Statement on match cancellation

The match between VfL Bochum 1848 and Borussia Mönchengladbach came to an abrupt end on Friday evening. Assistant referee Christian Gittelmann was hit in the head by a filled plastic cup in the 69th minute, and therefore could not continue the game and had to be taken to the hospital for examination. VfL Bochum 1848 distances itself formally from those who throw cups and objects and apologises especially to the official hit for this intolerable behavior. Furthermore, we naturally hope that Christian Gittelmann is doing well and that the injury does not prove to be serious.

The focus is now on the investigation of the perpetrator, the evaluation of the images is still ongoing. VfL hopes for a quick clarification and will actively support the police in their investigations. Anyone who can provide relevant information for identification purposes should contact the Bochum police station.

In the event of identification, VfL Bochum 1848 will take further steps, such as a stadium ban, exclusion from the club or confiscation of the season ticket, and reserves the right to claim damages. We assume that VfL will be punished by the association.

It should have been an exciting evening of football. It has become an evening that leaves us stunned and saddened. The actions of individuals significantly damage the positive image that VfL Bochum 1848 and its fans have presented in recent months. We stand for tolerance and fair play. Throwing cups and objects is definitely not one of them.