Deal heats up tempers

Hateful posters against Schicker: “A red line!”

Unrest in Hoffenheim: large sections of the active fan scene criticized the signing of sporting director Andreas Schicker - including with inflammatory posters. Managing director Markus Schütz now finds clear words: "That's a red line, there's no compromise."

"Firecracker throwers still have no place in Hoffenheim - Schicker stay away!" was written on a poster at the beginning of October during the Europa League match against Dynamo Kiev (2:0). The Hoffenheim supporters were referring to an accident in which Schicker had lost his left forearm in 2014. With the banner, they clearly spoke out against signing him. However, the deal was finalized and officially announced a few days ago. 

"We've already had a discussion, we've seen that things have moved forward and further talks are planned. I am confident that we will be able to resolve this issue soon," Markus Schütz, TSG's CEO, was quoted as saying by kicker. "Our line is very clear: we will not tolerate any posters, banners or appeals with incitement to hatred, not now and not in the future. That is a red line, there is no compromise."

Schicker seeks talks with fans
Schicker took the next step on the career ladder with his move from Sturm to Hoffenheim. "I will enter into a dialog with the fans to dispel the untruths that are circulating in Kraichgau," announced the new sporting director.