Almost three months after the momentous brawl in Austria, goalkeeper Marius Gersbeck is given a second chance at Hertha BSC. “Strict rules of conduct” now apply to the 28-year-old.
Hertha BSC is giving Marius Gersbeck a second chance and bringing the goalkeeper back to the first team. Gersbeck will return to team training during the international break and will train again with head coach Pal Dardai’s professional squad, the second division soccer team announced.
“From now on, however, strict rules of conduct in public and private life will apply to our goalkeeper and he will be severely sanctioned,” the statement continued.
Gersbeck had stood trial because he injured a 22-year-old in a nighttime brawl on the sidelines of Hertha’s training camp in July. The proceedings ended last week as part of a so-called diversion. After admitting guilt and apologizing to the victim, Gersbeck was sentenced to a fine of 40,000 euros in the Salzburg regional court. He is not considered to have a criminal record.
“His suspension will be lifted, but he will receive a warning and a heavy fine from the club. In addition, Marius has committed himself to becoming socially active from now on in order to pass on his experiences from this misconduct,” said managing director Tom Herrich.
Gersbeck announces fan dialogue
Gersbeck, who was born in Berlin, returned to his youth club from Karlsruher SC this summer. Because of his close contacts in the fan scene, he is considered a possible identification figure for the so-called Berlin Way, with which the Bundesliga relegated team wants to get out of the sporting and economic crisis.
“I’m not a bad person and, above all, I’m not the unreflective, beating goalkeeper who doesn’t care about those around him or those around him,” said Gersbeck. The 28-year-old announced that he would speak to the fans personally at the Berliner general meeting in mid-October. He is aware that he has made a huge mistake.
Gersbeck will initially have to line up at the back in the Berlin goal. After his suspension and the departure of Oliver Christensen, Tjark Ernst found himself stuck between the posts. “Of course, I can also assess my sporting situation very well at the moment. But I’m now also looking forward and I’m grateful and humbled at the same time that I can return to team training as a Hertha player. You can judge me by these words in the future and I hope “You give me the chance to do that,” said Gersbeck.
Source: Stern
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