RWE board members Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer and Alexander Rang comment on the content of a fan flyer that was distributed on Hafenstraße on November 2.
Fan and Flyer Controversy on Hafenstraße: After Torben Müsel scored the 1-0 opening goal for Rot-Weiss Essen against 1. FC Schweinfurt, unusual boos could be heard—they were directed at the new in-stadium entertainment program.
The light show, which the club had introduced to boost the atmosphere, met with little enthusiasm in the Essen fan section.
Flyers from the ultra scene provided even more fodder for discussion. In the area around the Westkurve, leaflets containing the so-called “Seven Principles for W2” were distributed. Among familiar demands—such as unconditional support for 90 minutes or moderate alcohol consumption—one point stood out in particular: “No women in the front rows.” Forecasting reported.
On Monday, November 3, 2025, RWE board members Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer and Alexander Rang issued a statement regarding the content of the fan flyer that was distributed on November 2 at Hafenstraße.
The stadium on Hafenstraße is a place of togetherness, passion, and respect. The rules for attending matches are clearly outlined in the stadium regulations.
Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer and Alexander Rang
“Rot-Weiss Essen expressly and unequivocally distances itself from all content mentioned on the flyer that contradicts our club’s values. Racist, sexist, or other discriminatory attitudes have no place at Rot-Weiss Essen—neither in the stands nor anywhere else associated with our club. This stance is firmly anchored in our bylaws and is part of our daily identity,” reads the statement from Pfeifer and Rang.
The RWE board members are further quoted as follows: “The stadium on Hafenstraße is a place of togetherness, passion, and respect. The rules for attending matches are clearly set forth in the stadium regulations. Furthermore, no one has the authority to establish their own directives or access rules. We have clearly communicated our firm stance on this incident to the responsible representatives of the active fan community.”