As of: January 25, 2024, 10:25 a.m
By: Alexander Kaindl
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There was a lot of excitement surrounding Union coach Nenad Bjelica: He became violent against Bayern star Leroy Sané - there was criticism from his own players.
Munich – And suddenly it got loud.
It was the 74th minute of the catch-up game between FC Bayern Munich and Union Berlin when visiting coach Nenad Bjelica had his hand in the face of FCB star Leroy Sané.
Once he reached out.
A second time.
The situation had escalated and the stadium shook.
Scandal scene between Bjelica and Sané: Union coach touches Bayern star twice in the face
It started off so eerily quiet in the Allianz Arena.
The fans had once again decided to protest against the DFL and DFB.
But when things got heated in the final phase, they thawed out.
Union initially called for a penalty after 72 minutes.
The VAR checked the scene between Kevin Behrens and Konrad Laimer - there was no penalty.
When the ball ended up on Bjelica's side a short time later, Sané wanted to get the ball back quickly and continue the game.
But things turned out differently.
Bjelica didn't play along and defended himself against Sané, who wanted to knock the ball out of the hands of the new Union trainer.
The coach evaded, pushed the national player back and grabbed his face.
The Watschn scandal was born.
The subsequent formation of a pack was comparatively mild; there were no further attacks.
Sané saw yellow, Bjelica red. And the game continued.
Union coach Nenad Bjelica (l.) realized his mistake.
However, he initially ruled out an apology to Leroy Sané.
His player Robin Gosens had no understanding of the scuffle.
© Sven Simon / MIS / Imago
Bjelica speaks of Sané-Schusser – TV images expose him
The argument wasn't a big issue for Sané; he didn't show any resentment after the encounter.
Bjelica realized on the Sky microphone and in the press conference that he had made a mistake.
However, a statement was still not acceptable.
The Croatian only wants to apologize to his team for the red card.
“Not with Sané.
He comes into my coaching zone to provoke me.”
Strange values for a Bundesliga coach who, in this context, is more reminiscent of a stubborn child.
Furthermore, Bjelica repeatedly spoke of a push from Sané, to which he had reacted.
It is clear from the TV images that Sané first asks for the ball, then grabs it, the Union coach avoids it and then immediately grabs the Bayern star in the face.
It only became physical because of the Berliner.
Union's coach bully Bjelica: Even his own players shake their heads
Naturally, the expulsion didn't go down well with his players.
Union professional Robin Gosens had already been substituted at the time of the scuffle, but then - like many others - intervened.
In the mixed zone he explained: “Both players and coaches have a role model function.
Emotions are okay and should be expressed on the pitch.
But if it somehow gets to the point where it becomes physical - the player can't do that, the coach can't do that.
We are role models for others because a lot of people watch us.”
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His new colleague Kevin Vogt went one step further and said: "Our coach knows that he's not allowed to do that, there are no two opinions." The fans also reacted with great criticism to Bjelica.
Watschn scandal fits into the picture of the Union season
Bjelica will be suspended for the upcoming game against Darmstadt, and probably for a few more matches.
Overall, the scene fits the picture of the Union season: lots of new players, big goals, no success, separation from club legend Urs Fischer, relegation battle in the Bundesliga.
There is a lot to do in Berlin.
(akl)