Unsightly Drewes incident leaves sour note in Bochum’s stalemate with Union Berlin

The 10-men of VfL Bochum looked set to grind out a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin before an incident involving Patrick Drewes halted the action for 15 minutes before play resumed.

There was drama aplenty in the German capital as ugly scenes near the final whistle halted the game for 15 minutes. With the game evenly poised, Bochum shot-stopper Patrick Drewes was struck with a lighter as referee Martin Petersen called the teams into the dressing rooms. Bochum eventually emerged without Drewes – striker Philipp Hofmann finished the game between the posts. In a show of solidarity, neither team looked to find a winner as it finished 1-1 in Köpenick to a chorus of boos.

VfL Bochum have somewhat steadied the ship in recent weeks under Dieter Hecking, but they were dealt a blow inside 13 minutes as Koji Miyoshi received his marching orders. Andras Schäfer lay crumpled on the ground holding his shin as Martin Petersen brandished the red card in Miyoshi’s direction. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ibrahima Sissoko headed Bochum in front when he latched onto Passlack’s cross. 

The 10-men of Bochum looked to sit in early maintain defensive solidity, but their efforts would be unlocked in the 33rd-minute as Union Berlin restored parity. A delightful nutmeg on Sissoko afforded Benedict Hollerbach space to pick out the lower left corner of Drewes’ net. The Stadion Alte Försterei burst into raptures as Bo Svensson cut a cool figure in the dugout. 

Die Eisernen appeared to earn themselves a penalty after the restart when Bernardo brought Skov to ground. VAR came to the Brazilian’s rescue who clearly tripped over Hollerbach and caught the Dane accidentally. Chances were slim until summer signing Jakov Medić sliced a late effort over the bar for the gutsy visitors. Ugly scenes followed late on as Drewes was struck by a flare late on. The 15-minute delay imposed by arbiter Martin Petersen eventually ended when the teams returned to the pitch to fulfil the final few minutes.