From the BZ editorial team
Paul (15) was killed from behind! His old companions are now mourning their comrade in public.
After a brawl at a youth soccer tournament in Frankfurt am Main, rescue workers fought desperately for the life of the young soccer player on Pentecost Sunday. After the final whistle of a game, an opposing player (16) from the FC Metz youth academy “hit the back” and hit Paul on the head, according to the public prosecutor. He had already been declared brain dead on Tuesday evening. He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
The 15-year-old soccer player played for JFC Berlin at the tournament in Frankfurt. The grief is great – also at his ex-club BFC Dynamo.
The tragic fight took place on this sports field of SV Viktoria Preussen 07 in Frankfurt-Eckenheim Photo: AP Photo/Michael Probst
The BFC published its grief on Facebook on Wednesday with a photo of the boy. “Our longtime and former youth player Paul was taken from life much too early. This unexpected tragedy has stunned the entire BFC community and touched us deeply in our hearts.”
Paul was active in the club in Berlin-Hohenschönhausen in his youth, he would have been 16 in the fall.
“Paul was not only a talented player, but also a loyal friend and a model member of our club. We will always remember his commitment, his enthusiasm and his positive attitude.”
It will be cold consolation to his parents and family that his death will now save the lives of others. The survivors have agreed to an organ donation.
The 16-year-old player, who is now in custody, is being investigated for dangerous bodily harm resulting in death.