Assistant referee Christian Gittelmann was hit in the back of the head by a full drink cup after almost 70 minutes of play in VfL Bochum’s game against Borussia Mönchengladbach on March 18. The game was therefore canceled and a few days later the sports court of the German Football Association scored 2-0 for Mönchengladbach.
Gittelmann comments for the first time on the cup throwing in Bochum
The referee from the Donnersberg district spoke to SWR Sport for the first time on a TV program about the incident on Sunday evening. “Of course, it took me a few days to work through the whole thing both physically and, above all, mentally. I very consciously let it get to me and received a lot of encouragement, which was also very valuable. Not only in refereeing circles, but also from the entire football field, from friends and acquaintances and that helped a lot,” says Gittelmann.
Gittelmann: “Work up physically but above all mentally”
00:26 minutes.
Available until 05/19/2022.
Of course, it took me a few days to work through the whole thing, both physically and mentally.
Source: Christian Gittelmann to SWR Sport
The Bochum police have now been able to identify the likely perpetrator, a 38-year-old man from Bochum. Charges of grievous bodily harm are to be brought against him. He did not apologize to Christian Gittelmann. “I don’t know anything about the perpetrator personally – but from the club, from VfL, I have to say the reactions after the game were very, very good. Thomas Reis, the coach, also called me and we talked for a long time.” . Despite this negative experience, Gittelmann still wants to be in action in the Bochum stadium. “I have no reservations at all about being back on the line in Bochum. On the contrary, I would like to be back there very soon. It’s like falling off a horse, it’s best to get right back on it,” he says 39 year old.
Gittelmann: “I have no knowledge of the perpetrator personally”
00:34 minutes.
Available until 05/19/2022.
I have absolutely no reservations about being back on the line in Bochum. On the contrary, I would like to be there again very soon.
Source: Christian Gittelmann
Biehl: “Punish offenders harshly and don’t tolerate them”
Christina Biehl is an assistant referee in the men’s 3rd division and has a clear opinion on how to deal with spectators who attack referees. “You have to punish the perpetrators severely so that it is clear to everyone on the outside that you will not tolerate that.”
Biehl: “Punish offenders harshly and don’t tolerate them”
00:32 minutes.
Available until 05/19/2022.
Biehl and Gittelmann are both passionate referees and, despite some negative experiences, don’t want to lose their joy in football.
Source: SWR