Fair play in the big league: Stuttgarter Kickers score an own...

The Stuttgarter Kickers scored a deliberate own goal against FC Nöttingen. But why? After a throw-in by the Kickers and the subsequent attack, Christian Giles made it 2-0. The goal counted at first, but the Nöttinger protested.

Kickers trainer Ramon Gehrmann questioned the referee, who signaled that the ball was deliberately played out of bounds before the throw-in. Gehrmann then asked his team to score an own goal. Midfielder Lukas Kling carried out the order.

Coach Gehrmann commented on the remarkable scene after the game: “I’m Catholic. And there is an account up there where you can withdraw and deposit.” Sports director Lutz Siebrecht added: “It’s something unique. I’ve never seen anything like it. Hats off to the coach and team’s decision.” Nöttingen’s coach, Marcus Wenninger, spoke of a “great gesture by the Kickers”.

But at first the coach and the players did not agree, Gehrmann confessed. “Many of my players had the impression that the ball had bounced and not been kicked out on purpose,” said the coach. “Not everyone understood the action at half-time.” In the end there was agreement, the Kickers won 4: 1 (2: 1) and are in second place in the table after twelve match days. Nöttingen is fourth.

Icon: The mirror