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New versions with Bochum appeal

Bochum have appealed for three points after their goalkeeper was hit by an object thrown from the crowd during a 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Union Berlin on Saturday.

With the score tied and the game tied in the second minute of stoppage time, Patrick Drewes was hit in the head with an object that looked like a lighter while preparing for a goal kick.

The game was interrupted for about half an hour before play resumed. Bochum is contesting the decision to continue playing.

Bochum managing director Ilja Kaenzig said “the game should have been stopped” and said the team should have been awarded a win “according to the rules”.

Kaenzig said an appeal would be formally filed on Monday.

A union spokesman said the person responsible had been “identified and handed over to the police”.

Drewes fell to his knees and was treated after the incident before the referee ordered the players to the changing rooms.

The players returned after about half an hour but did not play as the referee restarted the clock, instead kicking the ball among themselves, with both sides apparently agreeing not to continue.

Bochum, reduced to ten men after 13 minutes, had used up all substitutions and were unable to sign a new goalkeeper to replace Drewes.

“The rules are very clear. We have exhausted our substitution quota,” said Kaenzig, adding that Bochum was at a “sporting disadvantage.”

Bochum striker Philipp Hofmann, who replaced Drewes between the posts, told Sky that both teams had “agreed not to continue playing. Such an action is simply not okay at all.”

“It doesn’t matter how hard he gets hit, whether he bleeds or not,” Hofmann said, adding that the incident was “a disgrace for an otherwise friendly club.”

Union sports director Horst Heldt admitted that the league could draw conclusions, but added: “It would be a mistake to hold the entire club or the fans responsible for the actions of an individual.”

This puts Union in 12th place, while Bochum remains bottom of the table.

dwi/no