Coach Nenad Bjelica from 1. FC Union Berlin has been suspended for three games after his assault in the Bundesliga catch-up game at FC Bayern. He also has to pay a fine of 25,000 euros.
In the fight against relegation from the Bundesliga, 1. FC Union Berlin will have to do without head coach Nenad Bjelica in the next three championship games. The 52-year-old was suspended for three games by the sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday and also fined 25,000 euros for unsportsmanlike behavior in Köpenicker’s catch-up game on Wednesday evening at FC Bayern Munich (0-1). The Unioners agreed to the verdict, making it legally binding.
Is coach Nenad Bjelica still viable for Union Berlin?
Union coach Nenad Bjelica caused a scandal with his violence against Leroy Sané in the Bundesliga game in Munich on Wednesday. Till Oppermann and Patrick Richter comment on why Bjelica is still acceptable for Union Berlin – or not.more
Bjelica is missing against Darmstadt, Leipzig and Mainz
Bjelica will therefore be missing from the sidelines in the next three league games against Darmstadt 98 (Sunday, 3:30 p.m.) as well as against RB Leipzig (February 4th) and 1. FSV Mainz 05 (February 7th). The indoor ban begins half an hour before the start of the game and ends half an hour after the final whistle.
The 52-year-old lost his temper a good quarter of an hour before the end of Köpenick’s game at Bayern Munich and grabbed national player Leroy Sané twice in the face. Bjelica was shown a red card for the assault and refused to apologize to Sané.
The Croatian coach only took over from long-time successful coach Urs Fischer at the end of November. In the Bundesliga he has so far scored seven points from five games with Union. He was unable to prevent elimination in the group stage of the Champions League.
Broadcast: rbb UM6, January 25, 2023, 6:00 p.m