DFB-Pokal Match Incident: Gästeblock in Essen Blocked

The DFB-Pokal match between third-division side Rot-Weiss Essen and Bundesliga club RB Leipzig is trending following an incident where the guest entrance at the Stadion an der Hafenstrasse was obstructed. As of October 27, 2026, the venue has been cleared and is ready for the arrival of visiting supporters.

Why it is trending now

In the early hours of Tuesday, unidentified individuals poured concrete into a wooden frame at the guest sector entrance, effectively welding two gates together. The action was accompanied by a message painted on the gate stating that "Bullen" (a common derogatory term for Red Bull-affiliated teams) must stay outside. Authorities believe the protest was orchestrated by fans of Rot-Weiss Essen.

Key facts

• According to reports from WAZ, the obstruction was discovered on Tuesday morning and prevented entry to the guest section.
• Staff from the city of Essen and Rot-Weiss Essen worked to remove the concrete, restoring access by roughly 10:00, as reported by BILD.
• RB Leipzig, which features players such as defender David Raum, is expected to bring approximately 550 supporters to the stadium, which has a total capacity of 20,000, according to BILD.
• The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Why this is trending in Switzerland

This incident is trending in Switzerland as part of a wider interest in the DFB-Pokal, a competition frequently followed by Swiss football fans who monitor the progress of German clubs and their players. The notes do not indicate any specific Swiss-related triggers for this event.

Background and context

Fan protests against RB Leipzig have occurred periodically in the DFB-Pokal. Past incidents include a bull's head thrown onto the pitch during a 2016 match in Dresden and a butyric acid attack during the 2022 final in Berlin. These actions are typically linked to opposition toward the club's corporate structure.

What happens next

The match between Rot-Weiss Essen and RB Leipzig is proceeding as planned at 18:00. Local authorities and stadium security are expected to maintain a presence to ensure orderly entry for the visiting fans following the morning's cleanup operations.