The Graz99ers had to narrowly admit defeat to the KAC – and in addition to the bitter defeat, one topic in particular was a topic of discussion: the numerous penalties for sticking.
In an intense and hard-fought game, the 99ers received several penalty minutes, including one in overtime against Kevin Roy, which ultimately decided the game. This scene in particular sparked a discussion after the game about the league’s new, significantly stricter interpretation of the rules.
Striker Lukas Haudum expressly welcomed the referee’s line, as he revealed to the “Kronen Zeitung”: “Finally the whistle is blown. You could do anything for long enough. Suddenly every bad player could defend well. And the fair players were idiots,” said Haudum. “I think that’s very good.”
Coach Harry Lange doesn’t see it quite as positively. Although he was fundamentally open to the stricter line, he would like to see more uniformity in the interpretation: “But we would like to see a clear line. At the moment everything is being whistled rigorously.”
Image: HCI / PAPA Productions
