By Roberto Lamprecht and Paul Gorgas
In the case of Hertha keeper Marius Gersbeck (28) there should soon be clarity!
Before the top second division game between Berlin and St. Pauli, Hertha managing director Thomas Herrich (59) answers questions on the “Sky” microphone. The boss has to decide whether Gersbeck can return to the first team after his trial for serious bodily harm in Austria.
Herrich reveals: “We will now discuss with the committees at the weekend how we will deal with this. We haven’t made a decision yet. We will announce the decision at the beginning of the week.”
Gersbeck had to answer in court because he seriously injured a local man (22) in the face with a punch and kick during an unauthorized nighttime excursion on the sidelines of the training camp in July.
Gersbeck was neither convicted nor acquitted
The proceedings ended as part of a so-called diversion; Gersbeck, who had apologized to the beating victim, paid 40,000 euros to the state treasury and is now neither convicted nor acquitted. Now Hertha boss Herrich has to decide whether the goalkeeper who was last suspended will be given a second chance.
On “Sky” Herrich said: “There is no right or wrong, it is a very thin line. This is not about personal opinions, this is about Hertha BSC. There is no question that Marius made a mistake.”
Immediately after the court decision, Herrich said in a statement: “The court apparently viewed the guilt as only minor. Our player was not convicted of a criminal offense and compensated the injured party by mutual agreement. Given this situation, taking into account the interests of everyone involved, we do not rule out that Marius Gersbeck will receive a second chance.”
BILD also recently reported that there is an internal plan to rehabilitate Gersbeck – although not all committee members agree with this. One thing is now clear: the decision will be announced soon.
Kevin-Prince Boateng (36) was also officially bid farewell before the top game kicked off. The Berliner started his international career (including Tottenham, Milan, Barcelona) at Hertha, returned in 2021 and ended his career after relegation in the summer.
On the stadium microphone, Boateng called out to the Ostkurve: “I thank this club for everything. It all started here, it ended here. It doesn’t get any better. I will always be here, I will always remain loyal to the club, I love Hertha BSC. No matter where I have played in the world, you will always be in my heart. HaHoHe forever.”