Bochum Scraps Black Special Kit for Schalke Derby After Fan Revolt

Jan 30, 2026

by Chris

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Kit Scrapped: VfL Bochum canceled the debut of their black special jersey for the Schalke derby due to fan protests.
Fan Opposition: Fan groups formally complained, demanding the team wear their traditional blue and white colors for all home matches, leading to the change.
Future Use: Despite the derby reversal, the black jersey will still be worn in a home fixture against Paderborn.

VfL Bochum has scrapped plans to debut their black "Pulsschlag aus Stahl" (Pulse of Steel) special jersey in Saturday's derby against Schalke 04 following fierce backlash from supporters.

Bochum 25-26 Special Kit Won't Be Worn vs Schalke After Fan Protets

The kit, designed to honor Bochum's steel industry heritage, was released on Monday but faced immediate opposition from fan groups who issued a formal complaint demanding the team wear their traditional blue and white colors for all home matches without exception.

Schalke likely would have worn Bochum's blue color at Bochum, per Bochum's original plans to wear black at home

Bochum 25-26 Special “Pulse of Steel” Kit Released

The club, reportedly surprised by the scale of resistance, has confirmed they will revert to the standard home kit for the Revierderby. However, the black jersey will still be worn in a home fixture, against Paderborn.

Indeed, the Bochum controversy brings back memories of the 2. Bundesliga match between Nürnberg and Bielefeld earlier this season. Nürnberg wore a black special kit, while Bielefeld wore red, Nürnberg's actual colors. Bielefeld's color in the scoreboard is black (also an error, because Bielefeld reverted to blue actually...), so confusion was perfect.