In many places today, football is characterized by greed for money, power struggles and human coldness. That’s why it’s even more noticeable when it’s different. Like in October of this year. A review.
Nikola Katić is the type of player who is called a “tough dog” in football. He fights intensively, he celebrates successful tackles like goals, and in temperatures just above zero degrees he plays in shorts and a short-sleeved jersey. Katić throws herself into everything she can. The FC Schalke 04 central defender is one of the most unpleasant opponents in the 2nd Bundesliga.
Joel Grodowski might see it differently. On October 5th this year, the Arminia Bielefeld striker collided with Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius in a league game. Grodowski lost consciousness as he fell to the ground.
Nikola Katić realized what had happened – and rushed to his opponent. The Bosnian immediately put the unconscious Bielefeld man in a stable side position and, according to the “Bild” newspaper, even checked whether he had swallowed his tongue. An exemplary behavior and at the same time a scene that should be talked about more.
“There are much more important things than football. I had to react like that,” explained Katić after the game. Grodowski did not suffer any major damage, was able to leave the field shortly afterwards and was substituted as a precaution.
It’s not just the past few years that have shown that even in a sport like football, real emergencies can occur in which every second can mean the difference between life and death. However, the clubs’ medical staff are only allowed onto the pitch when the referee gives the instruction. In addition, the carers first have to sprint to the scene of the accident. All of this costs valuable seconds. So if the players on the pitch do valuable preparatory work – as was the case with Nikola Katić – that can be crucial in an emergency situation.
Annual participation in emergency sports medicine training is mandatory for the medical staff of clubs in the First and Second Bundesliga. There are currently no mandatory regulations for the players. But perhaps the positive example of Nikola Katić can help clubs and the DFL consider introducing a mandatory first aid course.