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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Ciarn Fahey

From prison to social media star: How one man is taking on sports betting at German soccer games

Soccer Prison DFB Addiction Donald Trump Bundesliga Germany The Associated Press VDV
Sports-Gambling Soccer - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

A man whose gambling addiction landed him in prison has become a social media star in Germany with an unusual campaign against sports betting at soccer stadiums.

Thomas Melchior shows up at soccer games wearing the jersey of the home team’s fiercest rival — a move sure to rile the home fans — while holding a sign that says “lost a bet.”

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