Why were Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim players just passing the ball to each other in the final 15 minutes during their Bundesliga clash?
Bayern Munich thrashed Hoffenheim 6-0 in their Bundesliga encounter. However, bizarre scenes took place in the final 15 minutes. Instead of taking the match seriously, the players from both sides passed the ball among each other for the remainder of the match.
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But why were Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim players just passing the ball to each other in the final 15 minutes?
Well, earlier in the match, Bayern fans decided to protest against Hoffenheim’s Owner, Dietmar Hopp by unfurling a banner that read:
“Dietmarr Hopp: Son of a B***h”.
Bayern’s manager Hansi Flick pleaded with the fans to take the banners down but failed to convince Bayern supporters.
Hoffenheim-Bayern stopped for a few minutes with Bayern 6-0 up as fans in the away block unfurl a banner.
“Dietmar Hopp [TSG owner] remains a son of a whore.”
Bayern players run over telling them to stop. So does coach Hansi Flick, shouting at the fans, furiously gesticulating. pic.twitter.com/klFYgzsu4q
— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) February 29, 2020
Players agree not to score
In the 77th minute of the match, the play was suspended. However, things got really strange when the players returned. Rather than play on, the players on the pitch began passing the ball about.
This is the first time I’m seeing this.
Both Bayern and Hoffenheim players agree there won’t be another goal again.
The next 15 minutes of this Bundesliga game will be completed with two teams passing amongs themselves as one team. No goal will be scored. Unbelievable pic.twitter.com/gBqj54vBZ5
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) February 29, 2020
Both Bayern and Hoffenheim have refused to play. pic.twitter.com/tpz5TBOUFZ
— маш, короче (@navvidu) February 29, 2020
It has since emerged that the players from both sides agreed not to score in the final 15 minutes to show solidarity with Hopp and decided to retaliate against the protesting fans.
German Clubs normally adhere to the 50+1 rule that ensures that the majority of the club is owned by fans. However, Hopp is the financial force behind Hoffenheim and is compared to the owners of Chelsea and Manchester City.
With this win Bayern Munich now have 4-point lead over 2nd place RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga although Leipzig still have a game in hand.
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