2nd Bundesliga
“Good solution”: Referee curbs fan protests
Referee Florian Exner leaves the field with the players from both teams. photo
© Soeren Stache/dpa
Why let the players cool down shortly before the end of the first half? Football referee Exner created a novelty with a pragmatic solution for the players.
Football referee Florian Exner put an early end to the renewed fan protests with his early half-time break in the second division game between Hertha BSC and 1. FC Magdeburg. “We have the opportunity to bring the half-time forward in the event of serious injuries or a scenario like today,” said the 33-year-old from Münster after Hertha’s 3-2 win Magdeburg. After tennis balls from the Berliner Block flew onto the field again shortly before the end of the first half in protest against the German Football League’s investor plans, the lawyer sent the teams into the half-time break after a six-minute break in the game.
“I discussed this with both captains, the coaches and with Cologne. Everyone thought it was a good decision,” said Exner, who has been refereeing in the second division since the 2022/2023 season. For the referee, the focus was on the health risk for the players, which increases with a longer break on the field in cold temperatures. “Today we chose this path, which is rather rare in the professional sector.”
After the break the game continued with a corner for Magdeburg and stoppage time was completed before both teams swapped sides and the second half began immediately afterwards. There were no more protests in the form of tennis ball throwing. Exner emphasized that the timing of the particular decision obviously played a role. “Of course, that only works if it happens at the end of the first half. We can’t send the players on break after 25 minutes of play. So it was a good solution today, that’s why we did it that way today.”
Hertha coach Pal Dardai praised Exner’s good communication and also with his coaching colleague Christian Titz. “We agreed with the referee, he was good today,” said the 47-year-old Hungarian. Magdeburg’s coach Titz also agreed with the referee’s decision, but criticized the behavior of the supporters: “This form of protest has no place in football. We have other ways to express our displeasure.”