March 19, (THEWILL) – The Bundesliga match between VFL Bochum and Borussia Monchengladbach had to be called off after a linesman was struck in the head with a drink.
The game was first suspended with Gladbach leading 2-0 at the time of the incident. However, the game was called off because the officials’ safety could not be assured.
After being hit, the linesman instantly dropped to the ground and began rubbing his head, evidently in pain.
Bochum’s players, to their credit, walked over to the fans’ section and began denouncing their behaviour. Manuel Riemann, the goalkeeper, was enraged by the occurrence, pointing to his head as if to indicate that the perpetrator was stupid for tossing the beer.
Bochum’s English Twitter account issued the following statement: “Delay in the game.
“Some idiot has thrown something towards the pitch and hit the linesman. The game has been delayed. Incredibly stupid and irresponsible behaviour, it has no place in a stadium!
“Idiot idiot idiot. Hopefully the linesman is OK.”
It was an ugly incident to mark the first time Bochum were allowed to have 25,000 supporters in the stadium since the COVID-19 restrictions in Germany were loosened. Yet, it is not an isolated incident in this season’s matches around Europe and in the United Kingdom.
Matt Lowton of Burnley was hit by a bottle earlier this year while celebrating a goal against Leeds. Lucas Digne and Matty Cash of Aston Villa were both hurt by missiles thrown by the crowd at Goodison Park, while Arsenal fans gave Manchester City’s Rodri the same treatment after the latter enraged a part of the crowd with a late winner.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
