Brutal attack in the Judo Bundesliga: Leipziger knocks down opponents

The spirit of judo is based on respect, discipline, self-control and fairness. The opponent is not seen as an enemy, but as a training and competition partner. Victories should be achieved through technique, skill and effort, not through violence outside the rules. Even in emotional situations, the fighter should control his feelings and aggression.

So much for the theory. Unfortunately, what happened on Saturday in the Judo Bundesliga has nothing to do with that. A serious incident overshadowed JC Leipzig's 8:6 home win against TSV Abensberg from Lower Bavaria.

Shortly after the end of the penultimate fight, the defeated Leipzig fighter Akaki Japaridze (24) attacked his opponent Timo Cavelius (29) with three punches. A right straight, a left hook and then another right standing over the victim as the Olympic 17th. of Paris was already lying on the ground and bleeding. Only the intervention of other fighters may have prevented further blows. A video from ARD shows the scene.

According to information from the Leipziger Volkszeitung, the 29-year-old German lost two teeth and suffered a broken jaw. He was operated on at the Leipzig University Hospital that same evening. The fight was meaningless for the outcome of the game, the hosts were already determined to be the winners.

Police were called in

Cavelius had won in extra time and cheered provocatively in the direction of the Georgian with his hand clenched into a fist. Then the fuses blew. The JC Leipzig distanced itself from the actions of its athlete. In a statement, the club said: "Violence has no place in our sport. As judoka we stand for respect, tolerance, fairness and mutual respect."

Japaridze was disqualified after the incident and the police were called in. The Georgian then traveled back unmolested, but he still faces severe legal and sporting consequences. A long or even lifelong ban is possible, and his club also faces sanctions.