Active fans of VfB Stuttgart staged a demonstration in Leipzig to highlight issues surrounding RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga. The event commenced around 11:45 AM at the Leipzig main train station, drawing several hundred attendees from the Stuttgart fan scene who were advocating for the preservation and proper implementation of the 50+1 rule. According to the Ultras, and supported by others, the existence of “Red Bull Leipzig” in the Bundesliga is a result of the inadequate enforcement of regulations limiting investor influence on clubs.
What makes this protest noteworthy is the different approach taken by Stuttgart fans compared to other groups, who often choose to boycott matches against Leipzig. Instead, Stuttgart opted for a formal demonstration, having notified authorities weeks in advance. A spokesperson for the group highlighted during the gathering that it was unfortunate to face Red Bull rather than traditional competitors, emphasizing the notion that “they play with unfair means, approved by associations that have turned a blind eye to the 50+1 rule for years.”
They condemned the exceptions to the 50+1 rule, labeling them a “scandal” that creates significant inequality in German football. The protest aimed to make it clear that the match day would never be normal against such a perceived unfair opponent. The participants carried a large banner to demonstrate their cause visually. The demonstration proceeded peacefully, accompanied by police presence, and concluded at the Leipzig stadium without major incidents.
This protest reflects a growing discontent among fans about the evolving landscape of football in Germany and the impact of corporate influence. It illustrates the passionate commitment of fans to preserve the integrity of the sport they love, and their willingness to take action against perceived injustices. Such involvement is essential in advocating for changes that align with the traditional values of football, providing hope for fans who continue to fight for a more equitable framework within the sport.