Association reduces penalty against Chemie player Weigel

The sports court of the North-East German Football Association (NOFV) has reduced the five-match ban previously imposed on Julian Weigel of regional league side BSG Chemie Leipzig to three matches. The Saxons had previously appealed against the previous ruling. Weigel had physically assaulted home supporters after the goalless draw at Hallescher FC on 12 September and was punished for his behavior.

The NOFV sports court had initially justified the drastic punishment for "grossly unsportsmanlike conduct" by stating that Weigel had taken a run-up of several meters to stop the HFC supporters. An appeal hearing was held on Wednesday evening, at which the punishment was reduced. The ban for two of the five matches was suspended until the end of the 2025/2026 season.

Investigations into the riots continue

Chemie had previously argued that both Weigel and Valon Aliji, who was given a pre-match ban, had acted in self-defense against the attacking and partially masked supporters. "In a highly emotional, extremely confusing situation, in which our team was unprotected by police and stewards on the pitch, Julian Weigel rightly recognized the threat to his teammate from an opposing supporter," the club's reaction stated.

The incidents at the match are still under investigation. "The sports court proceedings at the NOFV sports court regarding the allegations of misconduct by supporters of the home club and the visiting club have not yet been concluded," it said.