Bochum-Mochengladbach game abandoned after linesman hit by object

Bochum players confronted their own fans after the game was abandoned

VFL Bochum's game against Borussia Mochengladbach was abandoned on Friday night after a linesman was struck by a plastic beer cup from the home stand. The incident occurred in the second-half when Gladbach were leading 2-0 at the time, courtesy of goals from Alassane Plea and Breel Embolo, as linesman Christian Gittelman was struck by a plastic beer cup thrown by somebody in the home end. Some of the Bochum players on the pitch were then spotted confronting their supporters about the incident and protesting for them to stop. https://twitter.com/swearimnotpaul/status/1504935870809493504 Following a delay to allow Gittelman to receive treatment, the stadium announcer then confirmed that the game had been postponed as a result of the object being thrown. While the linesman didn't appear to be badly hurt, referee Benjamin Cortus made the decision to abandon the game, before instructing the players to leave the pitch. Gladbach players did return to the pitch some 15 minutes later to show their appreciation to the travelling supporters after they were officially told the game had been abandoned. The home side later posted a message on Twitter apologising to the linesman, as well as confirming the game would not be restarted. It said: "The match will not be restarted, #BOCBMG has been abandoned. We can only formally apologise to linesman Christian Gittelmannn. A highly embarrassing and bitter evening for us. An extremely stupid action from an idiotic fan." https://twitter.com/VfLBochum1848EN/status/1504932797563260931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1504932797563260931%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skysports.com%2Ffootball%2Fnews%2F11881%2F12569787%2Fbochum-and-borussia-monchengladbach-called-off-after-linesman-struck-on-head-by-plastic-beer-cup The Bundesliga side also released a further statement on Saturday which said: "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.

https://twitter.com/VfLBochum1848EN/status/1505144101481684995

"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."

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