**"Foul Play": Handball Pro Sidelined for Over Two Years Due to Gruesome Tackle
Handball Player Receives Over Two-Year Ban Due to Grave Misconduct
Get the latest on this shocking story on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, or Email!
In a heated playoff quarterfinal for the Austrian handball championship, a horrific foul left both players – and spectators – reeling.
Ivan Horvat, a Croatian backcourt player for Alpla HC Hard, found himself on the wrong side of justice after laying a disastrous blow on Markus Mahr from Bregenz Handball. The incident took place during the semifinals of the championship playoffs, with the score tied at 20-20. As Mahr charged towards the defense, he executed a body feint – only to be met with a devastating fist from Horvat. The Croatian's foul sent Mahr tumbling to the floor, writhing in agony.
Mahr, who will join VfL Potsdam in the German Bundesliga after the season, was immediately taken to the hospital with a multiple open nasal bone fracture. The referees swiftly showed Horvat a red card and issued a blue card, known for its potential for lengthy suspensions.
The independent handball court of the Austrian Handball Federation (ÖHB) decided to hand down a 26-month punishment to Horvat. "Given the evidence at our disposal, the handball court has classified Ivan Horvat's foul as gross unsportsmanlike conduct under ÖHB regulation 7.3.1, resulting in a severe injury," stated the verdict. The decision, still pending finalization, is effective until July 30, 2027.
Gross unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to a suspension of 8 games to 4 years in case of a severe injury to the opposing player or team official, as per ÖHB regulations. A severe injury, as per Austrian criminal law, is defined as one with potentially life-altering consequences.
"Not a Fluke"
Bregenz Handball vehemently denounced the attack on their own player. "This wasn't the first dangerous action from this player against us," the club asserted. "Markus fortunately dodged an attack in the first quarterfinal game – this time, he didn't have such luck." Horvat had also left a Bregenz player hospitalized with a similar move in a previous encounter. "We firmly believe that such actions should never occur again!" Coach Marko Tanaskovic labeled it an "attack" in ORF: "I've rarely witnessed such an unfair and ruthless act!"
Despite the traumatic event, Hard secured their semifinals berth with a 30-29 win in the final seconds. Post-game celebrations, however, seemed highly inappropriate to Bregenz Handball, who took to social media to express their outrage. "A victorious post featuring a jubilant player who had severely injured our key player mere moments earlier. A devil slaying an elephant. And a statement that appears to dismiss the gravity of the situation – all of this leaves us utterly bewildered."
Markus Mahr is reportedly recovering well, given the circumstances, according to Bregenz Handball's announcement.
- The independent handball court of the Austrian Handball Federation (ÖHB) sentenced Ivan Horvat to a 26-month punishment for his act of gross unsportsmanlike conduct during the playoff quarterfinals, causing Markus Mahr's multiple open nasal bone fracture.
- Bregenz Handball, Mahr's future team in the German Bundesliga, strongly denounced the foul, stating it was not the first dangerous action from Horvat against their players.
- Gross unsportsmanlike conduct under ÖHB regulations can result in a suspension of 8 games to 4 years, in case of a severe injury to the opposing player or team official.
- General-news outlets are reporting Markus Mahr's recovery is progressing well, considering the circumstances.
- Despite Bregenz Handball's statement of incomprehensible behavior, Alpla HC Hard secured their semifinals berth in the Austrian handball championship, with a 30-29 win in the final seconds.
