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3. Liga Match Halted Over Racist Abuse of Cottbus Player

Referee followed UEFA’s three-step protocol after Justin Butler reported monkey noises from the stands.

Overview

  • The game between 1860 München and Energie Cottbus was paused in the 72nd minute after Justin Butler was hit by a cup and reported racist chants.
  • Referee Konrad Oldhafer consulted both captains and Butler, then resumed play after roughly ten minutes when Butler said he could continue.
  • The spectator implicated was identified and escorted out of the stadium, and 1860’s leadership apologized and pledged to hold the person accountable.
  • Cottbus coach Claus-Dieter Wollitz said he offered to accept the loss and urged abandoning the match to make a stronger statement against racism.
  • 1860 won 3–0, and Cottbus lost top spot in the table to MSV Duisburg, as the incident prompted visible solidarity from many home fans and an in-stadium apology.