Krems trembles to the final: drama in the handball semi-final!

Krems trembles to the final: drama in the handball semi-final!

In the final for the Austrian men's handball title, a gripping duel between UHK Krems and HC Linz occurred on May 21, 2025. Krems prevailed in the first game of the "Best of Three" semifinal with 31:26 and won the series 2-0. The first half ended with a balanced 13:13, but Krems did not let himself be put off and dragged it decisively in the course of the game after Linz was able to keep up until 24:25. However, this final was overshadowed by a serious violation of the rules that moved the round of handball fans.

The dramatic mistake in seven meters throwing caused a sensation when the league described the incident as the "bitter human error of the game officials". After the first round of seven -meter throwing it led 48:48, but the game was incorrectly ended early without a further round with five players who were entitled to play, which would have been necessary according to the game provisions. The result of the game now remains what the Alpla HC Hard means the entry into the final series.

The protest and the decision of the Fivers

Originally, the Fivers Margareten had announced a protest against the game rating, but ultimately decided not to take it. ÖHB President Markus Platzer thanked this decision, which served the goal of sporting fairness. The Fivers emphasized their commitment to sporting fairness and responsibility to act as role models for their youth players. They refrained from a protest to avoid disorders of everyday league life and ended the season optimistically with a view to future challenges.

The establishment of a fair competition is a concern that is repeatedly emphasized in handball. Fairness is considered the cornerstone of sport, and equal opportunities and sportiness are central values. The handball association encourages associations to implement behavioral skills and offer training for referees in order to ensure the implementation of rules. These aspects are not only important for the athletes themselves, but also for the cultivation of a respectful community among those involved.

Because as has already been determined, fairness is not only a question of sport, but also contributes to the positive representation of clubs and can attract partnerships with sponsors. The challenges that can arise from pressure on players and trainers make the implementation of behavioral guidelines particularly important. Open communication about fair competition and the clarification of violations of the rules are also part of the need for permanent improvements in sport.

In the upcoming final round between Krems and Hard, it will be about promoting fair competition - something that handball urgently needs to maintain its integrity and attraction.

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