Kobiashvili faces hefty ban for striking referee - report

The Hertha Berlin defender reportedly struck Wolfgang Stark in the Bundesliga promotion/relegation play-off against Fortuna Dusseldorf

Levan Kobiashvili is facing hefty a ban after Hertha Berlin were relegated from the Bundesliga following a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Fortuna Dusseldorf.



Sport Bild reports that the Georgian veteran struck referee Wolfgang Stark in the face after the 2-2 draw, in a game that was marred by unruly scenes.



Earlier in the match, irate Berlin fans threw flares on to the pitch, forcing the players to pacify their supporters in order for the encounter to continue.



Chaos ensued in the seven minutes of extra time, as Dusseldorf's fans stormed the pitch with a minute remaining. Police spent 15 minutes clearing the field of play before the match was allowed to continue.



A decision has not yet been made by the German FA on what action will be taken against Kobiashvili, who could reportedly be handed a two-year ban for his behaviour.