Spectator Steps in as Fourth Official in Bundesliga Match

Injury to assistant referee prompts unprecedented move, highlighting need for robust contingency plans in professional soccer.

Spectator Tobias Krull, a 32-year-old goalkeeper for a local sixth-division club, stepped in as the fourth official during a Bundesliga match between Cologne and Wolfsburg after assistant referee Thorben Siewer was injured.
Siewer was hit in the face by a powerful clearance from Cologne player Max Finkgräfe in the 14th minute, causing a temporary halt of the game.
Fourth official Nicolas Winter replaced Siewer on the sideline, prompting the match officials to seek a qualified referee from the spectators to fill in as the fourth official.
This incident underscores the need for comprehensive emergency backup plans in professional soccer games.
This is not the first instance of a spectator filling an officiating role; a similar situation occurred a week prior in England during an FA Cup game between Wolverhampton and Brentford.