Union Berlin Alleges Conspiracy After Second Legal Defeat in Lighter-Throwing Incident
Following a second legal setback in the proceedings surrounding the infamous lighter-throwing incident, 1. FC Union Berlin is escalating the matter, alleging a conspiracy and claiming that the ruling is politically motivated. The capital club, whose match against VfL Bochum was forfeited with a 2-0 score due to the controversy, is not backing down from its stance.
According to club president Dirk Zingler, Union Berlin believes that the court was manipulated into making a biased decision. In a statement released after the hearing before the Federal Court of the German Football Association (DFB), Zingler stated that the court was prompted by VfL Bochum and the control committee to send a political signal. Zingler claims that this political agenda led to the court’s misapplication of the rules of law and procedure. The statement follows the Federal Court’s rejection of Union’s appeal against the initial ruling by the DFB Sports Court.
The incident that sparked this saga occurred in December, during the match where VfL goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was struck by a lighter thrown from the Berlin fan block moments before the end of the game. The Federal Court ruled that this act harmed Bochum and that Union Berlin was responsible for the actions of their supporters.
"Today, we witnessed a proceeding where, for the first time, the misconduct of a spectator led to the reevaluation of a match, despite the referee having properly concluded the game," Zingler stated. "In our view, the creation of this precedent was the objective of the control committee."
Oskar Riedmeyer, the chairman of the Federal Court, made comments during the proceedings, stating, "We hope that we do not see any more such cases, we hope that it becomes quieter." He also expressed his desire for the ruling to have a deterrent effect, which Union interprets as an indication of a political agenda.
In response, Union has announced that they will appeal to the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal to escape what they perceive as political pressure. This decision comes after Berlin’s managing director, Horst Heldt, heavily criticized the DFB following the initial Sports Court ruling in January.
The timeline for when the Arbitration Tribunal will address the case remains uncertain. With only eleven match days remaining in the Bundesliga season, the final outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact the relegation battle. The 2-0 win for Bochum elevates them past 1. FC Heidenheim into the relegation playoff spot, intensifying the stakes for Union Berlin.
The club views this incident as more than just a simple disciplinary matter. They see it as a dangerous precedent that could have wide-reaching implications for German football. The core of Union’s argument rests on the fact that the match was completed by the referee, signifying that the incident did not prevent the continuation of the game.
Union believes that punishing them with a forfeiture is disproportionate to the offense and sets a precedent that could lead to future matches being overturned based on the actions of individual spectators, even if the incidents do not directly impede the game’s progress. The club worries that this decision could incentivize teams to exaggerate or even fabricate incidents to gain an unfair advantage.
The reference to a political motivation stems from Union’s perception that the DFB is attempting to exert greater control over fan behavior and prevent future incidents of this nature. While Union acknowledges the importance of maintaining order in stadiums, they believe the current ruling is an overreach that infringes on the rights of clubs and their supporters.
Union’s appeal to the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal represents a significant escalation of the conflict. This tribunal is the highest independent legal body in German football and its decisions are generally considered binding. The arbitration process could take several weeks or even months, and the outcome is far from certain.
Meanwhile, the Bundesliga season continues, and Union Berlin must navigate its remaining matches while grappling with the uncertainty of the legal battle. The club’s players and coaching staff are undoubtedly feeling the pressure, as the outcome of the case could have a significant impact on their season.
The incident has sparked widespread debate among football fans and pundits. Some argue that Union Berlin is solely responsible for the actions of their supporters and that the forfeiture is a just punishment. Others believe that the ruling is excessive and that the DFB has overstepped its authority.
Regardless of one’s perspective, the lighter-throwing incident and the subsequent legal battle have exposed deep divisions within German football and raised important questions about the balance between accountability, fairness, and the role of political influence in sports governance. The final decision of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal will be closely watched by clubs, fans, and legal experts alike, as it could have a lasting impact on the future of German football.
