Referee brutally attacked by thugs at his home after proposing to boyfriend on pitch | Football | Sport

A referee who proposed to his boyfriend during a top-flight match was reportedly attacked at home after his address was discovered by a group of vile thugs. Pascal Kaiser, an amateur official, went viral after popping the question to his partner Moritz during Koln’s recent game against Wolfsburg. The proposal took place in front of over 50,000 fans and was viewed by millions more on social media.

Koln posted a video on their official Instagram account with the caption: “Pascal Kaiser is a referee and a huge FC fan. Pascal is queer and came out three years ago. Today, he had a special plan, which FC Koln supported. Pascal proposed to his long-term partner at the RheinEnergieStadion, but see for yourselves! Congratulations, you two.”

Kaiser told the stadium: “I don’t want to hide. I want to be visible. I want everyone to see that I love this person. A man. As a man. In football. Will you marry me?”

Thankfully, the proposal was accepted and the happy couple embraced in front of the applauding crowd. It got even better for Kaiser as his beloved team secured a narrow victory thanks to Linton Maina’s first-half goal.

However, things took a dramatic turn a few days later when Kaiser was violently attacked at his own home, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The report states that following the proposal, Kaiser received threats that mentioned his home address. He is said to have called the police to relay his concerns, but was allegedly told there was “no danger”.

Just minutes later, he ventured into his back garden to smoke a cigarette when he was ambushed by a group of three men.

The report adds that Kaiser believes his proposal was the reason for the attack. He has since posted images on social media showing his black eye.

Kaiser was previously a footballer and has spent over a decade refereeing amateur fixtures in Germany. He previously spoke to Schwulissimo about his sexuality and desire to encourage others to come out.

“I see this as my mission: to create visibility, to be a voice and to encourage people who aren’t yet brave enough to speak up,” he said. “I know how lonely it can be to think you’re the only one. I want no one to have to feel that way again.”