Nikola Katic sidelined with concussion – consultation held with DFB

In the aftermath of the incident, the club entered into discussions with the refereeing team shortly after the final whistle on Friday evening to review what had happened regarding Nikola Katic’s treatment and subsequent return to the pitch. That open and constructive dialogue continued on Saturday with the DFB’s refereeing body, Schiri GmbH – with the shared goal of fostering better understanding and ensuring future incidents are handled with player safety as the top priority.

In those discussions, it emerged that communication on the touchline during stoppage time had been problematic. After receiving treatment on the pitch, the team doctor indicated to the fourth official that, in his medical opinion, Nikola Katic should not continue. In the hectic closing stages, this assessment was not clearly registered by the fourth official, meaning the referee was not given the necessary signal. As a result, the refereeing team and Schalke staff collectively failed to prevent the player from returning to the field.

Both the club and Schiri GmbH are using this incident as an opportunity to further refine procedures during matches – with the protection of player health remaining at the heart of all efforts.