Bundesliga referee Patrick Ittrich expressed his horror at the case of his colleague Felix Zwayer.
“I consciously devote myself to social media, so I know what can blossom there.
But I find it incredibly disgusting,” said the Hamburger in the “ran Bundesliga web show”.
“Football players are also insulted, discriminated against and insulted.
I don't know what people imagine doing what they have a right to do.
That's not a legal vacuum," the referee warned, looking at the fate of his colleague.
"The fact that Felix Zwayer has to be afraid for his family is the most disgusting thing of all.
It hurts you," said Ittrich.
At some point, "a point is reached where you really have to ask yourself whether it still makes sense."
Zwayer: "I accepted help"
Zwayer had paused after his controversial management of the top game in December 2021 between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich (2: 3).
In the meantime, he had reported massive hostilities, and he is said to have received a death threat.
The 40-year-old was verbally attacked by BVB midfielder Jude Bellingham particularly hard on the player side.
The Englishman had indirectly accused Zwayer of bribery, alluding to the Robert Hoyzer scandal 17 years ago.
On February 13, Zwayer made his comeback in the second division game between Hannover 96 and Darmstadt 98.
During his time off, he received help from numerous people and colleagues.
He also received support “from the psychological area”.
“These talks brought a lot.
I was happy to accept the help," Zwayer said on Sky after returning to the football stage.