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13.03.2022Bayer 04

Solidarity for Ukraine on derby day

The Werkself will play in a cream-white special shirt for the next game against FC Köln on Sunday 13 March (kick-off: 15.30 CET). The limited edition shirt bearing the Leverkusen coat of arms was sold out within a few hours of going on sale on Tuesday. A large part of the proceeds will go to local support for Ukraine in Leverkusen. The joint derby shirt campaign of Bayer 04, Barmenia and JAKO is one of many events on the derby matchday where the Werkself are taking a clear stand against war and for peace.
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The corner flags for the next matchday will also show the coat of arms of the city of Leverkusen and the Werkself captain Lukas Hradecky will wear a Leverkusen captain's armband.

hundreds of refugees already in Leverkusen

For each special shirt sold – 1,930 (in reference to the year city of Leverkusen was founded) were available – €40 goes to local support for Ukraine. In cooperation with the city of Leverkusen, the community foundation will allocate funds to regional organisations.

Hundreds of women, children and teenagers from Ukraine have already arrived in Leverkusen and the city is currently preparing for the arrival of more refugees. The primary aim is to provide those people with accommodation, clothing, food and daily requirements but also to ensure integration in local kindergarten and schools.

sea of flags for Ukraine

In addition to the usual big Bayer 04 flags, those of the opponents (in this case FC Köln) and the DFL logo, the Ukraine flag will be raised under the roof of the East Stand. When the teams are announced ahead of kick-off, two flags in the colours of Ukraine and the colours of the city of Leverkusen will be waved behind the two teams. 150 flags will also be given to fans at the Fankiste container.

BayArena lit up in Blue and yellow

And that's not all: After the final whistle at the derby, the whole of the BayArena will be lit up in the colours of Ukraine with the Werkself home ground in Blue and Yellow.

The away fans from Cologne are also joining the campaign: The supporters of our neighbours from the Rhine will bring a peace banner for the top tier of the away section.

Fan groups collect donations

Solidarity is also evident amongst fan groups and donations are being accepted to take to Ukraine. The official collection point is the fan project house on Lichstraße 64, 51373 Leverkusen.

In addition, shirts and jackets from the 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich with the signatures of the Bayer 04 players Jonathan Tah and Florian Wirtz are being auctioned. Proceeds will go to the donation fund at the Leverkusen community foundation.

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