Ref admits match fixing in Germany

REFEREE Robert Hoyzer has admitted to fixing matches in Germany.

Hoyzer, who has agreed to co-operate fully with a DFB investigation, is accused of placing bets on matches under his command, the most famous of which saw third division side Paderborn win 4-2 against top flight Hamburg in the DFB Pokal.

Hamburg’s defeat led to the sacking of their then coach Klaus Toppmoller.

“The accusations made against me in public are true,” said Hoyzer in a statement distributed by his lawyer.

“I regret my behaviour profoundly and I excuse myself to the German soccer federation, my referee colleagues and all soccer fans.”

Volker Roth, the DFB referees supervisor, admitted his surprise at Hoyzer’s actions.

“We are shocked. We never thought something like this was possible. But there is nothing you can do against criminal energy,” he said.