At the regional league game in Erfurt
Halftime argument ends bloody for physiotherapist
October 23, 2023, 6:21 p.m
There is an altercation at halftime in the regional league game between Erfurt and Babelsberg. Erfurt’s physiotherapist is hit in the face and bleeds from her nose. The Babelsbergers say their sports director defended himself against an attack and regrets the incident.
After an argument during the game at Rot-Weiß Erfurt, regional football team SV Babelsberg 03 has commented on the allegations against its sports director Philip Saalbach. “After the allegations against our sporting director, after consultation with him and others directly involved, we must make it clear that he defended himself against a physical attack against him,” said the Brandenburgers.
The Erfurt physiotherapist Lina Reichenbach was injured during half-time in the game on Friday. Reichenbach commented on this in the “Bild” newspaper. “Yes, I was hit in the face by a Babelsberg official’s elbow in the players’ tunnel at half-time, fell to the ground and bled from my nose. I was in an awkward position because the blow was actually intended for the doctor,” she said. According to media reports, there had previously been an argument between Babelsberg’s Saalbach sports director and Erfurt’s team doctor Michael Schuh. The Babelsberger is said to have been upset about alleged insults from RWE fans and Schuh then reprimanded him.
“While trying to resolve the dispute, one of our physiotherapists was hit in the face with an elbow. We don’t want to accuse the person in charge of Babelsberg of intent, but we would like to speak out clearly against such arguments even taking place in the players’ tunnel,” said RWE. Reichenbach is doing well so far and has not suffered any injuries other than a bloody nose, a spokesman confirmed. According to the Thuringian club, the police have now started an investigation. The people of Erfurt do not want to comment further until the proceedings are completed.
According to Babelsberg, the fact that the physiotherapist was hit was the result of a defensive reaction. “But it makes us very thoughtful that emotions are getting so out of control. We emphasize unequivocally that nothing can justify physical attacks.” According to reports, the scuffle was preceded by a verbal argument.