Hertha President Kay Bernstein (43) was injured in an accident at the office of the Berlin second division soccer team and has to be treated in hospital.
“I had an accident, but I’m doing well given the circumstances and I’m well looked after,” wrote the club boss on the X platform and published a photo of the visit from Hertha coach Pal Dardai and the head of the licensed player department, Andreas Neuendorf , at the sickbed.
“On behalf of all employees, our players and coaches, we wish Kay a good and speedy recovery,” wrote managing director Thomas Herrich in a club statement. It was not reported what type of injury Bernstein suffered or how the accident occurred on the club’s premises at the Olympic Stadium. Bernstein has led the club since June 2022. At that time, the former fan leader surprisingly won the presidential election against favorite Frank Steffel.
Bernstein not at the general meeting
As Hertha explained, Bernstein cannot take part in the general meeting on Sunday in the Berlin exhibition halls because of the injuries. The 43-year-old should speak to the members via video message. The extraordinary meeting was scheduled because of presidential by-elections. The most explosive item on the agenda, however, is an announced speech by Hertha goalkeeper Marius Gersbeck.
The goalkeeper speaks to the Hertha members after the trial against him for serious bodily harm in Austria. The proceedings had recently been ended with diversion (a waiver of criminal proceedings), which is possible in Austria, and a payment of 40,000 euros.
Bernstein had campaigned against resistance in the club committees to ensure that Gersbeck was given a second chance at his youth club despite his misconduct. On Monday, the 28-year-old, who moved from league rivals Karlsruher SC to Berlin before the season, returned to team training after his suspension.