Marvin Stefaniak is well aware that the fans of SG Dynamo Dresden and FC Erzgebirge Aue are not on good terms. Now he has experienced this animosity firsthand.

Things are not going well for FC Erzgebirge Aue. The Violets are currently in the relegation zone in the 3rd division.

The club’s management has called a crisis meeting, which will also address the sporting leadership of sporting director Mathias Heidrich and head coach Jens Härtel.

Marvin Stefaniak and Co. have won only one of their last seven games. Midfield dynamo Stefaniak – 14 games, one goal, two assists – wanted to take a breather with his family at the Dresden Christmas market last Sunday.

There, he fell victim to some Dynamo Dresden hooligans. They insulted the 30-year-old Aue pro in front of his wife and children. The reason: Stefaniak was trained at Dynamo, played for Dresden and has been under contract with FC Erzgebirge Aue since summer 2022. The fans of SG Dynamo and FC Erzgebirge don’t like each other.

When my own daughter looks up at me and asks, “Daddy, why are you a traitor?” – it breaks my heart. In the end, it doesn’t matter who wears which crest on their chest – respect is always greater than any club colors. And that’s exactly what we should teach our children.

Marvin Stefaniak

According to Ms. Stefaniak, some hooligans attacked her husband and insulted him. Stefaniak’s wife Michaela wrote on Instagram: “Because some people think they have the right to insult Marvin – just because he’s a soccer player. In front of our children. With words that should never be said to anyone’s face. Especially not at a moment that is sacred to us. It’s not the sport that’s at the forefront here, but pure disrespect. People forget that behind a player there is a father, a husband, a human being with feelings.”

Stefaniak, who was allegedly insulted as a “traitor” by a young woman, also spoke up. He wrote to the troublemakers: “A little more peace in your hearts and minds – that would do many people good. May God help them rediscover the right values. When I’m out on my own and someone feels the need to insult me – go ahead. If that’s what you need, please do. I really don’t care. But when I’m out with my family, I expect respect and decency.”

The 207-time third division and 61-time second division professional continues: “When my own daughter looks up at me and asks, ‘Daddy, why are you a traitor?’—it breaks my heart. In the end, it doesn’t matter who wears which crest on their chest—respect is always greater than any club color. And that’s exactly what we should teach our children.”