Television - A producer: The ARD film "Nie wipper obdachlos
"This is my world. I put this pipe in it, and then I forget about everything around me" - says judge Angelo Diliberto. The 52-year-old lives in St. Wendel, Saarland, and works as a volunteer referee for the DFB on weekends. A few years ago, his life looked completely different: Angelo was addicted to gambling, lost his job and his apartment, and was homeless for two years.
His story is told in the reportage "Never Homeless Again" from the series "Real Life". It can be seen on this Tuesday (16. July) at 23.45 hours on the First.
Thanks to the job on the field, Angelo managed to literally get his feet back on the ground – and this ground is the grass on the soccer field. A caretaker of a Christian homeless shelter became his friend, the landlord, who he lives with, gave him the tip to try refereeing.
Helping others in similar situations
It seems he has found his calling, as football was always something he enjoyed, now refereeing at regular Kreisliga games in Saarland or even at the "Homeless Worldcup", a homeless tournament that just took place in Hamburg during the Football European Championship.
Author Norman Striegel (52, "God and the World - My New Life") accompanies his protagonist in his obviously fulfilling occupation. In his astonishing story, he also shows that the former factory worker finally wants to work properly again, preferably with people – and he is still looking for his own apartment and a steady relationship. Above all, he wants to help others who are in a similar situation or could fall into it.
A motivator for others
In the film, a friend who is also a referee and a soccer-loving landlord speak up. A social pedagogue from Caritas supports Angelo with bureaucratic matters, a social worker wants to give him a place in a Christian homeless shelter in Saarbrücken, which ultimately fails because he lives in a different district.
Despite all this, Angelo remains calm and composed, a social vein, and clear statements to make, which helps him not to be shaken by setbacks. He will make his way through mainly due to his newly gained inner attitude – and proves to be a true motivator for others.
The grass on the soccer field, where Angelo referees, now serves as a solid foundation for him. angelo often officiates matches in the Kreisliga of Saarland, demonstrating his passion for the sport. His story has inspired many, making him a motivator for others seeking a new beginning. The series "Real Life" on DFB's TV channel, First, aired a reportage titled "Never Homeless Again" about Angelo, showcasing his transformation from a gambling addict to a successful referee in Germany's media landscape.
