Twin referees, Reiner Methe and Bernd Methe, die in tragic car accident – IHF News
Hearing superstitions of twins getting hurt if one of them feels the pain curtails the real story that made the news this week as the International Handball Federation lost two of its most prolific referee, 47-year-old German twins,
Reiner and Bernd Methe in a life taking car accident on 11th of November 2011.
The two brothers were on their way to the German Handball Bundesliga match between Balingen and Magdeburn. Twins had been international referees since 1998, however, their death on Friday evening left behind a total of three children.
The incident happened when driving on a regional road, the car slammed into a truck, however, there are still confusions regarding the cause of the fatal accident. However, the match was cancelled after the Methe brothers failed
to arrive to officiate. Police subsequently confirmed that they were both dead.
Nominated for the Women’s World Championship in Brazil in December, Methe/Methe were undoubtedly one of the most talented referees the game had. Not only did they referee the final of Men’s EHF Euro 2010 in Vienna, but also numerous
other major events that took place all over the world. The two also coupled in several tournaments such as at the 2007 Women’s World Championship in France.
The two had refereed 670 Bundesliga Matches altogether in Germany only since 1993. Adding to the numbers, the two had also officiated 206 IHF/EHF fixtures. Expressing his sentiments for the two twins, IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa
said: “This is a great loss for international handball. In the name of the International Handball Federation, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Bernd and Reiner Methe.”
League president Reiner Witte said, "The entire handball family is saddened beyond all measure over the tragic deaths of Bernd Methe and Reiner Methe. Our thoughts are with the wives, the children and the whole families."
Other than paying a tribute to the two brothers, the German Handball League Officials also postponed the match which is expected to be rescheduled in the coming week.
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