Oliver Held - the hand: from Köln’s point of view, the Schalke midfielder’s hand is still to blame for the club’s first-ever relegation. On 29 April 1998, in a rearranged matchday game, FC had the chance to gain breathing room in the relegation battle. In the 80th minute René Tretschok fired towards goal from 14 metres; with Jens Lehmann beaten, Oliver Held reacted instinctively and pushed the ball over the bar - with his hand.\n\nThe gross unsporting act went unpunished, not least because Held lied when the referee questioned him.
Köln lost 1-0 and those three points they might have gained there ultimately proved the difference. Held later admitted as much.\n\nToni Polster’s curse was fittingly colourful: may Held have no luck ever again in life.