'No reason to stop': German fans vow to continue investor protests

The throwing of the objects has resulted in long interruptions, with some games coming close to being postponed entirely.

The protests are in response to a plan from the DFL, the association of German clubs which organises the Bundesliga, to sell off an eight percent share of future TV rights in exchange for capital injection to help market and promote the league internationally.

In December, a proposal to "secure long-term and sustainable success" was passed by a two-thirds majority of German clubs. Fan groups have called for another ballot, arguing the deal - passed less than a year after a similar proposal was rejected - lacked transparency and was undemocratic.

Despite excellent stadium attendances and a strong domestic broadcasting contract, international interest in the Bundesliga lags behind that of England's Premier League or Spain's La Liga. International revenue has become a crucial source of financing in England, for example.

"The aim is for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 to continue to be competitive in sporting and commercial terms," the DFL said.

German football teams must comply with the '50+1' rule, which ensures member control and restricts the influence of external investors. The rule is incredibly popular among German fans, many of whom value it more than success on the field.

Journalist Matt Ford told 'AFP' "the general attitude of German football fans is that they're suspicious of over-commercialisation."

"That has to do with the social and cultural history of German football. German football clubs have always been member-owned, whereas English football clubs have been privately owned since the 19th century."

Kristina Schroeder from fan organisation 'Unsere Kurve' said: "German football's member-based clubs