Borussia Dortmund Manager Jurgen Klopp Given 1-Match Ban After Referee Freakout

Timothy Rapp

Jurgen Klopp's freakout on a referee during a Champions League match against Napoli last week quickly went viral. Unfortunately for Klopp, it has also resulted in a one-match ban from the competition. 

From the AFP, via FIFA.com:

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has been handed a one match ban by European football's governing body UEFA following an outburst at the fourth official during the 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat at Napoli.

The 46-year-old manager will have to watch next Tuesday's home European group tie to French runners-up Marseille from the stands. UEFA's disciplinary commission will meet on 2 October to decide whether Klopp will be suspended a further match or handed a fine.

Klopp was incensed after Neven Subotic was forced to leave the match due to an injury. A referee delayed his return to the game, forcing him to rush onto the pitch late for a Napoli set piece.

With Borussia Dortmund defenders scrambling to adjust their assignments, Gonzalo Higuain scored the game's first goal. That led to Klopp's reaction and subsequent ejection from the match.

Terrifying, isn't it?

To his credit, Klopp quickly apologized for his behavior after the match on ZDF television, via FIFA.com's report:

I made myself look like a monkey out there and that's not on. I overstepped the mark and it was really pathetic of me. I've already apologised to the team, the referee and the fourth official. I got it wrong. I have to accept the blame for this red card, it was just stupid of me.

It was a rough afternoon for Borussia Dortmund.

Not only did they lose at home to Napoli—a shaky start in a strong group that also includes Arsenal and Marseille—but the team will now be without both Klopp and keeper Roman Weidenfeller, who received a straight red in the match.

If Dortmund fail to take any points from their next contest against Marseille, they will be seriously behind the eight ball at the start of their Champions League campaign. 

Of course, the Bundesliga season has been more kind to them, as they've taken 16 points from their first six matches, tying them with rivals Bayern Munich. At least to this point, Klopp hasn't seen the need to direct his terrifying scowl at any unsuspecting fourth officials in the Bundesliga.

   

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