RWE executives Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer and Alexander Rang comment on the content of a fan flyer distributed on Hafenstraße on November 2.
Fan and flyer controversy on Hafenstraße: After Torben Müsel scored the 1-0 lead for Rot-Weiss Essen against 1. FC Schweinfurt, unusual whistles could be heard – they were directed at the new entertainment program in the stadium.
The light show, which the club had introduced to boost the atmosphere, met with little enthusiasm in the Essen fan block.
Flyers from the ultra scene provided even more talking points. Leaflets with the so-called “seven principles for W2” were distributed in the Westkurve area. Among well-known demands – such as unconditional support for 90 minutes or moderate alcohol consumption – one point in particular stood out: “No women in the front rows.” Forecasting reported.
On Monday, November 3, 2025, RWE board members Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer and Alexander Rang commented on the content of the fan flyer that was distributed on Hafenstraße on November 2.
The stadium on Hafenstraße is a place of togetherness, passion, and respect. The rules for visiting the stadium are clearly laid out in the stadium regulations. Marc-Nicolai Pfeifer and Alexander Rang
“Rot-Weiss Essen expressly and unequivocally distances itself from all content mentioned in the flyer that contradicts the values of our club. Racist, sexist, or other discriminatory attitudes have no place at Rot-Weiss Essen—neither in the stands nor anywhere else in our club. This attitude is firmly anchored in our statutes and is part of our daily self-image,” according to the statement by Pfeifer and Rang. The RWE board members are further quoted as saying: “The stadium on Hafenstraße is a place of togetherness, passion, and respect. The rules for visiting the stadium are clearly laid out in the stadium regulations. Beyond that, no one has the authority to issue their own instructions or access rules. We have clearly communicated our position on this incident to the responsible representatives of the active fan scene.”