Cologne match called off after referee suicide bid

Published: 19 Nov 2011 - 15:16:50

Click To Enlarge

The Bundesliga match between Cologne and Mainz was called off 40 minutes before kick-off on Saturday after the referee tried to commit suicide.

Hanover police said 41-year-old Babak Rafati had tried to commit suicide while the local press reported the referee of Iranian origin been found in his hotel room having cut open his veins.

Rafati has been a Bundesliga referee for six years, his first match having been between Cologne and Mainz.

Related Koln News

• Podolski slams bosses at relegated Cologne
• Arsenal-bound Podolski out to help Cologne ...
• Cologne call in Schaefer to help avoid drop
• Cologne appeal Podolski red card