Bundesliga player: Empty stadium made me miss penalty

In the 27th minute of Sunday's German Bundesliga contest between Augsburg and Cologne, Augsburg forward Florian Niederlechner failed to convert a penalty that would've given his side a 1-0 advantage. The match finished 1-1 and left Augsburg only four points clear of the relegation playoff spot in the table.

As noted by ESPN's Stephan Uersfeld, Niederlechner blamed the fact that fans aren't welcomed inside stadiums because of the coronavirus pandemic for why his spot kick didn't hit the back of the net.

Niederlechner said:

"Usually, I hit it to the right corner but I heard a comment [from an opponent] because of those damn ghost games.

"He shouted to the keeper to remember where I always aim at. And that led to me changing my mind. That was a huge mistake. I let myself be influenced by it.

"I have often been the hero, but today I am the fool."

Both the Bundesliga and UFC returned to action in May behind closed doors due to the uncontrolled virus outbreak. Such empty-venue events made for interesting television broadcasts where fans clearly heard instructions and other messages shouted by athletes and coaches. 

The Bundesliga has also pumped in crowd noise to add atmosphere for television broadcasts. Meanwhile, the Danish Superliga allowed fans to take part in the action via a Zoom videoconference. 

Per the official league website, the club that finishes 16th in the Bundesliga faces the team that ends the Bundesliga 2 campaign third in that table for the relegation playoff and last available top-flight berth. 

Following Sunday's results, Augsburg are seven points clear of an automatic drop into the second division.