Referee sues fan for 25,000 euros in damages: Verdict in the beer shower case

Zwickau - Referee Nicolas Winter (32) sued sponsor Ulf N. in civil proceedings for an impressive 25,000 euros in damages. The man had poured a cup of beer over Winter during a third division match. The lawsuit was dismissed today, Tuesday - but there is still compensation for pain and suffering.

In April 2023,FSV sponsor Ulf N. attacked referee Nicolas Winter with a cup of beer as he walked into the dressing room during FSV Zwickau's match against Rot-Weiß Essen at half-time with the score at 1:1 .

The reason: he was dissatisfied with the referee's performance.

The Zwickau regional court came to a clear conclusion on Tuesday: Judge Jörg Reneberg (59) awarded referee Nicolas Winter 1500 euros in damages.

In addition, Winter does not have to pay the proportionate legal fees. "Taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the court considers monetary compensation in the amount of 1500 euros to be necessary, but also sufficient," said the Zwickau Regional Court.

Nicolas Winter wanted to make it clear through his lawsuit "that the defendant's actions constitute a serious infringement of his general right of personality protected by the German constitution", the regional court continued. Ulf N. countered: he claimed that the amount to be paid was too high.

"He acted in the heat of the moment, overwhelmed by the atmosphere in the stadium." The verdict is not final. Both parties can appeal.