Hamburger SV has slapped a club record fine on its Peru striker
Paolo Guerrero for throwing a bottle at a fan who allegedly
insulted him.
Guerrero apologized Monday for the incident and said he would
personally speak with the fan.
"I'd like to apologize to all whom I have harmed," Guerrero
told a news conference.
Hamburger SV chairman Bernd Hoffmann did not disclose the
amount of the fine, but said "there had never been one like that in
the history of the club."
Hoffmann said there would be no other punishment by the club
but the German football federation could take its own disciplinary
action against Guerrero, who is coming back after tearing left-knee
ligaments.
The incident happened after Hamburg's 0-0 draw with 10-man
Hannover in the Bundesliga on Sunday, as the players were leaving
the field for the locker room to the jeers of disappointed home
fans.
Guerrero, who was a second-half substitute, aimed a full
plastic beverage bottle at the fan and hit him on the head. The fan
was examined by medical personnel at the stadium and released. He
did not appear to be seriously hurt.
The Peruvian raised eyebrows in Hamburg when he delayed his
return from Peru during the injury layoff because of his fear of
flying. Hamburg sent physiotherapists to Lima to work on Guerrero's
injury.
