"Chop off that mane!" The harrowing tale of a Bundesliga player who vanished in fear of his diehard fans
Undercover Existence of a Professional Bundesliga Player Due to Intimidation by His Own Supporters
By Grit Kobold
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Thirty years ago, a significant event occurred within the Bundesliga. Peter Kozle, a professional for MSV Duisburg, ended his contract and vanished, forced to hide from his very own supporters.
"I'm petrified whenever I visit my apartment because I'm terrified. It's not safe anywhere the fans identify me: 'That's where we can find him!'" These were the shocking words spoken by former MSV Duisburg Bundesliga star Peter Kozle, then 27 years old, in the summer three decades ago. Vanished into thin air, the German football veteran hid from his fans out of fear of their hatred. It's one of the saddest stories the Bundesliga has ever witnessed!
A joyful beginning
MSV Duisburg fans celebrated their striker on the team's return to the first league for the 1993/94 season. A delighted Peter Kozle scores 13 goals for his team in a season the club would never forget. With a long, wavy mane and a warm smile, the standout Kozle became an unforgettable figure on the pitch. Life in Duisburg seemed to suit the friendly athlete perfectly.
The ominous shift
As the team faltered in the following seasons, Kozle was suddenly considered the scapegoat for their misfortunes. Fans began to turn on the man who had once been so cherished. "I just wanted to live a normal life and not isolate myself," Kozle lamented to a German sports magazine, recalling his tormenting experiences. The supporters' hostility had spiraled out of control.
Fans shouted insults like "Come out, you bastard!" and "We'll chop off your hair!" at his apartment, threatening physical harm. The native Bavarian, who had grown fond of life in the Ruhr area, felt the weight of constant danger. Feeling forced to act, Kozle fled Duisburg in fear that his pursuers might someday catch up with him.
Hero and outlaw
Kozle ripped up his contract and disappeared. He severed ties with MSV Duisburg and missed out on substantial earnings. Pictures of the fugitive finally surfaced after some time, revealing that he had been training with Bayern Munich at Alain Sutter's request.
Meanwhile, back in Duisburg, MSV continued to struggle. With Kozle gone, the team was under immense pressure. Kozle hoped his departure would alleviate some of that pressure and allow his teammates room to breathe. Regrettably, matters only worsened.
MSV Duisburg was relegated from the Bundesliga in the end, and Peter Kozle continued his journey. Klaus Toppmöller eventually welcomed him to VfL Bochum, and Kozle found solace in his new home. Today, Kozle lives in Bochum and has even reconciled with MSV Duisburg and its fans after many years. Yet, he still recalls his dark Chapter 19 from his past fondly.
Source: ntv.de
- Football
- MSV Duisburg
- "Peter Kozle, struggling with the intense pressure from his football fans, lamented that he wished to enjoy a normal life, away from his Diehard supporters, stating, 'I'm not going to be able to do this.'"
- "In his new life, Peter Kozle found a way to escape the hate and threats from his former football fans by distancing himself from the sport, no longer having the long, wavy mane that once made him a standout player in the Bundesliga."
