"The Refs Robbed Us!" Coach's Outburst andplayer's Response in Top Handball Game
Contest concludes in disarray, leaving participants with upset feelings and foul-smelling digits
Share Retweet Share to Whatsapp Email Print Copy Link Thüringer HC suffered a disappointing loss against reigning champions HB Ludwigsburg in a tense Bundesliga match, leaving coach Herbert Müller disillusioned and threatening retaliation. National player Xenia Smits also expressed her frustration – and countered.
After the 22:23 defeat and several questionable referee calls, frustrated coach Müller vented his anger on the field, criticizing the officials, opponents, and league. "We should've walked away with a point here. They handed us seven penalties, but it felt like nine against nine for 60 minutes," Müller railed, increasingly agitated.
Müller's ire was particularly focused on a disputed penalty given to HB Ludwigsburg's Xenia Smits in the game's final minutes. "Enough with the endless advantages they have: more money, support from every angle. It's a disgrace," Müller protested.
When addressing a referee observer in the stands, Müller questioned the world's sanity and demanded honesty: "If you didn't witness that, then I don't understand humanity anymore. It's inexcusable what happened here today." Müller then sarcastically wished Ludwigsburg, formerly known as SG BBM Bietigheim, luck in their future endeavors.
Smits, who was booed by THC fans after the game, stood her ground in the midst of the chaos. To the disapproving fans, she offered a response: "You exhibit fantastic support for the THC, creating an electric atmosphere. It's always tough to play here. But we ask for a bit of respect and civility – not insults."
Source: ntv.de, tsi/dpa
- Handball
(Mentioned in the article, but not necessarily related to the main story):HB Ludwigsburg is a German professional handball club based in Ludwigsburg. The team started its current season as SG BBM Bietigheim.
- In the Bundesliga match between Thüringer HC and HB Ludwigsburg, a controversial handball penalty awarded to Xenia Smits of HB Ludwigsburg upset the Thüringer HC coach, prompting heated words.
- Despite the disappointing loss, Thüringer HC's national player Xenia Smits responded to the boos from the home crowd, asking for respect and civility.
- The HB Ludwigsburg team, formerly known as SG BBM Bietigheim, might face potential sanctions due to the questionable referee calls in their game against Thüringer HC.
