The game in the Conference League between 1. FC Slovacko and 1. FC Köln was stopped after a short time due to thick fog. The kick-off had previously been postponed twice.
Uefa had initially postponed the kick-off originally planned for 6.45 p.m. by half an hour, since the conditions had not changed, a further postponement to 8 p.m. German time was dared. After extensive analysis, the referees dared to try and the game was kicked off. The problem: After a few minutes, the fog thickened again, after six minutes, after further consultation time, the demolition.
On Friday (October 28th, 2022) at 1 p.m. the game of the fifth matchday of group D in the Conference League is to be rescheduled. “I haven’t seen anything like that before. But I think the demolition is the right thing. I didn’t see anything, the players didn’t see anything,” said coach Steffen Baumgart.
Cologne needs at least one point – and then actually more break
Cologne need points from the Czech Cup winners to progress in the last game by beating OGC Nice (won 2-1 against Partizan Belgrade). In the first leg, the Bundesliga team showed their superiority over Slovacko and celebrated a 4-2 win. “Fortunately, I was in the 2nd division long enough. I know how 1 p.m. works,” said Baumgart, who moved from SC Paderborn to Cologne in 2021.
If it were up to the 50-year-old, the Bundesliga game on Sunday against 1899 Hoffenheim would also be postponed. “If that were possible, that would be good, then we should tackle it. But I’m assuming that we’ll play on Sunday,” said Baumgart. Because according to the statutes, there must be 48 hours between two competitive games – if the game at Slovacko is kicked off at 1 p.m. on Friday, this is the case.
Fans make it to the Czech Republic
Due to the riots surrounding the first Conference League game in Nice, away fans were not allowed, as in the last European away game in Belgrade. Nevertheless, many Cologne supporters managed to get a ticket. They now have to find a way to be able to attend the alternative date.
