Farewell to referee legend Heinz Aldinger: Football history crying

Farewell to referee legend Heinz Aldinger: Football history crying

Waiblingen, Deutschland - German football mourns a legend: Heinz Aldinger died on October 18, 2024 at the age of 91. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed this sad news and recognized Aldinger as one of the most important referees in the history of German football. From 1968 to 1981 he headed 136 Bundesliga games and thus decisively shaped an entire era in football - both through sporting brilliance and human size.

He was particularly remembered by his referee services in the DFB Cup final in 1972 and 1980 as well as in 18 European Cup games, including the impressive final in the European Cup winner in 1978. With his sharp mind and respectful use of the players, he set standards in 1975 as the first "DFB referee of the year". In an anecdote, Aldinger's humorous mind becomes clear: On the criticism of the Cologne player Wolfgang Overath, he has "weak ten minutes," Aldinger Keck replied: "And you, overathle, have been playing shit for 70 minutes!" His personality and commitment to fairness leave a lasting legacy in football. The DFB said goodbye with the words: "Aldinger was one of the most important referees in German football history" according to information from www.tz.de .