On the terraces: Stuttgart fans issue ultimatum

In a weekly Newsletter, Matt Ford keeps an eye on the action off the pitch in the Bundesliga and German football, explaining what’s going on from fan protests to finances.

Around 15,000 VfB Stuttgart supporters made the short trip to Sinsheim on Saturday evening for the Bundesliga Topspiel against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. For once, the arena on the A6 Autobahn was sold out, with around 15,000 home fans also contributing to an unusually febrile atmosphere – including what must be the largest deployment of pyrotechnics in Hoffenheim's history (see below) in a fixture they at least consider a derby. Meanwhile in the away end, despite celebrating yet another impressive victory for their team, Stuttgart fans issued an ultimatum to their club after more details emerged regarding potential conditions attached to Porsche's recent investment and the events which led to it.

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This is Matt Ford’s tenth “On the terraces” newsletter. The first newsletter for Gegenpressing was made available for all subscribers so readers can get a good idea of what he’ll be covering in German football this year. If you like what you see, please consider taking out a paid subscription.