The EHF Court of Handball notes that although Rhein Neckar Löwen coach Gudmundur Gudmundsson states that Talant Dujshebaev hit him, no material proof allow the panel to conclude without any doubt the occurrence of such an incident after the first leg match of the VELUX EHF Champions League Last 16.
The video of the incident, together with the reports of the EHF delegates are not conclusive about the alleged physical contact since such a contact cannot be observed from the angle of the camera and none of the EHF delegates could either see the alleged physical contact or attend the incident.
Regarding the behaviour of Talant Dujshebaev during the post-match press conference, the EHF Court of Handball observes that no provocation was displayed by Gudmundur Gudmundsson.
However, Talant Dujshebaev adopted an aggressive and agitated attitude towards his opponent, making improper gestures and alleged that the coach of the German club made the same gestures towards him during the match. The reported gestures cannot be observed on any of the video made available to the EHF Court of Handball.
Finally, The EHF Court of Handball does not question the fact that Talant Dujshebaev only wished to report alleged obscene gestures, however, this argument, together with the argument of alleged provocations displayed by his opponent, does not exonerate the coach from his obligation to adopt a proper and sportsmanlike conduct before, during and after the match.
His overall behaviour is considered as constituting an improper and disrespectful conduct violating the principles of fair play as defined in article 2, Chapter 1 of the 2013/14 EHF Champions League Regulations and may ultimately damage the image of the sport handball.
Consequently, and according to article B.3 of the EHF List of Penalties, the EHF Court of Handball has decided to impose a fine of €5.000 on Talant Dujshebaev, half being imposed a suspended basis with a probation period running until June 30, 2015.
text: EHF
