Overview

• RWE issued a public apology for long queues at the sold-out DFB-Pokal tie against Borussia Dortmund, citing tightened authority-mandated security checks and a still-new contractor.
• Club officials said all ticket-holders reached their seats before kickoff and asked supporters to arrive earlier for fixtures with elevated security requirements.
• Local reporting described additional problems at the match, including steward shortages and cup theft, which the club has not formally confirmed.
• Coach Uwe Koschinat said new arrivals Marvin Obuz and Luca Bazzoli will not go straight into the starting XI despite vocal calls from supporters.
• Kelsey Owusu deactivated his Instagram after racist abuse following a hard foul on BVB’s Yan Couto, with RWE condemning the attacks and noting the player’s personal apology to his opponent.