Union Berlin manager Nenad Bjelica has been fined £21,000 and handed a three-game suspension for forcefully pushing Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane in his face during the club’s recent 1-0 defeat to the Bavarian giants.
The Croatian coach will miss the next three matches because of a ban resulting from an altercation with Leroy Sane. During the 74th minute of the match, Sane tried to retrieve the ball from Bjelica, prompting the Union head coach to push Sane in the face twice after Sane pushed him. This resulted in a scuffle, leading to the coach’s ejection from the sidelines.
The German Football Association (DFB) fined Nenad Bjelica €25,000 (£21,330) for pushing Sane in the face, citing unsportsmanlike conduct. This led to his absence from Union Berlin‘s matches against Darmstadt, RB Leipzig, and Mainz. Speaking to ESPN, Bjelica explained that he intended to pass the ball to Sane but was pushed by the German forward, prompting his reaction. When asked about apologizing to Sane, Bjelica dismissed it, attributing his on-field reaction to football emotions.
He was appointed in November last year, following the dismissal of Swiss manager Urs Fischer by Union due to a lackluster beginning to the 2023-24 season. Despite the Croatian’s arrival, Union Berlin are still struggling in the 15th position on the table.
Nenad Bjelica’s arrival at Union Berlin has not changed the club’s fortunes
Croatian manager Nenad Bjelica was appointed by Union Berlin two months ago, owing to a disappointing start to the season under former boss, Urs Fischer. Despite his arrival, Union have not performed at their best level, securing only two victories in their last six matches.
Former manager Urs Fischer guided the club to a seventh-place finish in 2021-22 and a historic fourth-place finish in 2022-23, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League in 2023. However, the club had a disappointing start to the 2023-24 season, finding themselves in the relegation zone by October.
Since Bjelica’s appointment, the club has improved, winning two, drawing two, and losing three matches since November. With only four wins out of 17 matches and 14 points accumulated, the club has struggled, scoring 17 goals and conceding 32 this season. The departure of key forward Sheraldo Becker to Real Sociedad for €3 million this month poses additional challenges.
More must-reads: