Professional handball player given over two-year ban for committing a shocking brutality on the court.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link In the quarterfinals of the Austrian Handball Championship playoffs, a violent foul transpires with severe consequences for both sides.
Ivan Horvat's playing days in Austria might be over, at least for the next two years and a half. The Athletes of Alpla HC Hard brutally attacked Markus Mahr of Bregenz Handball during the second game for securing a spot in the semifinals of the championship playoffs, inflicting a severe injury. The independent Handball Court of the Austrian Handball Federation (ÖHB) handed down a 26-month suspension to the 32-year-old Croatian.
With the score tied at 20, Mahr made a move towards the opposing defense, executed a body feint, and then hit the floor, writhing in pain. After a lengthy treatment, Mahr, who will join German Bundesliga relegated VfL Potsdam after the season, was assisted off the field under the shocked gaze of teammates and opponents, leaving a trail of blood behind. On the sidelines, Mahr collapsed again, with spectators turning away in disgust.
The attack left the 24-year-old with multiple open nasal bone fractures, requiring immediate surgery post-game. The attacker, Horvat, was given a red card, and the referees also issued a blue card, which can lead to a longer suspension. "Based on the evidence available, the Handball Court has determined Ivan Horvat's foul as gross unsportsmanlike conduct in accordance with ÖHB Regulation 7.3.1, resulting in a severe injury," the statement reads. The suspension is not yet final, and it would be effective until July 30, 2027.
Gross unsportsmanlike conduct is punishable with a suspension of 8 games to 4 years when the opposing player or team official sustains a severe injury, according to ÖHB regulations. A severe injury is classified as one considered severe under Austrian criminal law.
"Scary incident, but not the only one"
Bregenz Handball reacted sharply to the assault on their own player: "We want to emphasize: This wasn't the first dangerous action by this player against us," the club stated. "Markus narrowly escaped an attack in the first quarterfinal game - this time he didn't have the chance to evade in time." In an earlier duel, Horvat had knocked out a Bregenz player "in a similar fashion and sent him to the hospital." Bregenz's opinion is clear: "Something like this must never happen again!" Coach Marko Tanaskovic was outraged, calling it an "attack" on ORF. Markus Mahr is recovering well after surgery, "given the circumstances," the club announced.
Horvat, who joined Alpla HC Hard from SG Flensburg-Handewitt in 2018, said he was "deeply regretful that this injury occurred" in a club statement. "It was never my intention to injure Markus - his body feint was incredibly swift, and I unfortunately reacted improperly in that instant." Handball, Horvat explained after the game, is "a physical sport, these things happen. It's never good when you do something like that."
Alpla HC Hard proceeded to secure a spot in the championship semifinals with a 30-29 victory in the final seconds. Fans and opponents were left bewildered by the team's exuberant post after the win, featuring a jubilant player who had severely injured their opponent just moments earlier. The post also featured a demon as an elephant hunter, along with an official statement that disregarded the gravity of the situation, leaving many puzzled.
- The suspension of Ivan Horvat, a handball player, for over two years is a result of a brutal foul he committed during a game, which left Markus Mahr of Bregenz Handball with severe injuries.
- Markus Mahr, despite being attacked by Horvat in the quarterfinals of the Austrian Handball Championship playoffs, is recovering well after surgery.
- Gross unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in a severe injury, can lead to a suspension of 8 games to 4 years in handball, according to the Austrian Handball Federation (ÖHB) regulations.
- Bregenz Handball has expressed concerns about the consistent dangerous actions of Ivan Horvat, who has previously attacked one of their players in a similar manner.
