After red card for pulling her pigtails: DFB player Hendrich only suspended for one game
Following the national team player's unsportsmanlike conduct, UEFA has now announced the extent of the ban. Previously, the DFB sports director had backed the player and presented a new version of events.
Despite her red card, Kathrin Hendrich can still hope to play in the European Football Championship final. UEFA only suspended the German defender for one match for pulling her braid in the quarterfinal against France, a spokesperson for the German Football Association confirmed to the German Press Agency. The DFB also provided information about this.
UEFA considered the grip to be a normal foul and not an assault, and Hendrich was acquitted of any suspicion of intent, as “Bild” had previously reported with reference to UEFA circles.
In the 6-5 penalty shootout victory in the quarterfinal against France in Basel, Hendrich was shown a red card in the 13th minute for tugging on opponent Griedge Mbock Bathy's hair. Video evidence revealed the foul.
The 33-year-old will therefore miss Wednesday's semifinal against Spain (9:00 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the European Championship on ARD and DAZN). However, she would be eligible to play again in a possible final with German participation next Sunday in Basel.
DFB sports director Nia Künzer had previously defended Hendrich. "She's looking in a completely different direction and her hands are in her hair. She didn't grab her hair," Künzer said one day after the quarterfinal victory. "We would like to emphasize that this was not intentional."
In addition to Hendrich, national coach Christian Wück will be without midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken (second yellow card of the tournament) and full-back Sarai Linder for the Spain match. The Wolfsburg player suffered a capsular ligament injury in her left ankle. Giulia Gwinn (median ligament injury) is also out. However, right-back Carlotta Wamser is available again after serving her red card suspension.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
