On the terraces: Wolfsburg fans criticise own club, smelly RB Leipzig protest in Heidenheim

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.

"Soulless plastic club" is an insult which is often, fairly or unfairly, directed at VfL Wolfsburg due to the club's exemption from German football's 50+1 ownership rule and inherent links to Volkswagen. On Saturday, however, the accusation came from the club's own supporters who, unhappy at the Wolves' drift into mediocrity and sensing a certain apathy on the part of their automobile giant owners, are demanding greater participation and involvement in the club. Meanwhile, antipathy towards RB Leipzig raised its head again, this time in the form of a smelly protest in Heidenheim.

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This is Matt Ford’s 14th “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.