After heavy police checks: BVB ultras to boycott Bergamo return leg | OneFootball

What was planned as an atmospheric Champions League away game has quickly turned into a full-blown escalation. The active fan scene of Borussia Dortmund has announced a boycott of the return match at Atalanta Bergamo. No organized support, no choreography, no unified appearance in the guest block. The trigger is massive measures by the Italian authorities – even before the match.

According to eyewitness reports, there were already intense controls at German airports. BVB fans were reportedly checked, searched, and in some cases prevented from leaving the country. The Südtribüne Dortmund alliance states in a statement that it was a "veritable gauntlet," which ended in travel bans or reporting requirements for numerous supporters.

Apparently, it was sometimes enough to carry typical fan clothing or stickers to attract the attention of the authorities. The aim of the measures was to identify several hundred supporters whom the authorities believed should not travel to Bergamo.

Police even visit fans in hotels

The series of measures continued in Italy itself. According to Südtribüne, Dortmund fans who were already in the country were visited by the Italian police in their accommodations. Additionally, planned bus connections from Milan to Bergamo were canceled at short notice. Some supporters wanted to combine their stay with a visit to the parallel match of Inter Milan – these plans were apparently thwarted as well.

The fans speak of an unprecedented approach. "In almost 16 years of uninterrupted European Cup presence, these conditions are a novelty for us," the statement from the active groups reads.

Boycott as a clear signal

The consequence was clear: The Ultras are not going. The guest block will have to do without organized support. A drastic step, which the Südtribüne describes as "with a heavy heart," but also sees as a necessary signal.

This turns a sportingly explosive return match into a political issue. Instead of focusing on football, the strained relationship between fans and security authorities is now at the forefront. Whether the silence in the guest block ultimately speaks louder than any chant will be revealed on the evening of the match.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.