Platzverweisen

Platzverweis is a German term used in sports law and refereeing to denote an order that a participant must leave the playing field or a venue due to misconduct. The word combines Platz (field or place) and Verweis (referral or ban) and is primarily associated with football, but can appear in other competitive settings as well. In many contexts it is effectively the expulsion from the match, similar to a red card, and is issued by the match official.

In football, a Platzverweis is pronounced when a player, coach, or other on-site person commits acts of serious foul play, violent conduct, persistent unsporting behavior, or other grave offenses. The officiating official removes the offender from the field immediately and the individual may not re-enter the field for the remainder of the match; the team continues with one player fewer. Beyond the current game, the offender is typically subject to disciplinary procedures by the national federation or league, which can include suspensions, fines, or mandatory educational measures.

Beyond the sporting context, the term Platzverweis can also describe a temporary exclusion ordered by authorities to prevent disturbances at a venue, such as a stadium. Such measures are legal or administrative actions and carry potential penalties for violation, including further bans from events.

See also: red card, yellow card, disciplinary proceedings, stadium ban, police powers in event management.