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1860 München–Cottbus Match Halted After Racist Abuse of Justin Butler

The referee applied UEFA's three-step protocol in response to the incident.

Overview

  • In the 72nd minute, Energie Cottbus forward Justin Butler was struck by a thrown cup and targeted with monkey noises during the 3. Liga match in Munich.
  • Referee Konrad Oldhafer stopped play for several minutes as stewards identified the spectator, who was then escorted out of the stadium.
  • Players gathered near the touchline, Butler confronted the section of fans involved, and the stadium announcer acknowledged the racist abuse over the PA.
  • After roughly a ten-minute interruption, the game resumed and 1860 München won 3:0, with Cottbus relinquishing the league lead to MSV Duisburg.
  • Cottbus coach Claus‑Dieter "Pele" Wollitz criticized the decision to continue, saying he told the referee his team would accept the loss if the match were abandoned to send a stronger message.