Referee Felix Zwayer wants a “personal interview” with Jude Bellingham

For referee Felix Zwayer, the verbal attack by Jude Bellingham has not yet been checked – but the Berlin referee is not planning any legal action.

“I would like to clarify that in a personal conversation with Jude Bellingham and I offered one to Borussia Dortmund,” said Zwayer on Tuesday image-Newspaper.

He is not concerned with “punishment, but with the understanding that he has gone too far. I would accept a sincere apology.” The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) had previously pronounced its verdict, Bellingham was fined 40,000 euros for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The 18-year-old had tackled Zwayer hard after the top match between BVB and Bayern Munich (2: 3). “You give a referee who has postponed games the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?” Said Bellingham.

The Englishman was referring to events that occurred 17 years ago. In 2004, according to the files, Zwayer had accepted money as an assistant from the mastermind Robert Hoyzer. He later uncovered the scandal, and despite the ban, manipulation was never proven.

Zwayer: “It has to be good then”

Zwayer now also emphasized: “As a young man I made the mistake of not reporting an incident immediately, but only after considering it too long. That was wrong and I was punished for it. But it must be good.”

Bellingham’s comment was “personal, disparaging and disrespectful”, was “insulting and slanderous” and should “not stand still”. The “radiance” on the amateur sector should also be considered.

“I’m concerned about the brutality in dealing with all referees – including myself – off the pitch, especially on social media,” said Zwayer: “I personally wonder where respect and fair play remain.”

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