06.04.2010
German probe into bottle-throwing striker
German prosecutors Tuesday opened a preliminary investigation into Hamburg's Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero after he hurled a plastic drinks bottle at a fan, hitting him on the head.
"We are looking into two things: what projectile Guerrero threw and whether or not the victim was hurt," said Bernd Mauruschat, a prosecutor.
If the bottle was filled with liquid, it could qualify as a "dangerous object" in the sense of the law, he added.
Guerrero could face up to six months in prison if found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm.
According to television pictures, Guerrero -- who recently returned from a seven-month injury absence -- was leaving the pitch during Sunday's goalless draw with Hanover when the fan reportedly told him to go back to his country.
Guerrero reacted by throwing a bottle at the supporter, striking him on the head. He was then ushered into the dressing room by one of his teammates.
Hamburg have already slapped a record fine of between 50,000 to 100,000 euros (67,000 to 134,000 dollars) on the player, who said Monday he was "truly sorry" for what he termed "an enormous mistake."
The German league's disciplinary federation could also become involved in the affair.
After a promising start this season Hamburg are currently sixth in the Bundesliga, 14 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Source: © 2010 AFP - Ronny Hartmann
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