DFB Court Reviews Controversial Lighter Incident During Bundesliga Match

The controversy surrounding the lighter incident during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and VfL Bochum is entering a new legal phase. The German Football Association’s (DFB) Federal Court is scheduled to hear appeals from Union Berlin, Holstein Kiel, and FC St. Pauli against a ruling that favored Bochum. This hearing will take place on Friday at 12:30 PM at the DFB campus in Frankfurt.

Relegation Battle at Risk

If the Federal Court upholds the sports court’s ruling from January 9, Bochum would gain two additional points, surpassing 1. FC Heidenheim by two points and leaving them in 16th place. Conversely, Union Berlin, currently in 13th place, would have one point deducted. The sports court had previously accepted Bochum’s protest against the 1:1 result, deciding to award the match to Bochum with a score of 2:0.

The Federal Court’s decision will conclude the DFB’s legal channels. Subsequent modifications to the Bundesliga standings may occur based on the ruling. However, it is theoretically possible for the involved parties to escalate the matter to the Permanent Arbitration Court for Clubs and Corporations.

Background of the Incident

The match at Stadion An der Alten Försterei was interrupted for more than 25 minutes in the 92nd minute when Bochum’s goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was struck by a lighter thrown from the Union section and had to leave the field. The game continued without Drewes, as Bochum had already used all their substitutions. Forward Philipp Hofmann briefly took over the goalkeeper position, with both teams merely passing the ball to conclude the match.

Union’s Reaction to the Ruling

Union Berlin expressed outrage over the deduction of points. President Dirk Zingler stated, „It is already terrible that individuals throw objects at stages, indoors, or onto the field during events. It is even worse when someone tries to gain an advantage from these unavoidable incidents.“ Zingler argued that the real unsportsmanlike scandal occurred both on the pitch and in court, claiming the ruling harms football. Union disputes the existence of an injury to Drewes and has reportedly identified the individual who threw the lighter, filed a complaint, and imposed a three-year stadium ban.

Drewes Addresses Accusations of Staged Incident

Drewes described being hit on the left side of his head, experiencing dizziness, nausea, and pain at the impact site. He was examined at the hospital, where tests for a concussion returned normal results. Judge Stephan Oberholz stated in the initial ruling, „We did not receive any indications that Mr. Drewes staged this incident or that it was part of a conspiracy or a farce.“

Concerns from Holstein Kiel and FC St. Pauli

Both clubs, with Holstein at the bottom of the table and St. Pauli in 15th place, are concerned about potential impacts on the relegation battle. St. Pauli President Oke Göttlich remarked, „One must question to what extent this ruling interferes with the integrity of the competition. Uninvolved clubs are undoubtedly affected by this ruling.“

Heidenheim’s Position on the Dispute

1. FC Heidenheim, tied on points with Bochum, has opted not to join the appeals process. Chairman Holger Sanwald stated, „We decided not to file a protest against this ruling, as we were not directly involved in this match. However, we believe the original ruling is incorrect.“

Proceedings Before the DFB Federal Court

The session will be chaired by Oskar Riedmeyer, the court’s chairman. According to the DFB, the legal body plans to initially rule on the admissibility of appeals from Holstein Kiel and St. Pauli. The Federal Court offered both clubs the option to have this decision made in writing before the hearing, but both clubs requested an oral hearing instead.