The Bundesliga game between VfL Bochum and VfB Stuttgart on Saturday (January 20, 2024) started again almost an hour late at 5:20 p.m. with the score 0-0 at halftime. The VfL won the game 1-0.
VfB fans had hung two large banners on the fence of the Stuttgart block, which, according to the regulatory authorities, blocked escape and rescue routes. Referee Bastian Dankert initially did not whistle for the second half of the game.
Stuttgart officials tried to influence the VfB fans at the fence. They initially hung a protest banner against the DFL’s investor decision.
Fire brigade and public order office involved
However, according to media reports, the visiting fans refused to remove the “Ultras Cannstatter Wasen” banner hanging underneath, which, according to the authorities, was blocking an escape gate towards the lawn.
Together with the fire department and the public order office, a way out was looked for until the banner was finally hung so that the gate could be opened. Dankert then whistled the game again.
Undav defends Stuttgart fans
VfB striker Deniz Undav does not see the Stuttgart fans as being to blame for the long interruption. “I don’t understand why people are making such a problem out of it. Nobody understood it either”says Undav: “Of course everyone was a little angry. You could open the door, I was there myself. No blame to the fans.” Undav continues: “It’s obviously a shame that we had to wait so long outside in the cold.”
Sports show, January 20, 2024 6:00 p.m
Bochum’s sports director Marc Lettau said the Stuttgart fans were informed about the problems. “It is the case that we point out in writing every time that the fire department has corresponding expectations when it comes to hanging banners.”said the 37-year-old. “In the end you have to stick to it. That’s obviously annoying.”
Sports show, January 20, 2024 6:00 p.m
Similar incident already in Mönchengladbach
According to “Revier-Sport” There was a similar problem at the end of September when Borussia Mönchengladbach visited Bochum. At that time, the Gladbachers simply took down their fence flags after ten minutes of discussion.
