This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
As the Bundesliga prepares to resume behind closed doors, German football fans are finding creative ways to support their clubs.
With the German Football League (DFL) set to meet on Thursday to outline plans for the country's top flight to resume from May 9, fans are coming up with novel ways to cheer on their teams without setting foot on the terraces.
One such idea is the 'ghost game' concept, where games will be held in near-empty stadiums without fans. To prepare for a potential restart, the Bundesliga's 18 clubs have been back in training for three weeks.
For 19 euros ($21), Borussia Moenchengladbach supporters can have a life-sized cardboard figure of themselves, many decked in team colours, propped up on the terraces. The initiative, led by Fanprojekt Moenchengladbach (FPMG), has received over 6,500 orders.
"We have over 6,500 orders. It's overwhelming, we never expected this", said Thomas Ludwig, chairman of FPMG.
Other clubs, such as Cologne, are planning to decorate their stadiums with banners and flags donated by fans. "There are various ideas on how we could decorate the stadium for home ghost games," said Cologne's CEO Alexander Wehrle.
However, the fear among the clubs, politicians, and the police union is that during 'ghost games' fans will gather outside stadiums to support their team despite the current ban on assemblies.
Current league leaders Bayern Munich have said they would take measures to stop fans congregating outside their Allianz Arena during matches.
One solution could be an idea by Danish club FC Midtjylland, who want to turn their stadium's car park into a drive-through cinema showing matches.
