Enlarge image
Jude Bellingham (left) and Felix Zwayer in the top match between BVB and FC Bayern
Photo: Kolvenbach / imago images / Kolvenbach
For referee Felix Zwayer, the verbal attack by BVB professional Jude Bellingham has not yet been checked, even after his 40,000 euro fine.
Bellingham's comment was "personal, disparaging and disrespectful," "insulting and defamatory," and "shouldn't be left standing," said Zwayer.
"I would like to clarify that in a personal conversation with Jude Bellingham and have offered one to Borussia Dortmund," said the 40-year-old of the "Bild" newspaper.
For him it is not »about punishment, but about the realization that he has gone too far.
I would accept a sincere apology. ”The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) had previously pronounced its verdict, Bellingham was fined 40,000 euros for unsportsmanlike conduct.
No Bundesliga professional has had to pay a higher fine.
The 18-year-old had tackled Zwayer hard after the top match between BVB and Bayern Munich (2: 3).
»You give a referee who has postponed games the biggest game in Germany.
What do you expect? ”Bellingham said in an interview.
The Englishman was referring to events from 2004: Zwayer had accepted money from mastermind Robert Hoyzer as an assistant.
He later uncovered the scandal, and despite the ban, manipulation was never proven.
"But then it has to be good too"
Zwayer also refers to this: “As a young man, I made the mistake of not reporting an incident immediately, but rather after considering it too long.
That was wrong and I was punished for it.
But then it has to be good. "
"Anyone who has accepted money once and has kept Hoyzer's manipulation secret for six months shouldn't whistle professional football," said ex-referee Manuel Graefe months ago in "Zeit Magazin".
Bellingham and Borussia Dortmund have accepted the penalty, so far there has been no reaction to Zwayer's offer to talk.
mfu / sid
