Supporters of German football team FC Koln have started the new season with prayer at the city’s cathedral.
The annual eccumenical service was led by Monsignore Robert Kleine, Catholic city dean of Cologne, and Dr. Bernhard Seiger, city superintendent of the Evangelical Church Association.
Thousands gathered, dressed in the club’s red and white colours, to pray and wish the team well.
Fans ended the service with their rousing anthem, We stand by you, FC Koln, while waving their scarves in the air.
The team has a strong connection with the cathedral, its crest featuring the iconic twin spires.
Last season, the club unveiled a shirt inspired by its gothic architecture to mark the cathedral’s 777th anniversary and the club’s 77th season. Proceeds were donated to the restoration of the cathedral.
After the Devotion for All Football Fans service, FC Koln opened their league season with a 3-2 win against Hoffenheim on Saturday.