Borussia Dortmund’s controversial penalty against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League has reignited debate about officiating decisions impacting German teams. Veteran consultant Matthias Sammer expressed his frustration, adding to the growing chorus of voices questioning the fairness of certain calls.
The penalty, awarded after Mats Hummels’ tackle on PSV’s Malik Tillman, left many feeling aggrieved. Sammer, known for his outspoken nature, used the post-match interview to amplify these concerns.
“We have too many wrong decisions against German teams!” declared Sammer. He highlighted the recent offside call against RB Leipzig in their match against Real Madrid as another example of this trend, highlighting his belief that German teams are being unfairly targeted.
Sammer’s comments are not isolated. Dortmund manager Marco Rose also voiced his disappointment with the penalty decision, calling it “unbelievable” and suggesting that VAR should have intervened. The incident has sparked widespread discussions on social media and in German sports media, with many fans and pundits expressing similar concerns.
This controversy comes amidst a wider debate about the use of VAR in the Champions League. While the technology has aimed to improve officiating, some argue that it has introduced new inconsistencies and controversies. The Dortmund-PSV incident is likely to fuel these discussions, raising questions about the effectiveness and potential bias within the VAR system.
It remains to be seen whether UEFA will officially address these concerns or investigate the penalty decision. However, Sammer’s comments have undoubtedly reignited the debate about officiating fairness in the Champions League, particularly regarding German teams. Whether his claims hold merit or not, the incident has certainly left a “bitter taste” for many Dortmund fans and raises questions about the overall consistency of officiating in the competition.