Goalkeeper from VfL Bochum provoked by his own fans

Dhe VfL Bochum has condemned the provocations of the supporters after the argument between fans and goalkeeper Manuel Riemann. According to a club statement, Riemann was “massively and intolerably insulted” during the game and especially after the final whistle in the 2-3 draw against VfB Stuttgart. Striker Philipp Hofmann reported insults and tried to mediate according to his own statements. “It’s no use getting abusive and insulting yourself,” said the attacker.

“The rapid intervention of the security forces prevented the situation from escalating, the provocateurs were isolated and identified. A detailed evaluation of the incident is already underway.” Riemann stood head-to-head with a fan on Sunday before being pulled away. “If individuals try to damage VfL, we will take resolute action and protect those who are supposed to stay up on the pitch, namely our players,” said Bochum.

The Ruhr area club appealed to the cohesion of the team and fans. “It’s in our own hands to stay up in the league. However, this only works if the Bochum community appears as such and sticks together,” says the statement. Due to the defeat, VfL slipped down to 15th place in the table. The Bochumers are three points ahead of the Stuttgarters, who occupy the relegation rank. The lead over Hertha BSC in the first direct relegation zone is four points after the 27th matchday.

“That has no place here”

Coach Thomas Letsch said after the game: “Violence has no place on the soccer field. We don’t need verbal violence either.” The coach also said: “I think anyway, if we think about society, that far too much is happening in that regard. That’s why we don’t need that in the stadium. That has no place here.”

For VfL, the defeat after seven points from three games was a setback in the relegation battle. “We missed a great opportunity to keep a competitor at bay,” said Letsch, but was combative. “We knew it was a fight to the end and we’re going to take it,” he said. “The relegation battle will go on for a while with the usual suspects.”

Attacking player Christopher Antwi-Adjei said: “I know the boys can do better. We’ll definitely fight back.” The 29-year-old added: “We’re still above the line.” He spoke of a decent starting position.

While the Bochum team was annoyed, the Stuttgart team were already looking ahead to the tasks ahead. On Saturday, VfB welcomes the top team from Borussia Dortmund. “It’s a sold-out house. It’s a game we can look forward to,” said Hoeneß. “It’s a chance to improve our situation and that’s how I want us to approach the game.” The coach added: “With the spirit of today, something is possible.”

When asked about the semi-final drawn in the DFB Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, Hoeneß said: “It’s a highlight for our team and for the club. It’s great for the fans that we’re playing at home.”