Football Takes a Back Seat: Magdeburg Fan Dies During DFB Cup Game in Leipzig
LEIPZIG, Germany – A DFB-Pokal (German Cup) round of 16 match between Rasenballsport Leipzig adn 1. FC magdeburg was tragically overshadowed Wednesday as a 1. FC Magdeburg fan died in hospital after being resuscitated outside the stadium prior to kickoff. The news was announced by the Bundesliga club during the game.
The incident marks the second time in a week a 1. FC Magdeburg supporter has died following a medical emergency at a match, and the second such incident for RB Leipzig this season. the focus shifted instantly from the on-field competition to a somber acknowledgment of loss within the football community.
“We unfortunately have to inform you that the 1. FC Magdeburg fan, who had to be resuscitated before the game, died in hospital. we are sad and full of sympathy for the relatives,” Rasenballsport Leipzig stated. ”There are moments when football takes a back seat.” 1. FC Magdeburg also expressed their “deepest condolences” to the fan’s family via X (formerly Twitter).
Prior to the declaration, Leipzig had informed supporters that a medical emergency was unfolding, stating, “Thus, there is currently no support. Our thoughts are with the fan and his family!”
Magdeburg striker Alexander Nollenberger, speaking with a cracking voice on Sky shortly after the final whistle, revealed the players were unaware of the severity of the situation during the match.”I heard that some of the fans didn’t take part, so at first I didn’t think anything of it – because of the protests. That can’t be put into words,” he said.
This tragedy follows the death of a Magdeburg fan after a medical emergency during a second division game at fortuna Düsseldorf last week. Goalkeeper Dominik Reimann commented, “It’s happened to me too ofen recently that people leave us.”
Rasenballsport Leipzig captain David Raum also offered his condolences. Leipzig experienced a similar incident earlier this season, when an RB fan died in hospital after being resuscitated outside the stadium during their 4-1 win at Energie Cottbus in the second round of the DFB-Pokal.
Source: ntv.de, tsi/dpa/sid
