German Football Referee Assaulted Following Viral On-Field ProposalTue 10th Feb, 2026A German football referee who recently gained international attention for a public marriage proposal during a Bundesliga match was assaulted outside his residence in Cologne. The demonstration was intended to highlight inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community within professional sports. Following the proposal, the referee faced a series of threats and negative attention online. Security services are investigating whether the attack may have been motivated by homophobia, given the timing and the nature of the threats received following the viral marriage proposal. The broader football community in Germany continues to promote diversity and inclusion, with initiatives such as Diversity Day aiming to foster acceptance and understanding.

Source: The Munich Eye February 10, 2026 16:30 UTC