Tensions escalated dramatically in Essen ahead of the DFB-Pokal second-round fixture between third-division side Rot-Weiss Essen and Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig. In the early hours of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, unknown individuals physically blocked the guest sector entrance at the Stadion an der Hafenstraße by pouring concrete into the wooden framing connecting the two entry gates. This act rendered the doors inoperable, effectively barring RB Leipzig supporters from accessing their designated seating area. The vandalism was accompanied by a provocative slogan painted above the sealed gate reading “Bullen müssen heute draußen bleiben” (Bulls must stay out today), highlighting the deep-seated hostility some fans hold toward the Leipzig club.
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The incident prompted an immediate and intensive response from stadium operators and RWE staff, who arrived on Tuesday morning to dismantle the obstruction. Using hammers and manual labor, crews worked to break up the hardened concrete and restore access to the guest block. Rot-Weiss Essen press spokesperson Henrik Lerch characterized the event as a “short-lived nuisance,” confirming that the situation was fully resolved within two hours. The rapid clearance ensured that the security protocols for the match could proceed as scheduled, with the game set to kick off at 18:00 local time. While the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown, the swift removal of the barrier prevented any significant disruption to the pre-match preparations or the arrival of away supporters.
This incident underscores the volatile atmosphere surrounding RB Leipzig’s matches, particularly in regions with strong local rivalries or anti-corporate football sentiments. Despite the physical obstruction, the DFB-Pokal commitment remains unchanged, with both clubs preparing for a high-stakes encounter between a lower-league underdog and a top-flight powerhouse. Security authorities have not yet announced whether additional measures will be implemented for future fixtures, but the successful removal of the concrete barrier demonstrates the stadium’s capacity to handle such disruptions efficiently. The focus now shifts to the pitch, where Rot-Weiss Essen aims to leverage home advantage against the Bundesliga side in a critical cup tie.
Source: sportschau.de
