Bochum. With Sebastian Polter and Gerrit Holtmann, two former VfL Bochum players returned with Darmstadt 98. This is how the reception went.
A reception couldn’t be much more different: while players are on loan Gerrit Holtmann on Sunday evening by the fans of VfL Bochum was celebrated, the same supporters insulted Sebastian Polter with chants. Both players returned to Castroper Straße with Darmstadt 98 in the Bundesliga game on matchday 27, which ended 2-2. That didn’t change in the middle of the first half, when both players took turns warming up. At first Polter was mobbed as he walked behind the goal. When the group with Holtmann set off a few minutes later, he was celebrated by the Bochum fans in the east stand.
In the second half the insults got really loud. Polter led the group of Darmstadt players in front of the east curve to warm up – and was insulted and insulted throughout. Torsten Lieberknecht then brought on the striker in the 61st minute. Loud whistles echoed through the Ruhr Stadium.
The insults against Polter were not surprising. The striker said goodbye to VfL Bochum in an unpleasant way in 2022 and moved to rivals FC Schalke 04. In a direct encounter he even scored against VfL. The reception on Sunday evening was correspondingly uninspiring for the 32-year-old.
VfL Bochum: Fans celebrate Gerrit Holtmann
It was a different story for Gerrit Holtmann, who was celebrated with occasional chants by the fans present during the field inspection. In addition, his first look after coming out of the cabin was directly towards the east curve. He waved to the fans and thanked them for the warm welcome. He even chatted for a few minutes with some loyal fans who stood on the sidelines wearing Holtmann jerseys.
Gerrit Holtmann played for Darmstadt in Bochum. © dpa | David Indian song
Holtmann is currently on loan from VfL Bochum to league rivals Darmstadt 98. The winger will probably return to Castroper Straße in the summer. “I assume that I will discuss the future with those responsible in a timely manner. I have a valid contract in Bochum and as things stand I will be going back there in the summer,” he said in an interview with our editorial team before the game.
On Sunday, however, both returnees were initially not the focus of sport. Both Polter and Holtmann initially sat on the bench. Coach Torsten Lieberknecht sent an team onto the field without the two former Bochum players from the start. Holtmann came during the break.