League: Bundesliga Sport: Soccer Country: Germany Category: Scores & Results

Referee halts 2. Bundesliga opening match due to protest banner

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 6:59 PM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Referee halts 2. Bundesliga opening match due to protest banner

Summary

The 2026/27 season of the 2. Bundesliga commenced at Bochum's Ruhrstadion, but after just over 15 minutes, the referee Wolfgang Haslberger stopped the match. A protest banner from Hertha fans was obstructing an emergency exit, prompting the suspension. After a five-minute delay and discussions, the banner was taken down, and play resumed.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•The match started but was halted shortly after kickoff.
•A Hertha fan banner blocked an emergency exit at the stadium.
•After brief discussions, the banner was removed and the game resumed.
•No teams have scored during the halted period.

Latest Updates

6:59 PMYahoo Sports — 🚨 Uproar in the 2. Bundesliga: opening match halted for minutes

What they're saying

"
Just a few minutes ago, the ball started rolling in the 2. Bundesliga for the first time in the 2026/27 season. But it didn’t last long.After a little more than 15 minutes, referee Wolfgang Haslberg...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Bundesliga Soccer