Borussia Dortmund will face Bayer Leverkusen in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday evening. The security rules are causing some confusion in the run-up to the match.

The last time Borussia Dortmund visited Bayer Leverkusen, the match was a rollercoaster of emotions. On a hot May day, the BVB fans in the visitors’ section cheered their team on to a 4-2 away victory; the race to secure a Champions League spot was nearing a successful conclusion. And the Leverkusen fans? While there was nothing left at stake for them in terms of the game, they gave their successful coach, Xabi Alonso, a fitting send-off. It was the Spaniard’s final home game before he moved to Real Madrid.

This Saturday evening (6:30 p.m./Sky) is also set to be a thrilling clash between Bayern’s closest rivals. It’s a pivotal match, especially for Dortmund, which has been struggling in the league recently. Ahead of the match on the A1 highway, however, the focus is also on the fans—especially the black-and-yellow supporters from the Ruhr region. That’s because the heightened security measures for the Leverkusen game are causing some frustration.

Leverkusen vs. BVB: Home Club Enforces Its Rights as Host

Compared to the game in May, only fence banners are permitted in the visitors’ section this time. Large and small waving banners, double-handled banners, and flagpoles, on the other hand, are prohibited. Also on the list of prohibited items at the BayArena: food and drinks brought from home, as well as backpacks and larger bags. This is stated in the official information sheet that BVB has compiled for its fans. Bayer Leverkusen enforces its house rules at the stadium.

The security situation surrounding soccer matches is currently a hot-button issue in the public eye. The competition among interior ministers plans to further tighten security measures for Bundesliga matches. Fan groups, on the other hand, point to police statistics showing that attending games is safer than ever. As a result, protests took place in both the first and second divisions on the most recent Bundesliga matchday. Fans also raised the issue at BVB’s general meeting on Sunday. The new president, Hans-Joachim Watzke, expressed his support for the fans.