The Bundesliga match between Bochum and Stuttgart on Saturday was delayed by 40 minutes after fans of the visiting side unfurled flags that blocked fire exits. Referee Bastian Dankert refused to resume the match after halftime as the fans ignored stadium announcements and pleas from Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness. The fire department was even consulted to find a solution to allow the game to continue. Eventually, play resumed as stadium stewards conducted tests on the exits, removing some of the flags. However, the delay did not help Stuttgart on the pitch, as they went 1-0 down almost immediately after play restarted.

In addition, two other matches on Saturday, between Cologne and Dortmund, as well as Heidenheim and Wolfsburg, were also interrupted. Fans threw chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil onto the pitches in protest against the German FA's decision to sell off a share of TV rights for increased foreign investment. Despite the disruptions, the matches eventually resumed. Bochum's win over Stuttgart marked a significant upset, with the visitors losing both of their league fixtures since the start of the new year.