A death has overshadowed the first win of SG Flensburg-Handewitt's handball team in main round group 1 of the European League. The team defeated Montpellier HB 40:35. A medical emergency occurred in the arena, where all measures proved unsuccessful.
SG Flensburg-Handewitt, the defending champions in the European League, secured their first win in main round group 1 with a 40:35 (21:20) victory over French club Montpellier HB. The success was overshadowed by a tragic incident: A medical emergency in the arena led to a person's death. The club stated: "Unfortunately, all initiated measures were unsuccessful."
SG managing director Holger Glandorf expressed condolences: "Our thoughts are with the relatives and friends of the deceased in these difficult hours. Handball and all sporting aspects take a back seat today."
In the match, Flensburg turned the game around only in the final quarter. At 33:31 in the 49th minute, goalkeeper Benjamin Buric saved a seven-meter shot from Benjamin Richert. Niclas Kirkelökke then made it 34:31 in the next attack. Another save by Buric against Valentin Porte at 38:35 in the 57th minute sealed the win. The return leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at 20:45 in southern France and will be broadcast on Dyn.
Reporting by RND/dpa.
