For just the second time this season, VfL Potsdam claimed a Bundesliga victory. But the win itself has taken a back seat to the bizarre events that unfolded during the match, which ended with four red cards – one of them handed to Potsdam head coach Emir Kurtagic.
Kurtagic was shown the red card in the 54th minute. The home side was on the attack when Maxim Orlov lost possession, giving HSG Wetzlar a clear counterattack opportunity. But just as the visitors launched the fast break, the timeout buzzer suddenly sounded.
It turned out that Kurtagic had pressed the timeout button – something he’s only permitted to do while his team is in possession. The press came a fraction too late, and Wetzlar were awarded a penalty for the disruption of a clear scoring opportunity. But that wasn’t the end of it.
According to Bild, referees Markus Kauth and Andre Kolb, together with match delegate Marcus Helbig, consulted the rulebook during the match to confirm the correct punishment. The ruling was clear: a direct red card for the coach.
From the stands, Kurtagic watched as his team held on to secure a narrow and much-needed victory. Potsdam now sit six points behind Erlangen, the team currently just above the relegation zone.
Before the coach’s dismissal, three players had already seen red: Philipp Ahouansou and Vladimir Vranješ of Wetzlar, and Jannek Klein of Potsdam.