It is often said that the decision of the referee is final, but a football club in Germany decided to challenge that notion.
VFL Bochum have been awarded a 2-0 victory over Union Berlin in their Bundesliga match that ended 1-1 last month. What really happened?
Thirteen minutes into the game, Bochum was reduced to 10 men after Koji Miyoshi was sent-off. Ten minutes later, the visitors took the lead through Ibrahima Sissoko. But, the home-side restored parity through Benedict Hollerbach just after the half an hour mark.
As the match enters its injury time Bochum started wasting time. Apparently, they are satisfied with a draw as the visiting team and having been reduced to 10 men. Bochum goalkeeper, Patrick Drewes was booked for time wasting. Moments later, he was struck by an object from the fans and he went down holding his head. The goalkeeper received medical attention to the consternation of the Union Berlin supporters who felt the goalkeeper was exaggerating to keep wasting time.
Four minutes after the incident the referee sent Bochum players back to the dressing room, perhaps due to safety concern. Union players were also sent into the dressing room.
Twenty five minutes later the game resumed, but Bochum goalkeeper could not continue due to the impact of the object and the team has completed their substitutions. Therefore, striker Philipp Hofmann put on the gloves. The contest eventually ended 1-1.
The Sun Football reported that Bochum chiefs decided to take the matter to court on the grounds that the referee should not have restarted the match, especially as their goalkeeper could not continue due to the action of a supporter.
