Schumi fan club furious after TV show: “We were completely screwed”

The members of the Michael and Mick Schumacher fan club from Kerpen know only too well what it means to experience a close race and sometimes only cross the finish line as second place.

The fan club was founded in 2003 in Michael's hometown of Kerpen, and Reiner Ferling (72), one of Germany's most famous Schumi fans, has been its first chairman since 2012. The fan club currently consists of over 90 active members from a total of ten nations.

But now Ferling, who became known as “Mr. Top Hat,” is literally taking off his hat. He speaks of fraud, insults and has called in lawyers. The trigger is the TV format “Germany's best party cellar” on Kabel 1. The racing fans took part in the DIY competition and feel they have been duped.

The TV format is about building an outdoor party location, finding a suitable motto and throwing a successful party. Of course, for the PS fans, everything revolved around their love of sport. A command post was set up at the chairman's in Echzt near Düren. There was also a motorsport bar, lots of decorative details and, as the highlight, a beer tapping station.

“I have never seen anything like this,” said the jury

The group was supported by actress Janine Kunze (50) as team leader. The competitors were the Ruhrpott Cowboys, who, together with team leader Mark Kühler (60), created a western ranch in the allotment garden. “It was four lovely days with a cheerful Janine Kunze. “We all got on well and had a great week – until the results were announced,” Ferling told express.de.

The TV testers were delighted by the Formula 1 party, which even featured a live singer and a large buffet. “It's amazing, really amazing.” It's hard to top it. “I've never seen anything like it,” was the jury's comment. “There's so much attention to detail here.”

In the end, however, only nine points were awarded for the construction implementation and the party atmosphere, and ten for the motto fulfillment. The Cowboys secured the victory with 29:28.

Schumi fan after TV show: “It is obvious that we were cheated”

Ferling says that when the points were passed around, he noticed that the originally planned ten had become a nine. “It is obvious that we were cheated because the result was agreed upon,” the fan club boss makes serious accusations.

“We are really annoyed,” he complains. “The cowboys' hut was already set up beforehand.” There was no food, no non-alcoholic cocktail. Everything we did. I can only shake my head, because that ruins the format of the show.”

When “Mister Top Hat” first made the cheating allegations on social media, his tone towards team boss rival Kühler became noticeably harsher. “In Facebook comments, he called us 'idiots from Düren' and people who were infected with the 'idiot virus'.” “That's why I've now filed an online complaint for insult,” says Ferling.

Sender replies: “Cannot understand the allegations”

When asked, program sponsor Asbach wrote that he would not exert any editorial influence on the program. Nevertheless, the issue would be pursued in discussions with the broadcaster and the production team. Kabel 1 rejected the accusations.

“After consulting the production company, we cannot understand the allegations.” The party testers decide according to certain evaluation criteria. “The better team wins,” the broadcaster said.

Janine Kunze: “Tears were already shed on site”

Janine Kunze also heard about the big cheating row. “You're disappointed when you lose,” she told express.de. “I can only judge what I saw.” And the fan club guys really put their heart and soul into the project. It's obviously difficult when you lose. There were tears shed on site.”

The Cologne native is very sorry that the TV duel has now turned into a mudslinging match. “It hurts when you don't win.” But you should go through it with your head held high. I would have hoped that it wouldn't turn into trouble.” But Ferling is not going to let the issue go. “We have spoken to a lawyer. “He advises us to file a fraud complaint,” he said.