2024-01-27 15:45:38
Shot knocks linesman out of spectators unexpectedly becomes Bundesliga referee
January 27, 2024, 4:44 p.m
This stadium announcement doesn’t happen every day: a referee is needed for the Bundesliga game between Wolfsburg and Cologne. Because linesman Thorben Siewer is unfortunately shot down and cannot continue the game.
This powerful shot hurt just to watch: The Bundesliga game between VfL Wolfsburg and 1. FC Köln had to be interrupted for several minutes – because assistant referee Thorben Siewer was hit in the head by the ball. The mishap happened to Cologne’s Max Finkgräfe while trying to clear the ball in the 15th minute. He shot the ball towards the sideline and inadvertently hit Siewer in the temple from a relatively short distance.
Krull was in the stadium as a spectator. Suddenly he is the fourth official.
(Photo: IMAGO/Eibner)
Siewer fell to the ground with his face contorted in pain and his hand on his head and had to be treated. Paramedics held up blankets to protect his vision. The 36-year-old was then able to go into the catacombs alone, where he was further examined.
Nicolas Winter stepped in for Siewer, actually assigned as fourth official. But there was no replacement planned for him – the stadium announcer therefore asked the “amateur referees” among the spectators in the Volkswagen Arena to come forward to step in as fourth official.
A volunteer with the necessary licenses was immediately found behind the coaching benches: Tobias Krull, 32 years old, sporting director and also goalkeeper for the regional league team MTV Gifhorn. Krull played for VfL Wolfsburg in his youth and has a referee license. He was provided with the appropriate equipment in the catacombs and the game might begin once more.
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