Violent nude checks on the border with Serbia? VfB fans begin their return journey
4:54 p.m.: VfB Stuttgart will have to do without some of its expected 2,400 fans in the Champions League away game against Red Star Belgrade today (6.45 p.m./DAZN). When asked by dpa, the Bundesliga soccer team confirmed that fan groups had returned to Stuttgart after controls at the border with Serbia. As “Bild” reports, there are said to have been “unannounced nude checks at the border, some of which were carried out with violence”.
Several buses with VfB fans made their way to Belgrade. According to consistent media reports, there were disproportionately strict controls by the Serbian police at the border with Serbia. The organized fan scene is said to have decided not to visit the stadium.
VfB Stuttgart is aiming for its second win of the current Champions League season at Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday (6.45 p.m./DAZN). With three points from the Serbian champions, the Bundesliga club would take an important step towards the knockout round. VfB is currently behind the first 24 places in the table, which entitle them to advance at the end of the league phase.
Coach Sebastian Hoeneß is hoping for another great day from his defense chief Jeff Chabot. The coach said before the game against the Serbian football champions that he hoped that the 26-year-old could build on his previous good performances in the Champions League. Chabot was particularly impressive in the 1-0 win at Juventus Turin in mid-October and star striker Dusan Vlahovic was more or less completely deregistered.
VfB defense chief Chabot shines against Juventus Turin – and against Red Star?
Chabot, who came from Bundesliga relegated 1. FC Köln in the summer, is “a defender you don’t like playing against,” said Hoeneß. The 1.95 meter man is a guard. “It gets dark when you stand next to him.” His “toughness, presence and strength in duels” would distinguish the defensive man. With his left foot he is also important for building up the game.
VfB has four points before the 5th Champions League matchday and can really use a win in the race for the knockout phase. They got a tailwind with a 2-0 win against VfL Bochum. Belgrade has not yet picked up a point in the current competition, but the atmosphere in the Rajko Mitic Stadium is likely to be extremely heated. VfB gave its fans a whole range of safety tips.
Swiss
