```markdown Fuming Fans Unleash Pyrotechnics and Coins in Protest against the DFL
A barrage of demonstrations swept across Bundesliga and second division matches last weekend, as football supporters expressed their discontent against the German Football League (DFL). Rockets in Paderborn, imitation coins in Mönchengladbach, and banners at Schalke – Friday's heated fixtures marked the beginning of a wave of fan protests against the DFL.
In the second-division clash between SC Paderborn and Hansa Rostock, both sets of supporters ignited pyrotechnics from the 13th minute, interrupting the game twice. At Schalke's encounter with SpVgg Greuther Fürth, away fans partook in a boycott, displaying posters demanding "No to investors in the DFL!"
The surge of discontent stems from a general meeting on Monday, where the DFL received a mandate from professional clubs to negotiate with a strategic marketing partner. A financial investor is slated to pay up to one billion euros for a portion of the TV revenues, with a 20-year contract prioritized.
Many soccer enthusiasts are leading a boycott, eager to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the DFL's decision. In a statement published Friday, several fan groups declared that they would not accept the "sell-out of German soccer." They vowed to remain silent for 12 minutes to make it clear that the fans, dubbed the 12th man, will not be passive bystanders in the negotiation process with the DFL and its questionable investors.
Sebastian Hoeneß, coach of VfB Stuttgart, acknowledged both sides' validity in an interview with the press. He cautioned the importance of not losing touch with international soccer but emphasized the need to maintain tight-knit bonds with the fans, who play a crucial role in the game.
Xabi Alonso, head coach of league leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen, echoed Hoeneß's sentiments. He praised historical traditions while pushing for the development of soccer in a competitive global landscape. The Werkself will face Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, adding another layer to the weekend's slate of hotly contested matches.
Fan groups have pledged to come together to oppose this investment project, urging the DFL's management to reconsider the course of action. The fans argue that their collective influence allows them to shape the future of the Bundesliga product, ensuring that it remains grounded in the core values of football.
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Note: The enrichment data has been integrated into the revised version of the article, ensuring that it contributes to a deeper understanding of the protests without overshadowing the original content.
