The DFB Sports Tribunal has awarded a 2-0 win to RB Leipzig for the abandoned game on Monday between VfL Osnabrück and RB Leipzig in the DFB Cup. The first round tie was abandoned in the 71st minute by referee Martin Petersen with Osnabrück leading 1-0 when he was struck on the head by a lighter from an Osnabrück fan.

Hans E. Lorenz, chairman of the DFB Sports Tribunal, explains the decision: “according to the DFB’s law and procedure regulations, which apply to all clubs, the game has been awarded as a 2-0 loss to Osnabrück, as the club is responsible for its fans and the club must accept the culpability of its fans. According to paragraph 18, point 4, the awarding of the game is prescribed as the only possible consequence. Replaying the game or continuing the final 20 minutes is therefore not an option.”

Possible sanctions against VfL is separate decision

Lorenz continues: “Leipzig’s offer to replay the game is a fair gesture but it changes nothing in the Sports Tribunal’s decision. If we were to agree to this offer, then this is tantamount to the loss of any legal certainty. The organisation of a tournament cannot be dependent on the goodwill of an individual club. Additionally, it would open the door to the possibility of manipulation of competitions if in the future the clubs could decide themselves whether they want to play again or not.”

The DFB Sports Tribunal will decide on possible sanctions against VfL Osnabrück after arraignment through the DFB Controlling and Ethics Committee.