Berlin-based fans of Borussia Moenchengladbach have given 20 refugees in the German capital free tickets for Sunday's Bundesliga match against Hertha Berlin as part of an integration initiative. Members of two Gladbach fan clubs have donated tickets for the match while Borussia, third in the table, have donated club scarves and pennants to the refugees and their children.
A group of Gladbach fans will welcome the group in the away section of Berlin's Olympic Stadium before kick-off. Berlin has a large number of refugees and the Gladbach supporters want to encourage future contact with them and their children as a positive example of integration.
"We, as the Berlin-based fan clubs, want to wish the refugees continued success in finding a new home in Germany," said the group in a statement. "This is not about entering into the political debate about the reception of refugees in the European Union, but about welcoming those who already live in Germany. "A positive football culture, as among the Borussia Moenchengladbach fans, is an example of a successful co-operation the Berlin fan clubs want to share with refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Africa."