Banner Dispute Delays Bundesliga Match 50 Minutes

The Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum and Eintracht Frankfurt was delayed by 50 minutes due to banners hung by Frankfurt fans that obstructed emergency exits. Despite multiple announcements and appeals from the teams, the banners remained until Frankfurt's sporting director intervened, urging fans to comply for safety reasons. The standoff resulted in both teams returning to their locker rooms, with a warning issued that the game could not proceed unless the banners were removed. This incident marks the third time in two years that a match at Bochum has been delayed due to similar safety concerns related to fan behavior. The match was crucial for both teams, as Frankfurt sought to secure a Champions League spot while Bochum fought against relegation. Ultimately, the banners were taken down, allowing the game to commence after a second warm-up period for the players.