All German footballers to wear ‘Refugees Welcome’ patches in Bundesliga 1st and 2nd divisions

BERLIN – All football players across the Bundesliga first and second divisions are to show their solidarity for people fleeing war and poverty by wearing patches for this weekend’s round.

All players will carry a patch on their left arm saying “We’re helping, (hashtag)refugeeswelcome” instead of an advertisement logo for logistics company Hermes. The initiative is also being supported by German tabloid Bild. Hermes gave up advertising in a similar manner last season to help German Cancer Aid.

Hertha Berlin general manager Michael Preetz says, “The refugees crisis concerns everyone, nobody can look away. We Bundesliga clubs can … no, we must use our reach, influence, and ability to help the many refugees who have already suffered so much. ‘We’re helping, (hashtag)refugeeswelcome’ is a brilliant initiative and one we’re happy to support.”