#PurpleLightUp is organised in German-speaking countries by myAbility and supported by Charta der Vielfalt e.V.. The day is intended to serve as an occasion to work together for the self-determination and participation of people with disabilities and to advocate for their concerns and needs, especially in the world of work.
Bayer 04 has also been committed to inclusion and accessibility for many years and, as a signatory of the Diversity Charter, sees these areas as pillars of social coexistence as well as an important building block of social and corporate sustainability for the club.
Specifically, this includes a barrier-free stadium experience through a service for wheelchair users, the deaf/hard of hearing and the blind/visually impaired. Through the Einfach Fußball campaign, an inclusive football group has been representing Bayer 04's colours on the national and international stage for years. This takes place within the framework of the Special Champions League, a tournament of inclusion teams organised by the EFDN throughout Europe. Through the school project Bayer 04 macht Schule, the club also puts topics such as participation, diversity and inclusion into practice.
More information about the #PurpleLightUp Day 2022 can be found HERE.
A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
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The Bayer 04 U19s have extended their winning run with a fifth consecutive victory on Matchday 5 of the DFB Youth League’s preliminary round. Coach Patrick Greveraars’ side secured a 3–2 (2–1) win in their match against second-placed FC Viktoria Köln, with Burak Kir and Nebe Domnic scoring for the hosts in the first half before captain Ben Hawighorst found the net after the break.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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