By Roberto Lamprecht and Paul Gorgas
Schalke? HSV? Forget it! The scandal club number 1 is different. Beatings, lawsuits, protests – that’s Hertha BSC!
► BEATING. On the night of Sunday, goalkeeper Marius Gersbeck (28) left the Hertha camp in Zell am See without permission, is said to have been drinking with friends from the ultra scene. According to the police, between 3 and 4 a.m. Gersbeck beat a 22-year-old local who had to go to a clinic with a knocked-out tooth, a cheekbone injury and a suspected broken nose.
Gersbeck was taken into custody and interrogated by the police. If Gersbeck is found guilty of serious bodily harm, he faces up to three years in prison under Austrian law.
Incidentally, in the “11 Friends” interview, Gersbeck reveals about his ultra friends: “I was taught values in the world that I will take to heart for the rest of my life.” What do you think he means?
In a first statement on Monday, Hertha initially did not suspend him. The suspension only followed in the evening – because of Fredi Bobic?
► PROCESSES. Manager Bobic was properly terminated in January 2022, later even without notice. Expulsion reason: Bobic had threatened an ARD reporter with a slap in the face.
Problem: If Gersbeck gets away with a real beating at Hertha, Bobic’s only threatened beating is difficult to explain as a reason before the district court.
Hertha’s goal: save salary and severance pay.
Bobic defends himself with two methods. In September 2023 with a deed procedure. This is about the legality of his employment contract. If successful, Bobic would have a title against Hertha in hand, the club would have to pay unpaid salaries, severance pay (for the early termination of the contract) and interest – that’s almost four million euros!
The youth director Thiam and ex-goalkeeper Jarstein, who were also fired without notice, also complain.
► PROTESTS. The fan scene is on the tree. After ex-Unioner Toni Leistner was signed, they hung a poster in front of the training ground: “Leistner, piss off our club.”
Now Hertha’s record purchase Lucas Tousart (came to Hertha for 25 million) is moving to Union of all places – for only three million transfer fee. Fans on social media are fuming.
It hurts her that Tousart is quoted as saying in the archrival’s press release: “Union’s path and success in recent years are very remarkable and I’m looking forward to the new challenge. I’m assuming that I’ll be able to settle into the club quickly and contribute to Union’s success.”
Beatings, lawsuits, protests – it’s Hertha!