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The Bundesliga game between VfL Bochum and Borussia Mönchengladbach was stopped after almost 70 minutes with the score at 0:2. Assistant referee Christian Gittelmann had previously been hit by a drink cup.
In the 68th minute, assistant referee Gittelmann was hit in the head by a drink cup. The cup was thrown from one of the front rows in the opposite stand. Referee Benjamin Cortus then immediately interrupted the opening game of the 27th matchday. At 10:19 p.m. the decision was made: the game was abandoned. At this point it was 2-0 for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
First game abandoned since 2011 in the Bundesliga
It was the eighth game abandoned in the Bundesliga, the first since April 1, 2011. Back then, when FC St. Pauli lost 2-0 to Schalke 04, a linesman was hit by a beer mug.
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VfL sports director Schindzielorz: “That must not happen like this“
VfL sports director Sebastian Schindzielorz then said on the sports show microphone: “A big apology at this point. That must not happen like this and is not what VfL wants to represent. We would have loved to have ended the game in a sporty manner.”
Due to the easing of the Corona requirements, the spectator capacity in the Bochum stadium was increased again on Friday evening (03/18/2022).
Zoller to the address of the cup thrower: “You have not lost anything in the stadium”
Bochum’s assistant coach Markus Gellhaus, who stood in for the sick Thomas Reis, also showed up DAZN horrified: “That’s embarrassing, not to excuse such an action.” The game was abandoned “completely understandable”said Gellhaus and gave an insight into the emotional life of his professionals: “Of course, the frustration of the players runs deep. You could have ripped something here, taken something with you and then the game ended so abruptly.”
Bochum’s injured striker Simon Zoller addressed the cup thrower directly via Twitter: “We, VfL Bochum, have been writing an incredible story for almost two years. This action is just disrespectful to all those who work their ass off every day to experience this journey! Let alone the linesman! You have no business in the stadium.”
Gittelmann medically examined after throwing a cup
Assistant referee Gittelmann was “taken to the hospital for examinations,” according to main referee Benjamin Cortus.
The 39-year-old reacted calmly after the cup was thrown, knelt on the ground, but kept rubbing the painful area on his head. The game was then interrupted by referee Cortus, and the referee team retreated to the stadium’s catacombs. The Gladbach players followed shortly afterwards. The Bochum players around goalkeeper Manuel Riemann and captain Anthony Losilla went to the supporters and tried to influence them energetically. Then they too left the field.
With announcements, the stadium announcer had repeatedly pointed out that the spectators should refrain from throwing objects. It didn’t work. At first the fans of both clubs sang, but the longer the interruption lasted, the quieter it became in the stadium. Until the demolition was announced over the stadium microphones.
Game rating is still pending – victory for Gladbach likely
The Gladbach players briefly came out of the catacombs to thank their fans. After the scandal, it can be assumed that Gladbach will probably win the game at the green table. At the time of the demolition, Borussia was leading through goals from Alassane Plea (55th) and Breel Embolo (61st) 2-0.
With a win, the team of Adi Hütter, who had to be replaced by his assistant coach Christian Peintinger for the second time due to his corona infection, would overtake Bochum (32 points) in the table with 33 points.
The Bochumers will probably also have to adjust to an expensive fine. In the first Bundesliga season after eleven years in the second division, it was not the first cup toss towards the field. On the day of the match, VfL published a video together with a Bochum brewery on its social media channels. In the clip, Captain Losilla called on fans not to throw objects on the field – and rather drink the beer themselves. The events of the evening seemed like a bitter punchline.
Bochum to Sinsheim, Gladbach to Mainz
Bochum will continue after the international break on Saturday (April 2nd, 2022) with an away game at Champions League aspirant 1899 Hoffenheim. Gladbach meets 1. FSV Mainz 05 a day later at their own stadium.
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