Germany news

Ref Rafati released from hospital

November 21, 2011

The German Football Federation (DFB) have announced that referee Babak Rafati has been discharged from hospital following his suicide attempt on Saturday.

Babak Rafati
GettyImagesBabak Rafati: Slashed wrists in hotel suicide attempt

Rafati was discovered in his hotel room covered in blood by his two assistant referees and the fourth official hours before Saturday's Bundesliga clash between Cologne and Mainz.

Having spent the subsequent time in intensive care, the DFB confirmed through his lawyer that the 41-year-old had been released although he will continue to have treatment for an undefined period.

The DFB, on their website, said Rafati had now requested ''peace and quiet and, above all, time and patience.''

Rafati, who works as a banker, began refereeing DFB matches in 1997 and has officiated 84 Bundesliga games since his promotion to the top flight in 2005.