Schalke went down 1-0 to Bielefeld, sealing relegation from the Germany top flight for the fourth time in their history.
It has been a tumultuous campaign for Schalke at the Veltens Arena which has seen the club go through five managerial alterations and win just two games in the Bundesliga.
With four games of the season still remaining, Schalke can boast of only 13 points in the division and will have to make plans to secure a swift return to the upper echelons of German football next season.
"It's a very bitter hour for all Schalke players – for all fans and for all employees who give everything for the club every day," head coach Grammozis told the club's official website.
"That's why we're brutally disappointed that there is now the certainty that we have to make it to the second division.
"This was not sealed today, but by the sum of all games this season. For us, the remaining games are about saying goodbye in a sensible way.
"We're not going to give up a game, we will prepare ourselves as well as possible for these tasks and once again give everything to represent the club worthily in these final games."
Even opposition manager Frank Kramer spared a thought at the sight of one of Germany’s traditional sides going down a division.
"The heart of every football fan bleeds when such a large traditional club with as many members as Schalke is relegated," the Bielefeld boss said.
"The fact that such a club has to compete in the second division makes every football fan's eyes watery."
