Borussia Dortmund have handed out three-year bans to a group of fans responsible for unfurling a homophobic banner.

The banner was displayed by members of the 'Ultras' group during the 1-0 win over Werder Bremen on March 17.

Dortmund's chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke held discussion with the group, in which the club imposed the maximum punishment possible.

In a statement, Watzke said: "In this discussion we made it very clear that Borussia Dortmund stands for tolerance, openness and respectful behaviour towards everyone."

The club have also claimed that the Ultra group have publicly apologised for the incident.