Borussia Dortmund have said they will address the controversy surrounding their new away kit, according to 90min, after a significant backlash from supporters followed its first appearance in a competitive fixture.
The strip was worn for the first time during a win over Heidenheim, 90min reports, and the reaction from the club's fanbase was sufficiently pointed that Dortmund felt compelled to respond publicly. The club stopped short of announcing any immediate changes but indicated that the criticism would not go unanswered.
Kit controversies are not uncommon in modern football, where commercial partnerships between clubs and manufacturers increasingly pull designs toward novelty and away from tradition. For a club as visually distinctive as Dortmund — whose home colours are among the most recognisable in European football — any away strip that feels at odds with that identity tends to attract scrutiny. The strength of the reaction in this instance suggests the new design has tested supporter tolerance more than most.
Dortmund have a history of vocal fan engagement, and the club's supporters have shown before that they are willing to organise and apply pressure when they feel decisions do not reflect the values of the institution. Whether that pressure translates into a tangible outcome — a redesign, a formal dialogue with supporter groups, or simply an acknowledgement — remains to be seen.
For now, the club's commitment to address the matter is the extent of what has been confirmed. The away kit remains in use, and the win over Heidenheim at least offered some sporting cover for an otherwise uncomfortable week. How Dortmund choose to follow up their initial response will determine whether this episode fades quickly or continues to build.