SC Freiburg to Display Solidarity with Lviv in Bundesliga Match
The weekend’s home Bundesliga fixture against FC Heidenheim at the Europa Park Stadion will see SC Freiburg take a significant step to demonstrate solidarity with their sister city, Lviv, in Ukraine. The plan, coordinated by the municipality of Freiburg im Breisgau, involves live broadcasting Ukrainian musicians from a studio in Lviv over the video screens in the stadium. This will culminate in a joint rendition of the football anthem "You’ll Never Walk Alone" by the musicians and the Freiburg crowd. The gesture is a powerful and heartfelt way to connect the two cities during a time of ongoing conflict.
Remembering the Invasion
As the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches on February 24th, 2022, it’s crucial to recall the immediate and widespread reaction from German football. Virtually all stadiums in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga transformed their midfield circles into peace symbols, symbolizing their protest against the war. Pre-kickoff observances included moments of silence and calls for support for Ukraine, highlighting the deep empathy and solidarity felt by the German football community. These actions were not just symbolic; they marked the beginning of a sustained and meaningful response to the crisis.
Beyond Symbolism: Community and Action
The response from German football to the invasion has been far more substantial than mere symbolism. Ultra groups, known for their passionate and civic engagement, have coordinated numerous food and clothing drives outside Bundesliga venues. Many club supporters have even traveled eastward to the Ukrainian border to deliver aid, including food, supplies, and medical assistance. In Germany, football is more than just a sport; it is a platform for community action and social responsibility. SC Freiburg’s supporters have been particularly active, given the close ties with Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine and situated near the border.
Examples of Continuous Support
One notable example of this ongoing support is the work of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s ultra groups. They have been consistently involved in relief efforts over the past three years, organizing benefit matches where 100 percent of the proceeds went directly to aid organizations. In the spring of 2022, Gladbach hosted a benefit match that raised significant funds for Ukrainian relief. SC Freiburg’s ultra supporters have also maintained their volunteerism, recognizing the importance of their sister city’s plight and the broader impact of the war on Ukraine.
The Role of Key Coordinators
This specific solidarity action at the Europa Park Stadion has been meticulously planned by two chief coordinators: German musician Rüdiger Linhof and SC Freiburg women’s professional Carmen Höfflin. Linhof, the bassist for the famous German band "Sportfreunde Stiller," is a key figure in the "One Voice" initiative, which aims to bring Ukrainian artists into the spotlight before sporting events across the Bundesrepublik. The band is well-known for curating the legendary German football anthem "’54, ’74, ’90, 2006."
The Meaning Behind the Anthem
Höfflin, speaking to Kicker journalist Daniela Frahm, explained the choice of "You’ll Never Walk Alone" over the German anthem. She noted that the English football anthem was selected for its universal appeal, making it easier for both German and Ukrainian audiences to connect and sing together. Linhof added, "A stadium where many football fans come together, with their hearts in the right place, is where we need to take our action. That’s precisely our wheelhouse." SC Freiburg’s trainer, Julian Schuster, emphasized the importance of such gestures, saying, "It is our job to appreciate the kind of society we can and may live in, and at the same time to express our sympathy." He further noted, "It’s a great signal from the city, the association, and the people here to the sister city [of Lviv]. It shows that our thoughts are with them and with the whole country [of Ukraine]."
A Collective Effort
The initiative is a testament to the collective effort of the city of Freiburg, the SC Freiburg association, and its supporters. Höfflin, who has personally accompanied aid convoys to Lviv, highlighted the importance of giving Ukrainian artists a prominent stage during a high-profile Bundesliga match. She expressed her satisfaction with the club’s long-standing commitment to social causes and its ability to combine sports with meaningful community action. Linhof and Schuster both underscored the significance of using the platform of football to show support and solidarity, not only to the people of Lviv but to all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. This gesture is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of communities and the universal language of football.
