Patrick Drewes fell to the ground after being struck by a lighter. - © Maja Hitij - Getty Images

bundesliga

Bochum file protest against the result of Union Berlin match

18.12.2024

Bochum have officially lodged an appeal against the result of their 1-1 draw at Union Berlin on Saturday after goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was hit by a lighter, leading to a lengthy delay in proceedings.

With the score at 1-1 and the game in injury time, Bochum goalkeeper Patrick Drewes appeared to be hit by a lighter thrown from the crowd and fell to the ground. Both teams then decided to walk off the pitch before emerging minutes later.

Drewes did not return for the closing minutes, forcing Bochum to put striker Philipp Hofmann in goal for the remainder of the match as they had already used all of their substitutions. Both teams then seemingly decided not to attack each other's goal as the clock ran down and the game ended 1-1.

The following quotes are collected from those involved speaking to Sky Germany post-match.

The match was tied and in injury-time when the incident occurred. - IMAGO/Matthias Koch

Ilja Kaenzig, Managing Director of VfL Bochum: "In our opinion, the game should have been abandoned. We finished the match under protest and will lodge an appeal on Monday."

Horst Heldt, Managing Director of Union Berlin: "The referee stopped the game because an individual threw a lighter at the Bochum goalkeeper. It is important for me to stress that it was an individual. We want respect for all athletes, so this was not at all what we had imagined."

Philipp Hofmann, Bochum striker: "It's not about how hard he was hit, it's just not acceptable. It's a shame for the club, because Union are a very likeable club."

Referee Martin Petersen: "I asked the teams to go into the changing rooms so that everyone could discuss what had happened. There was a debate about whether it was still possible for play to continue. We continued the game when it was clear that the players' safety was guaranteed. Both teams agreed to continue playing. I will write a report on the matter."

Philipp Hofmann goes in goal after Patrick Drewes was forced off. - IMAGO/Matthias Koch

All clear: Drewes not in training

Goalkeeper Drewes left hospital on Saturday evening, Bochum confirmed. They also revealed that while tests for concussion showed no abnormalities, Drewes would miss training on Sunday. Since, the shot-stopper did not practice with his teammates on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Given the incident resulted in a "weakening of the team due to a circumstance that occurred during the game, which was unavoidable and not related to the game and an injury sustained during it" as described in paragraph 17 of the DFB's legal and procedural rules, Bochum haved appealed against the result of the game. Union now have until Thursday to submit a statement in response to the DFB.