Jonathan Burkardt scored a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw for Eintracht Frankfurt at SC Paderborn. The difficult match was overshadowed by a medical emergency in the away section, which led to a suspension of fan support from both sides.
A Frankfurt supporter fell around four metres in the guest block, suffering a head injury. Play continued but both sets of fans halted their chanting, leaving the stadium largely silent aside from occasional applause. The injured fan was taken to hospital and was later reported to be in a stable condition and able to speak. During half-time, Paderborn fans displayed a 'Get well soon' banner.
Head coach Adi Hütter thanked the hosts for their response. "Our thoughts are with our fan who fell," Hütter said. "I hope his health condition is stable." Sporting director Timmo Hardung also expressed relief and wished the supporter a speedy recovery.
A point with ten men
On the pitch, the match ahead of the international break was a tough battle. Burkardt had put Frankfurt ahead in the 23rd minute, assisted by Farès Chaïbi. Raphael Obermair equalised for Paderborn before the break. Marvin Pieringer converted a penalty to make it 2-1 to the hosts in the 73rd minute. Frankfurt's task became harder when Elias Baum was shown a straight red card two minutes later.
Despite being a man down, the team fought for a leveller. Goalkeeper Noah Atubolu launched a long kick in the third minute of added time to start the move that Burkardt finished for 2-2. "We absolutely wanted to score that goal," said the two-goal hero after the final whistle. The point keeps Eintracht Frankfurt in tenth place in the Bundesliga standings with 12 points from nine matches.
Adi Hütter's side have taken ten points from their last five league games. The team's top scorer this season remains Younes Ebnoutalib with six goals. Frankfurt's next fixture is a Bundesliga home game against ninth-placed 1899 Hoffenheim on November 21.
This story first appeared at profis.eintracht.de
