Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has defended the club’s controversial sponsorship deal with Germany’s biggest arms manufacturer despite strong criticism from fans.

Borussia Dortmund members have voted with a big majority against a controversial sponsorship deal with arms manufacturer and technology company Rheinmetall. Of 855 participating members, 556 backed a motion at the general assembly to end the partnership as soon as possible and at the latest when the three-year deal expires.