Cup match cancelled after lighter strikes ref

Referee Martin Petersen was busy breaking up a scuffle between the two teams in the 71st minute when he covered his head and left the field grimacing.

Petersen had been struck by a lighter thrown from the stands. After heading into the changing room, an announcement was made that the game had been cancelled.

"This is just a disaster for us," said Osnabrück manager Lothar Gans, of the incident that happened in front of the home fans section.

The following morning Leipzig offered Osnabrück a replay. Leipzig head coach and sporting director Ralf Rangnick said in a statement: "We still offer to replay the match because our club stands for fairness, fair play ... and mutual respect." Even Leipzig's own players had lighters, cups and other objects thrown at them. The German FA (DFB) are currently investigating the incident and their decision will be final.

Hertha pass Bielefeld unscathed

In other Monday German Cup action, Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin took down second-division Bielefeld 2-0 in its first-round match, one that was likewise not without controversy.

The match was played in Bielefeld amid tight security, after the Hertha team bus was shot at the day before. The bus was overtaken by a motorcyclist who threatened the driver and then shot at the bus at a roundabout on Sunday, according to Hertha general manager Michael Preetz. No one was injured.

In the match against Bielefeld, Salomon Kalou scored in the 73rd minute and new recruit Vladimir Darida provided the nail in the 88th minute. Elsewhere, Gladbach beat St. Pauli 4-1 thanks to a brace from new-signing Lars Stindl. Nürnberg edged out Aalen 2-1 on penalties after the first four spot kicks were missed.