A German referee who received death threats following his public proposal to his boyfriend at a Bundesliga match was attacked by three men at his home despite police assurances he faced “no danger,” according to reports.
Pascal Kaiser called police to express concerns after receiving threats mentioning his home address in the days following his viral proposal to partner Moritz during FC Cologne’s match against Wolfsburg. Officers reportedly told him there was no danger, but French outlet L’Equipe states he was “violently attacked” in his garden just 20 minutes later.
The amateur official was smoking a cigarette when three men allegedly assaulted him at his property. Kaiser shared a photograph of his black eye with followers on social media following the incident, which he believes was motivated by his public proposal.
The attack occurred approximately one week after Kaiser went viral for proposing in front of 50,000 fans at the RheinEnergieStadion. FC Cologne posted video of the proposal on their Instagram account following their 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg, with Linton Maina scoring the first-half winner.
The club’s post stated: “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 Cologne supported. Pascal proposed to his long-term partner at the RheinEnergieStadion, but see for yourselves! Congratulations, you two!”
Kaiser told the stadium during the proposal: “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?”
The threats Kaiser received in the aftermath of the proposal specifically referenced his home address, prompting his decision to contact law enforcement. The police response that there was “no danger” preceded the reported attack by less than half an hour.
Kaiser has spent over a decade refereeing lower-level matches after previously playing football himself. He came out publicly three years ago and has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in football.
In a previous interview with Schwulissimo, Kaiser discussed his sexuality and mission 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 stated.
He added: “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.”
The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in football, where public displays of same-sex relationships remain relatively rare despite increasing acceptance in wider society. Kaiser’s high-profile proposal was celebrated by many but evidently triggered a violent response from some individuals.
German authorities have not publicly confirmed details of the reported attack or whether arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The investigation into the threats and alleged assault continues.
