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Matthias Koch / IMAGO
Union Berlin will have to play the next three games in the Bundesliga without its coach Nenad Bjelica.
The 52-year-old Croatian, who was violent against Leroy Sané, has been banned from playing in the next three Bundesliga games and fined 25,000 euros by the sports court of the German Football Association (DFB).
Bjelica and the club have agreed to the verdict, which means it is legally binding.
In the catch-up game at FC Bayern Munich, which the Berliners lost 0-1, Bjelica grabbed the Bayern professional and national player Sané twice in the face.
Bjelica then described his reaction as wrong, but also felt provoked by Sané.
The Bayern professional received a yellow card.
Bjelica had to watch the final phase of the defeat in Munich from the stands.
During his suspension, Bjelica will not be allowed to be inside the stadium for three games.
His assistant team will take care of the team.
Now come important games in the relegation battle
The ban means another setback for the Unioners.
Next Sunday, the Köpenick team will host SV Darmstadt 98, bottom of the table. Lying in 15th place, the Unioners have so far only scored three points more than the promoted team, although they have also played one game less.
The canceled game against the current sixteenth-placed Mainz 05 will be rescheduled for February 7th - Bjelica will also be missing there.
The indoor ban begins half an hour before the start of the game and ends half an hour after the final whistle.
The Croatian himself may have weakened his position within the club with his misconduct.
Union professionals also expressed criticism with reference to the role model function that both players and coaches have.
Bjelica has only held the position at Union since November 27th.
The Berliners had previously parted ways with long-time successful coach Urs Fischer after a series of serious defeats and slipping to last place in the table.
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