This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
On a day when the Bundesliga title race took a hit, Borussia Moenchengladbach's creative fans proved that even in silence, they can still make their presence felt. The team lost 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, but the real story was the 13,000 cardboard cut-outs of watching home fans that filled the stands at Borussia Park.
"It looks great, doesn’t make any noise, but creates a certain atmosphere," said Gladbach right-back Stefan Lainer, who played in front of the silent figures. The initiative, which saw season ticket holders have their cardboard lookalike allocated to their regular spot, was a huge success, with 20,000 orders received despite only 13,000 figures being available.
Visitors Leverkusen also got in on the act, with a handful of away supporters paying 19 euros ($20.72) to have their cut-outs appear in the away end. However, the cut-outs couldn’t inspire the hosts, who were defeated by Bayer Leverkusen's rising star Kai Havertz, 20, who netted an early goal and converted a second-half penalty.
Still life: Cardboard cut-outs of fans at Borussia Moenchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (POOL/AFP / Ina FASSBENDER)
