More than 35,000 people attended the "Zammreißen!" (Pull together!) rally on Munich's Odeonsplatz - and "Red against Racism", the FC Bayern initiative, was there along with representatives from the cultural and music scene: The Spider Murphy Gang played on stage in "Red against Racism" shirts, and the Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter also followed the event in a matching hoodie. FC Bayern Basketball world champion Isaac Bonga made a podium speech right at the beginning - and was rewarded with extensive applause from the audience, which included FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer, honorary president Uli Hoeneß, executive vice chairman Michael Diederich, basketball managing director Marko Pesic, goalkeeper Mala Grohs and Francisco de Sá Fardilha (FC Bayern Women technical director).
"Everyone has a voice," called out Isaac Bonga to the crowd. He himself had been ostracised time and again in the past, but he knows what can be achieved as a community "if you stick together". That's why he thanked everyone for turning up in such large numbers: "Please give yourselves a big round of applause," he said, "it's your voice that counts!" FC Bayern has been campaigning in an exemplary way for years with "Red against Racism", Bonga explained, adding ,"I would like to do my part." Herbert Hainer praised the world champion's speech: "FC Bayern can reach a lot of people. We founded 'Red against Racism' more than three years ago to campaign for diversity. We need a decent democratic society in which no one is excluded."
As FC Bayern, you have to "take a stand", said Uli Hoeneß, "even if it might not suit some people. But if you have a conviction, you have to stand up for it - that's why we're here today. FC Bayern has a social responsibility." Michael Diederich explained that they "didn't hesitate for a millisecond" when the request came asking whether FC Bayern wanted to get involved: "If there's something you should stand up for, it's for democracy and against right-wing extremism. Look at our dressing room: there are players from the most diverse nations sitting there and forming teams - that's what FC Bayern stands for with 'Red against Racism': for diversity and against exclusion."
Mala Grohs said she was delighted when she heard that FC Bayern was taking part in the rally. "I think it's extremely important to take a stand, both as a club and personally, so it was obvious to me that I would want to be part of it," said the FCB Women goalkeeper: "FC Bayern represents Munich all over the world, and we are very diversely represented in all our teams. That's why we're here today." Dieter Reiter: "The initiative 'Red against Racism' wasn't just created for this rally; it's lived. I'm proud of my FC Bayern."
The rally was organised by civic organisations such as "Bellevue di Monaco", "Lichterkette", "Offen bleiben" and "München ist bunt!". Among others, LaBrassBanda, Willy Astor and the cabaret artist Michael Mittermeier actively took part alongside the Spider Murphy Gang. Charlotte Knobloch, president of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, made it clear: "We will not allow right-wing extremism to corrode our democracy - not again!" It is necessary to "firmly distance ourselves from any form of racism, anti-Semitism, sexism and populism", said Till Hofmann of "Bellevue di Monaco" and added: "Racism in sport is a well-known problem that flares up time and again, for example when black players are attacked and abused. The goal is for us to remember our common values. The biggest club in this country has a huge impact on our civil society. That's why we're very grateful for the way FC Bayern commits itself."
As part of the "Red against Racism" campaign, FC Bayern regularly sends out substantial and visible signals for diversity and tolerance. Among other things, the German record champions' players have been wearing the initiative's slogan on their sleeves since the start of the season, and just recently at SUPERBLOOM in the Olympic Park, the club was one of the organisations that addressed the festival visitors in a socio-political context. On the one hand, FC Bayern initiated dialogue opportunities with the deaf fan club "Red Deaf" for a better coexistence, and top international artists like Jason Derulo showed up wearing the home jersey that had been specially emblazoned with "Red against Racism".
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