Borussia Dortmund is calling on all fans to remain firm and united in their opposition to extreme right-wing groups but to do so without resorting to violence at all times. The club's leadership will completely back all Black and Yellows who defend BVB's values with bravery and moral courage against an increasing number of violent and extreme right-wing troublemakers. We shall continue our joint efforts against racism and discrimination and shall not permit Borussia Dortmund or BVB fans to be used as a platform for right-wing extremism of any kind.

Last Friday, organised groups of right-wing extremists from Dortmund attempted to use the friendly match between VfL Bochum and BVB as a platform to provoke the Black and Yellow fan contingent and to expose the sport of football to their discriminatory attitudes. Members of the party "Die Rechte" joined forces with hooligans sympathetic to their cause to threaten BVB fans who condemn xenophobia and take an active role in the fight against right-wing extremism. Although BVB had informed VfL Bochum and the Bochum police in the run-up to the game that they expected a large numbers of right-wing extremists to be present, the troublemakers were still able to gain access to the stadium as no nationwide ban prohibiting their entry to stadiums or premises is currently in force.

For a number of weeks now, Borussia Dortmund has watched on with great concern as extreme right-wing and radical groups with no connection to football have sought to capitalise on the popularity of BVB and football in general to make their presence felt, make threatening gestures and draw public attention to themselves and their actions.

On several occasions in the recent past, employees of BVB have been victims of intense verbal attacks and intimidation attempts by right-wing groups with no connection to football whatsoever. In view of this development, many supporters have requested that we continue to fully maintain our efforts against right-wing extremism. This is yet another reason why it is of primary importance to Borussia Dortmund to continue to take a clear stance on the matter.

Borussia Dortmund stands for diversity and tolerance, and distances itself from both racism and discrimination. The motto of our fan department ("Borussia connects generations, men and women, and all nations") shall always reflect our stance. We would like to assure our fans - as well as all those involved in right-wing extremism - that we will continue to fight for our values and our traditions in the future. We do this in the knowledge that our fans are supporting these objectives.

However, it is absolutely essential that all forms of protest take a firm stand against extremism without resorting to violence. Aggression and provocation only serve to play into the hands of groups looking to make violence and hatred a part of football and to poison the attitude of solidarity in BVB's big football family. BVB therefore calls upon all fans to act with great care.