Fans of German second division club Union Berlin are planning a 15-minute silence at the start of their home game against RB Leipzig tomorrow to protest against the big-spending club backed by energy drink maker Red Bull.

RB Leipzig is controlled by the Austrian energy drink company and has been a big spender for several seasons as they climbed up the divisions with the Bundesliga now firmly in their sights.

They have moved up from the fifth tier in 2009 to the second tier last year, winning promotion three times in five seasons.

They also made more headlines this season after signing huge German talent and youth international, 20-year-old Davie Selke from Werder Bremen, luring him to the second division with a multi-million contract.

Under German football rules they cannot be called Red Bull Leipzig and are officially known as RasenBallsport Leipzig.

“Leipzig has again spent vast amounts of money on new players,” Union fan group ‘Scene Koepenick’ said in an open letter.

“The financial possibilities seem endless. But we will fight for the preservation of football culture for as long as possible.

“Pure marketing instruments like RasenBallsport will never be part of that culture and that is why we call on a 15-minute silence on Friday.”