German referee Babak Rafati receiving treatment in ICU - Bundesliga News
Having attempted to kill himself minutes before the game between http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/1-FSV-Mainz-05-c38166 and FC Koln, German referee, Babak Rafati, has been stabilised and receiving treatment in the ICU. The news was confirmed by the DFB manager, Dr. Theo Zwanziger.
Rafati was due to stand in the game on Saturday, but did not show up on time. This situation caused havoc amongst the assistants who tried calling his mobile phone but there was no response. They later called on a housekeeper, who opened his room’s door
only to find the official lying in the bath tub with a lot of blood around.
The event took everyone by surprise as Rafati had shown no such intentions the night before the game. The referee was immediately taken to a hospital and the match had to be called off, just 45 minutes before the usual kick-off time, when the crowd were
still filling RheinEnergieStadion.
The spectators vacated the stadium immediately after learning about the referee’s suicide attempt. Fans and opponents alike showed great concern and were curious to know the reason.
The official, however, received necessary treatment and was out of danger, hours after being taken to the hospital. He is reported to be currently receiving further treatment in the intensive care and will constantly be monitored before being asked to officiate
any games in the future.
While explaining the whole incident, the manager further enthused:
"The assistants say that they were all together last night and everything appeared to be fine. Rafati was not present at breakfast this morning, but that was nothing extraordinary. At 13:30, they were all due to meet and, when he was not there, and since
he is usually punctual, the assistants tried to call him on his phone.”
He was found lying in the bath tub and there was a lot of blood. A huge 'thank you' must be said to the three assistants. If his condition is not life-threatening, then the three assistants have a lot to do with that." Dr. Zwanziger concluded.
Rafati is one of FIFA’s listed referees and has been performing his duties since 2008.
Tags: