Union Berlin Challenges DFB Ruling on Match Forfeiture

Club president Dirk Zingler emphasizes focus on securing Bundesliga survival through on-field performance while pursuing legal appeal.

The DFB's federal court ruled to award VfL Bochum a 2:0 victory over Union Berlin after a fan threw a lighter at Bochum's goalkeeper during a match that had ended 1:1.
The ruling cost Union Berlin one point in the standings, while Bochum gained two, placing Bochum in the relegation playoff spot and Union in 14th place with a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Union Berlin has announced plans to appeal the decision to the Permanent Arbitration Court, disputing the fairness of the ruling.
Club president Dirk Zingler stated that the team aims to ensure Bundesliga survival through their performance on the field rather than relying on the legal dispute.
Zingler criticized the DFB's decision as overly punitive, noting that the fan responsible for the incident was identified as a club member and has since been expelled from the organization.