Bundesliga Match Suspended After Goalkeeper Drewes Struck by Object
Union Berlin’s Bundesliga match against Bochum was marred by an ugly incident on Friday, as visiting goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was struck by an object thrown from the crowd, causing the game to be halted for nearly half an hour.
The incident occurred in the second minute of added time, with the score tied 1-1. Drewes, 31, was preparing to take a goal-kick when a cigarette lighter thrown from the stands struck him, prompting him to drop to the ground.
The game was immediately stopped as medical personnel rushed to his aid.
Referee Martin Petersen temporarily suspended the match, sending both teams to the dressing rooms.
Drewes was subsequently taken to the hospital for further checks, and Bochum, having exhausted their substitutions, had to deploy striker Philipp Hofmann in goal when play resumed.
A Mutual Decision to Pause
Despite the game continuing after the delay, both teams refrained from competitive play. Instead, they passed the ball amongst themselves until the referee blew the final whistle.
Hofmann later revealed that this decision was mutual: “An action like that just isn’t OK at all. Both teams agreed not to continue playing competitively.”
Bochum’s Official Protest
Bochum’s managing director, Ilja Kaenzig, expressed frustration with the situation, arguing that his side was left at a significant disadvantage and that the match should have been abandoned.
“The rules are very clear. We had exhausted our substitution quota,” Kaenzig said, announcing that Bochum would lodge an official protest to claim the points.
Union Berlin Responds
Union Berlin acted swiftly, confirming that the individual responsible for the incident had been identified and handed over to police.
Sporting director Horst Heldt condemned the act but urged against blaming the entire fan base for the actions of one person.
“It would be a mistake to blame the whole club or the fans for the action of one individual,” Heldt stated.
Match Overview
Before the incident, the match was an intense contest. Bochum, playing with 10 men after Koji Miyoshi’s 13th-minute red card, took the lead through Ibrahima Sissoko in the 23rd minute.
Union Berlin equalized before halftime with a goal from Benedict Hollerbach. Despite being down a man, Bochum held on to earn their third point of the season.
The Bigger Picture
This incident adds to the frustration of Bochum, who remain winless after 14 games and sit at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, nine points from safety.
Union Berlin, meanwhile, are 12th with 17 points, still struggling to find consistency in their season.
The Bundesliga’s disciplinary body is expected to review the incident, and further sanctions could follow for Union Berlin.