Before the top game against the Rhine-Neckar Lions, it’s not only the suspension of goalscorer Petar Nenadic that occupies the foxes Berlin. The referee appointment in particular was a source of displeasure.
Even before the big handball summit Bob Hanning was completely served. These referees, who are supposed to whistle the Bundesliga crasher between his foxes Berlin and master Rhein-Neckar Löwen on Thursday at 7 p. m. in the LIVETICKER, didn’t work at all.
“One must understand this almost as provocation”, said the foxes managing director of the Berliner Morgenpost. Fabian Baumgart and Sascha Wild would have betrayed the games of the current leader of the standings several times. Woe betide if this happens again at the so important away game in Mannheim.
Because Hanning remembers exactly. About two months ago, Baumgart/Wild caused a stir with controversial decisions at SC DfHK Leipzig (31:30) and Silvio Heinevetter, the national goalkeeper, was presented with the red card by the SG Flensburg-Handewitt in November.
“For nothing,”as Hanning says. In his opinion, the two had “put their personal ego above the game”. But for his referee scolding, Hanning received plenty of headwind – especially from the coming opponent.
“If Bob Hanning is not satisfied with the approach, I’m sorry for him,” said Oliver Roggisch, sporting director of the Löwen, to the Mannheimer Morgen:”I just hope that the referees won’t allow themselves to be influenced by the statements from Berlin.
For the defending champion, it’s about a lot. Second, the gap to Berliners is currently only one point. One win against the foxes and the lead in the standings changes.
Defending against the Lion Attack will be difficult for captains. Not just for the references. Berlin’s top goal scorer Petar Nenadic (182 season goals) is missing in Mannheim.
He had been expelled in the game against MT Melsungen (32:29) on Sunday because of a foul of the field. Afterwards, the Serbian had even insulted his opponent Michael Müller.
“Of course, that’s very annoying for us, but there’s nothing to discuss about this decision,”Hanning said. The lions are happy about the absence of the rear shooter, of course.
“Nenadic is the linchpin of the Berlin game. He’s unpredictable and difficult to defend. It’s good that we don’t have to be prepared for this,”said international Hendrik Pekeler.
Fox coach Velimir Petkovic was pragmatic about the loss of his star,”I don’t talk about those who are missing. I demand that the four or five other backroom players replace Petar. Each of them has to add ten percent,”he told BZ. A ray of hope: European champion Fabian Wiede is back after having survived knee injury.