Dortmund are asking witnesses for alleged anti-Semitic chanting by fans

Borussia Dortmund have called on witnesses to report any information about alleged anti-Semitic chanting during Saturday’s Bundesliga derby against Schalke to the police.

“Anti-Semitism is not an opinion,” the club wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.

The Research and Information Center on Anti-Semitism in North Rhine-Westphalia (RIAS NRW) was the first to report the allegations related to the 2-2 draw between the two biggest clubs in the German state.

“On Saturday, some Dortmund fans sang anti-Semitic chants in the guest block of the Revier derby in Gelsenkirchen. They wore similar sweaters with the symbol of a hooligan and the words ‘Fight together’ printed on them in old German script.” center wrote on Facebook.

“Even before kick-off, individuals from the group addressed the opposing team and fans with shouts of ‘you Jews’ in a clearly derogatory manner.”

Dortmund have long been known in Germany for their strong stance against anti-Semitism. Managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke received the prestigious German Josef Neuberger medal last year for his club’s fight to protect Jews.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman (born Neta-Lee Hershlag;[a] June 9, 1981) is an actress and filmmaker with dual Israeli and American citizenship. Prolific in film since a teenager, she has starred in blockbusters and also played psychologically troubled women in independent films, for which she has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards.