The fans of Borussia Monchengladbach, a German football club, have come up with an innovative idea. They have collectively funded over 8,000 cardboard cutouts of themselves to potentially fill their stadium if the Bundesliga resumes behind closed doors due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
In March, the German Football League (DFL) suspended Bundesliga football due to the global spread of the coronavirus, which has affected nearly 3 million people worldwide. However, the Bundesliga now aims to resume on May 9, with players already back in training.
Borussia Monchengladbach’s fans have initiated a unique initiative to occupy the stadium in the event that supporters are not allowed to attend matches. They have launched the ‘Stay at home. Be in the stands’ campaign.
As part of this campaign, Borussia Monchengladbach fans have the opportunity to purchase cardboard cutouts of themselves for £16.50 each, with the intention of filling Borussia-Park, the club’s home stadium, in case the remaining 2019/20 matches are played behind closed doors. Moreover, the proceeds from the cutouts will be directed towards charitable causes.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Thomas Weinmann, a representative of Borussia Monchengladbach’s fans, stated: “The campaign organizers are struggling to handle the volume of orders. However, we are extremely pleased with the tremendous support it has received.”