
SG Dynamo Dresden at home to 1. FC Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga. Just a regular Friday night in Dresden.
FT: Dynamo 1-2 Nürnberg
Fan demands:
1. Minimise police deployments
2. No preventative stadium bans
3. Reduce surveillance costs
4. Recognise the value of German fan culture
1. Minimise police deployments
2. No preventative stadium bans
3. Reduce surveillance costs
4. Recognise the value of German fan culture
November 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Fan demands:
1. Minimise police deployments
2. No preventative stadium bans
3. Reduce surveillance costs
4. Recognise the value of German fan culture
1. Minimise police deployments
2. No preventative stadium bans
3. Reduce surveillance costs
4. Recognise the value of German fan culture
Fans on: pyrotechnics
November 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Fans on: pyrotechnics
Fans on: personalised tickets and facial recognition
November 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Fans on: personalised tickets and facial recognition