The Brutal Fistincident: Handball Player Banned for 26 Months After vicious Attack During Match
Rival Team Reels After Fist Strike
Professional handball player given over two-year ban due to heinous misconduct on the field.
In a shocking turn of events, the Austrian handball championship witnessed a brutal incident during the playoff quarterfinals, leaving one player of Bregenz Handball severely injured and another, Ivan Horvat of Alpla HC Hard, facing a lengthy ban.
With the score tied at 20:20, Markus Mahr, the playmaker for Bregenz Handball, took a swift body feint, only to be struck down by a forceful punch from Horvat, leaving him writhing in agony on the floor. Mahr, who is set to join German Bundesliga relegation side VfL Potsdam after the season, suffered multiple nasal bone fractures and was rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery.
The shocking incident left onlookers aghast, with Mahr collapsing again on the sidelines, causing bystanders to turn away in horror. The 24-year-old pro playing for Alpla HC Hard was shown a red card, and a blue card, which could result in a more extended suspension, was issued following the grossly unsportsmanlike conduct displayed.
Suspension and Charges
Based on the evidence available, the handball court has classified Ivan Horvat's foul as gross unsportsmanlike conduct under Austrian Handball Federation (ÖHB) regulation 7.3.1, resulting in a severe injury, warranting a suspension of 8 games to 4 years1[4], in Horvat's case extending to over two years, for a duration of 26 months.
Gross unsportsmanlike conduct is punishable under ÖHB regulations when it leads to a severe injury to the opposing player or official under Austrian criminal law3.
Team's Response and Aftermath
Bregenz Handball, outraged by the attack on their player, shared their sentiments, stating that this was "not the first dangerous action by this player against us." The team expressed concern over Mahr's narrow escape in a previous quarterfinal game, and they emphasized that such actions should never occur again[4].
Alpla HC Hard, despite securing a spot in the championship semifinals with a 30:29 win in the final seconds, faced criticism for a jubilant post featuring a victorious player, an elephant killer as a motif, and a statement that ignored the severity of the situation[4].
Player's Remorse
After being suspended for over two years, Horvat expressed regret for causing the injury, insisting that it was never his intention to harm Mahr. Horvat stated that the quick body feint by Mahr left him reacting inappropriately in the heat of the moment. He acknowledged that handball is a contact sport, adding that - while unfortunate - incidents of this nature sometimes occur[1][4].
Markus Mahr is reportedly recovering well after the surgery, given the circumstances[1]. The incident has sparked a debate within the handball community, emphasizing the significance of sportsmanship and the potential consequences of unsportsmanlike behavior.
[1]: The Local Austria
[4]: Euro Handball
[5]: Heute Austriac News
- The outrage from Bregenz Handball escalates as they recall a previous quarterfinal game where Ivan Horvat's dangerous actions narrowly missed their player, Markus Mahr.
- Markus Mahr, while recovering from the attack, undergoes scrutiny in the sports community, fostering discussions on sportsmanship and the repercussions of unsportsmanlike behavior in handball.
- In the midst of crime-and-justice and general-news headlines, Alpla HC Hard faces criticism for their triumphant post that, in light of the severe incident, chooses to disregard the gravity of the situation.
- Despite having to spend 26 months away from the handball court, Ivan Horvat acknowledges that his reaction in the heat of the moment led to the unfortunate and violent encounter with Mahr, promising to steer clear of such actions in the future.
- The incident, being classified as gross unsportsmanlike conduct under ÖHB regulations, serves as a reminder of the severity of unsportsmanlike behavior in sports like handball and football.
