Mainz Defender Dominik Kohr Faces Calls for 12-Match Ban After Record

Mainz defender Dominik Kohr is at the center of a heated disciplinary debate after his recent red card, which saw him become the most sent-off player in Bundesliga history. Kohr’s latest straight red, received for a reckless late tackle on Hoffenheim’s Max Moerstedt in a 1-1 draw, has drawn sharp criticism and triggered calls from former World Cup winner Olaf Thon for a massive 12-match suspension.

Mainz Defender Dominik Kohr Sets Bundesliga Red Card Record

With his ninth career sending off—his second this season—Kohr has surpassed previous Bundesliga record-holders Luiz Gustavo and Jens Nowotny, each of whom were dismissed eight times. Notably, six of Kohr’s red cards have come during his stint at Mainz, cementing his place as the club’s most sent-off player; no other Mainz player has reached more than three.

This latest incident occurred in the closing moments against Hoffenheim, where Kohr’s mistimed challenge on Moerstedt left little doubt for the referee, who issued an immediate red card. His repeated disciplinary issues have sparked debate about the need for a more severe consequence to deter such behavior in German football.

Thon Demands Lengthy Suspension for Mainz Defender Dominik Kohr

Speaking to Kicker, Olaf Thon did not mince words: “I think it’s time to set an example. In this extraordinary case, I consider a ban of up to 12 weeks for the Mainz defender absolutely appropriate. Football is a contact sport, but a line is crossed when a player persistently endangers opponents’ health.”

Thon’s plea underscores a growing concern in the Bundesliga that repeat offenders for dangerous play must face significant consequences to protect player safety and uphold the league’s competitive integrity.

Support and Criticism From Within Mainz

Kohr’s teammates and coaching staff have offered a mixture of support and candid feedback. Defender Danny da Costa defended Kohr, stating, “You keep reading articles in which he is described as the ‘bully of the league’. I’ve known and played with him long enough to say that this is not fair. He has an aggressive playing style, but there are many players who occasionally go too far. The tackle on Moerstedt was not intentional.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Nadiem Amiri was blunt in his assessment: “It was quite clearly a red card. It was not a smart move as he is a key player for us.” Head coach Bo Henriksen kept his comments brief, saying he hadn’t seen the incident but acknowledged, “everyone says it wasn’t smart.”

Dominik Kohr Issues Public Apology

Following the backlash, Kohr took to social media to express regret: “It’s important to me to address you directly today, and especially you, Max Moerstedt. In my mind, I just wanted to prevent a pass. When I saw the TV images, I was shocked myself. It could have turned out differently. I’m relieved and glad that nothing more happened to you and that you were able to continue playing. I also apologize to the Mainz fans whom I serve and for whom I always want to give my all. I want to throw myself into every tackle for you, but I want to reassure you once again that I never want to hurt anyone on purpose.”

While Kohr’s apology has been received positively by some, the debate over the length of his impending suspension continues to divide opinion.

What’s Next for Mainz Defender Dominik Kohr?

The German Football Association’s (DFB) Sports Court is expected to deliver its verdict on Kohr’s suspension, with speculation ranging from a typical four-match ban to a much longer punishment in response to mounting public and expert pressure. A lengthy absence would be a significant blow for Mainz, who have relied on Kohr for over 150 appearances since his arrival, and for head coach Bo Henriksen’s tactical setup.

As Mainz prepare for upcoming fixtures against Universitatea Craiova in the Conference League and Bundesliga rivals Augsburg, the club faces a critical period without one of its most experienced defenders. The outcome of Kohr’s suspension could set a precedent for how the Bundesliga addresses repeat disciplinary issues moving forward.

Opinion: Time for Change in Bundesliga Disciplinary Standards?

While aggressive play is part of football’s fabric, the case of Dominik Kohr highlights the need for clearer boundaries and stricter enforcement when player safety is at risk. A balanced approach—combining fair punishment with support for rehabilitation—could help both Kohr and the league move forward. For more updates on this story and the latest developments in German football, visit for more news.