Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

GK confronts own fans in chaotic Berlin derby

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Saturday, 02 November 2019 15:43

Chaotic scenes marred Saturday's Bundesliga match between Hertha Berlin and Union Berlin that saw Union goalkeeper Rafa Gikiewicz confront his team's supporters who had stormed onto the pitch afterward.

The highly anticipated derby between the two Berlin sides -- their first in Germany's top flight -- was also briefly delayed after the first half when visiting Hertha fans threw flares onto the pitch at Union's Alte Forsterei stadium.

Match referee Deniz Aytekin opted to keep the players in the tunnel for five minutes before returning for the second half.

"It's just sad when something like this happens. I am just relieved that nobody was injured on the pitch. It has nothing to do with football," Aytekin told reporters after the match.

"The players' health stands above all. In accordance with the police, we decided to go through with the match because at the end of the day everyone's safety is the biggest concern."

Union won the match 1-0 when substitute Sebastian Polter converted a penalty in the 90th minute in front of the home end.

Following the final whistle, Hertha fans lit fireworks in the stands and threw them onto the pitch. On the other end, several masked Union supporters broke through and reached the pitch.

But Gikiewicz raised his fists to fight off the Union supporters before they could reach the Hertha supporters.

"The people moved back to the stands. But we will definitely try to identify everyone," Union communication chief Christian Arbeit said. "That's also shows that we are a family. Here, our keeper prevented someone else from doing a stupid thing."

Flares were also sent toward Union's bench, but coach Urs Fischer praised Aytekin's effort to control the match.

"I didn't think it was so bad. [The players] all remained calm," Fischer said after the match. "And because it was so calm, nothing much happened. Thank god. But you shouldn't target those rockets at supporters."

Berlin police told ESPN FC that Hertha fans had also lit fireworks on their way to the stadium, with one minor injury reported.

Read 372 times

Soccer

Poch: Playing in MLS no barrier to U.S. selection

Poch: Playing in MLS no barrier to U.S. selection

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. LOUIS -- United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said that Am...

Marta nets stellar goal, sends Pride to NWSL final

Marta nets stellar goal, sends Pride to NWSL final

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a...

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHarry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boost...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Celtics to celebrate title at White House on Thu.

Celtics to celebrate title at White House on Thu.

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Boston Celtics will be making their trip to the White House to...

Doc fined for criticizing call refs say they got wrong

Doc fined for criticizing call refs say they got wrong

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers was fined $25,000 by the NBA...

Baseball

Ted Williams' 1946 MVP award sells for over $500K

Ted Williams' 1946 MVP award sells for over $500K

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA rare souvenir postcard picturing Hank Aaron as a rookie with the...

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays hired former Cincinnati Reds manag...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated