Augsburg’s Michael Gregoritsch earns praise for ‘fair play action’ in crucial relegation match against former Bundesliga club Hamburg
Augsburg’s Michael Gregoritsch earns praise for ‘fair play action’ in crucial relegation match against former Bundesliga club Hamburg Augsburg striker Michael Gregoritsch has earned praise from all quarters for his “fair play” action in Saturday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Hamburg. Though it certainly wasn’t the only interesting storyline emanating from the match , the Austrian striker’s admission that he wasn’t fouled at the edge of the area late in the first half emerged as a major talking point. How did Michael Gregoritsch exemplify ‘fair play’?
The 31-year-old Austrian international recently returned to the Bundesliga on loan from Brøndby just six short months after departing German football. Gregoritsch has made no select of the fact that he absolutely loves the league in which he’s now made 282 appearances whilst representing four different top flight clubs. The Bundesliga “fan-favorite” did his preferred league a great service on Saturday.
Hamburger SV happened to be one of the club’s Gregoritsch represented. Prior to heading to Augsburg for his first stint with the Fuggerstädter , Gregoritsch spent two seasons in the Hanseatic city state between 2015 and 2017. Despite the fact that the stakes couldn’t have been higher in Saturday’s relegation six pointer, Gregoritsch didn’t want to put his former club at a disadvantage.
Augsburg entered second half injury time leading their hosts 0-1. At 45+3, match official Deniz Aytekin awarded a free-kick to the guests in a dangerous area just outside the box. The scene didn’t count as one that VAR could review.
As a result, Aytekin went to the sideline to ask Gregoritsch what happened. Gregoritsch – receiving treatment on the touchline – told the truth. Gregortisch made clear that Hamburg’s Fabio Vieira didn’t foul him.