After violence: DFB promises support for referees

“The numerous acts of violence, disrespect and attacks against referees on the amateur pitches also shock us; we are shocked, stunned and affected. Every incident is one too many, every form of violence is unacceptable,” said the letter, which was signed by DFB President Fritz Keller, Vice Presidents Rainer Koch and Ronny Zimmermann and General Secretary Friedrich Curtius.

The increase in violence is a problem for society as a whole. Nevertheless, they don't want to duck away and pass responsibility on to politicians. “We are in demand as football. We all have to do everything we can to protect our referees,” wrote the DFB leadership.

We want to analyze the causes together with the regional associations. Since there are already many initiatives to reduce violence, we now have to find out which measures can be implemented effectively and quickly. In addition, they want to punish offenders consistently within the framework of sports jurisdiction.

No legal vacuum But other forces in society such as the police, judiciary and politics are also in demand. Football is not a legal vacuum, emphasized the leadership quartet. “We would like to see greater investigative zeal from the public prosecutor’s office and the police when it comes to crimes on the football field,” the statement said.

The DFB appealed to its referees not to lose the joy of blowing the whistle. They said they were proud of their referees. It would be fatal if the bad incidents of the past few weeks caused “you to lose your enthusiasm for refereeing,” the association management emphasized in the letter and said: “We assure you: We will not leave you alone.”

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

After violence: DFB promises support for referees

In an open letter to its referees, the German Football Association (DFB) reacted with shock and disbelief to the recent violent attacks against referees. At the same time, the DFB leadership announced its full support for the referees.

Suggestions