The investigation into the new fence flag scandal at VfL Bochum continues and is leading to renewed accusations. In an interview, VfL managing director Ilja Kaenzig contradicted the statements made by VfB Stuttgart CEO Alexander Wehrle. He said in the Sport1 “double pass” that the VfB fans’ banners had been put up together with the security service before the game in Bochum.
“That’s wrong. The Stuttgart supporters may have exploited a loophole in the pre-game phase. They may have deceived us, that’s what led to this situation,” Kaenzig told the Funke media group. Accordingly, Wehrle may have been misinformed.
Game was about to be canceled
When Stuttgart lost 1-0, VfB fans refused to remove a fence flag that was blocking an escape route. “As those responsible, we wanted to have the game canceled at 5 p.m.,” said Bochum’s organizational manager Knut Keymer.
It was only at the initiative of referee Bastian Dankert that the game was continued around an hour after the half-time whistle, after the eyelets on the banner had been loosened and the escape gates could have been opened again in an emergency.
The incident is now being investigated by the German Football Association. There was already a similar case at the end of September in the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. “We will have to find solutions so that we don’t even get into discussions before the game,” said Kaenzig.
No general ban
However, there should not be a general ban on fence flags in the guest area of the Bochum stadium. “It is clear that we respect and promote fan culture. A lively fan culture also includes banners. Therefore, a general ban is most likely not the solution,” said Kaenzig.
Organization manager Keymer announced that he would inform those responsible at FCA of the conditions for the next VfL home game against Augsburg on February 3rd by the end of this week. This was also the case before the game against Stuttgart. “The rules of the game are clear and we expect the fans to adhere to them. With two exceptions, that has worked this season,” said Keymer.