© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Dutch Fans Go Pantsless Over Beer Logos

Published June 19, 2006 at 4:00 PM EDT
First, the bikes, then the pants. The Dutch have a famous cheer that dates back to World War II: "Give Us Back Our Bicycles." The chant stems from the German occupation of Holland.
Martin Bureau
/
AFP/Getty Images
First, the bikes, then the pants. The Dutch have a famous cheer that dates back to World War II: "Give Us Back Our Bicycles." The chant stems from the German occupation of Holland.

Some 1,000 Dutch soccer fans were presented with an odd conundrum when they tried to watch their national team's game in Stuttgart, Germany. They were ordered to give up their pants -- or they would not be allowed into the viewing area.

At issue: Many of the spectators were wearing the trademark orange pants of the Bavaria Beer company. But an exclusive World Cup sponsor is Budweiser. In the end, most of the fans attended the game in their underwear.

Robert Siegel talks with Peer Swinkels, chairman of the Bavaria Beer company in Lieshout, Holland.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Local journalism matters—and it’s at risk.


WKAR brings you trusted news, without barriers—no paywalls, no corporate spin. But now, federal funding that helps make it all possible is on the chopping block. Your support is more important than ever. Stand up for independent journalism in mid-Michigan—make your gift today.
DONATE