In a disappointing outing, Rot-Weiss Essen (RWE) faced a 0-3 defeat against SC Verl in a Drittliga (Third League) match held on March 28, 2025. The loss was marked not only by poor performance on the field but also by controversy off it, as RWE fans directed sexist remarks towards referee Fabienne Michel, prompting an official response from the club.
RWE's struggles were evident throughout the match, with the team failing to capitalize on opportunities and making numerous errors. The turning point came when referee Fabienne Michel made a critical mistake before the first goal, which forced RWE player Klaus Gjasula into a detour that likely contributed to the 0-1 scoreline. This incident set the tone for a match that saw RWE unable to recover from their early misfortunes.
However, the real controversy erupted from the stands. A section of RWE's traveling supporters was noted for their offensive chants directed at Michel, which have been widely condemned. Following the match, the DFB (German Football Association) initiated an investigation into the incident, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
In light of these events, RWE board member Alexander Rang issued a statement addressing the behavior of the fans. "On behalf of the board, all committees, and the employees of Rot-Weiss Essen, I would like to apologize to referee Fabienne Michel for the insulting and personally directed chants from a loud group of fans in the guest block during the Drittliga match against SC Verl on March 28," Rang stated. He emphasized that the language used does not reflect the values of the club.
Rang further clarified that the majority of RWE supporters do not identify with such behavior, stating, "I know very well that the clear majority of our fans, who support us at home games at the Hafenstraße Stadium or at away matches across Germany, do not identify with these contents and strongly reject them." This acknowledgment is crucial as it seeks to distance the club from the actions of a minority of fans.
As RWE prepares for their next home game against Hansa Rostock, Rang confirmed that the club is taking the incident seriously. "We are already working internally to address the incident. We will support the DFB in the investigation and will provide a statement to the DFB control committee in a timely manner," he said.
RWE has a longstanding commitment to combating discrimination, which is enshrined in the club's statutes. Rang noted, "Rot-Weiss Essen decisively opposes discriminatory or inhumane behaviors, particularly those targeting individuals based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability." This commitment is reflected in the club's initiatives, including the "Essener Chancen" project, which has been active in promoting anti-discrimination efforts.
In the past year, RWE successfully conducted 27 workshops on anti-discrimination at the Lernort an der Hafenstraße, engaging approximately 500 students. Rang stressed the importance of these efforts, stating, "It is our important concern to make it clear to all people, especially the younger generation, that there is no place for discrimination and sexism—neither at RWE, nor in other football stadiums, nor anywhere else in society."
This incident has sparked discussions about the responsibility of football clubs in addressing the behavior of their fans and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. RWE's proactive stance in this regard may serve as a model for other clubs facing similar challenges.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on RWE to see how they handle this situation and whether they can turn their focus back to the pitch after a tumultuous outing against SC Verl. With the upcoming match against Hansa Rostock, the club hopes to not only redeem themselves in terms of performance but also continue to foster a positive environment for all fans and participants in the sport.
