Union striker Kevin Volland drives the ball forward against Leipzig Photo: City Press GbR
By Sebastian Karkos
What a failed anniversary game! Kevin Volland (31) celebrated his 250th Bundesliga appearance against Leipzig – and fell down in the 64th minute.
After a foul on Mohamed Simakan (23), referee Daniel Schlager (33) was left with nothing but the red card.
Volland hit the Frenchman above the right ankle in a running duel. Union teammate Robin Gosens (29): “The red card broke our neck.“
In the 64th minute referee Daniel Schlager (33) showed Kevin Volland the red card Photo: picture alliance/dpa
Volland is now threatened with a ban of at least two games. He would miss Wolfsburg (September 16) and the former club Hoffenheim (September 23).
Speaking of Hoffenheim: In October 2016 he was sent off in a Leverkusen jersey against the Kraichgau team after an emergency brake – his first and, until Sunday, only dismissal from the top flight. Result: two games ban.
Volland is far from known for being a tough or unfair pro. RB sports director Max Eberl (49) was also sure: “We know Kevin, he doesn’t want to hurt anyone.”
Too bad for Volland: It was his starting XI debut for Union after the new signing from Monaco came on against Mainz (4-1) and in Darmstadt (4-1). Now the offensive man has to pause again.
Brenden Aaronson (22) could replace him in Wolfsburg. The American missed out against Leipzig due to a yellow-red suspension…