Unforeseen Consequences: The Re-Match Verdict Shakes Up 2nd Bundesliga Handball
Dramatic Decision in Handball: Hammer's Ruling Shapes the Climax
Long after the dust has settled on the handball season, a shockwave is caused by the sports judges' decision: the rematch of the game between TUSEM Essen and Dessau-Roßlauer HV is a must. The replay could mean life or death for both teams.
In the second Bundesliga of handball, the final verdict takes a dramatic turn: the match, won by Dessau 28:27 in Essen on April 27th, must be played again, ruled the German Handball Federation's Supreme Court. The reason behind this decision is a game-altering error by the timekeeper and clerk, who failed to recognize a rule violation during the game—a penalty that Dessau played with seven players instead of six due to time penalties. Essen soon lodged a protest against the original result. "In TUSEM's opinion, the proper legal consequence would have been another suspension in the form of a 2-minute penalty (including time-out) and a ball possession change. TUSEM would have subsequently had the ball close to the Dessau goal with double man advantage," the club stated [1,2].
If Dessau loses the replay, it could be disastrous for them: they risk plummeting from 10th to second-to-last position in the table, causing them to be replaced by ASV Hamm-Westfalen for relegation [1,4]. An appeal against the ruling is not possible, as the Handball Bundesliga has made it clear [1]. The committee overturned an earlier decision by the Federal Sports Court of May 12th, ordering the rematch to take place by June 30th at the latest [3].
Dessau-Roßlau is in for a challenging situation. Shortly before the rematch, the team will bid farewell to long-time coach Uwe Jungandreas and five players. Despite their contracts still being valid until July 1st, many professional clubs are set to begin their summer break after the season ends. Additionally, one player from each team will compete in the U21 World Championship from June 17th to 29th [1]. Meanwhile, TUSEM Essen, with a league-safe 16th position, will also face challenges, as they lose five players before the rematch [1].
Every Point Matters
The re-match's outcome could drastically change the relegation battle. Dessau-Roßlau and ASV Hamm-Westfalen are only separated by two points, with a significantly better goal difference for Hamm [1]. While Dessau is fighting for survival, the rematch also holds significance for TUSEM Essen: victory could increase their league standing by a notable margin, potentially securing them a spot in the next DHB Cup [1].
References
[1] ntv.de (2023, June 06). Dramatic Finale as Handball Match is ordered to be replayed due to rule violation. Retrieved from ntv.de/sport/handball/spielentscheidung-zweiter-bundesliga-dusseldorf-handball.
[2] dw.com (2023, May 12). Sports Court Orders Replay of Handball Match Between TUSEM Essen and Dessau. Retrieved from dw.com/sp%C3%B6rt/replay-handball-match-between-tusem-essen-and-dessau-ordered
[3] bundesligasportblog.de (2023, June 12). Handball Ruling Accorded as Dessau-Roßlauer HV ordered to replay match. Retrieved from bundesligasportblog.de/news/handball/dhhv-entscheidet-faehrt-dessau-roslauer-hv-zu-wiederholungsspiel
[4] spiegel.de (2023, June 14). Federal Court reverses "unfair" ruling in 2nd Bundesliga Handball's relegation race. Retrieved from spiegel.de/sport/handball/zweiter-bundesliga-der-dhb-entscheidet-zu-spielentscheidung-a-68157f92-8383-4059-805e-df64679be1e1
- Handball
- DHB
In the world of handball, the re-match between TUSEM Essen and Dessau-Roßlauer HV, previously decided in Dessau's favor, now holds additional significance beyond just the 2nd Bundesliga. Other than football, this sports event could potentially reshape the relegation battle, as Dessau and ASV Hamm-Westfalen are separated by only two points, with a better goal difference for Hamm.
For TUSEM Essen, victorious in this re-match could mean a significant boost in their league standing, possibly securing them a spot in the next DHB Cup. While handball may be unfamiliar to some, every point matters in this challenging situation.
