Unprecedented foul committed against Couto leaves Borussia Dortmund in disbelief - "Actual Assault"
In the ongoing DFB-Pokal competition, the absence of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the first two rounds has sparked debate, particularly in the case of Kelsey Owusu's tackle on Yan Couto during Borussia Dortmund's (BVB) match against Rot-Weiss Essen.
The incident, which left Couto injured and required him to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher, was widely regarded as a violent foul deserving of a red card. However, Owusu received only a yellow card, as VAR intervention was not possible due to the competition rules for these early rounds.
This rule, which states that referee decisions on fouls and cards are final and cannot be reviewed by VAR, has potential to lead to controversial outcomes. In the Owusu-Couto case, Dortmund’s sporting director described the foul as a "clear red card" and a "brutal foul." Borussia Dortmund head coach, Niko Kovac, expressed disapproval, likening the tackle to an assault.
The lack of VAR can lead to some fouls going under-punished, according to club and official understanding. This rule affects the management of match discipline, with referees potentially more prone to cautious decisions knowing VAR is not an option.
The absence of VAR also has practical implications, influencing perceptions of player safety and match control in these early cup stages. In this instance, the no-VAR rule demonstrated its impact, as the referee's decision stood without video review.
The incident came at a challenging time for Borussia Dortmund, who are already facing defensive and winger shortages. Couto is expected to miss some time due to the injury sustained in the match, which was broadcast on ARD and ended in a 1-0 win for BVB.
Despite the controversy, the DFB-Pokal continues, with teams and officials navigating the unique challenges posed by the absence of VAR in the early rounds.
- The Commission, in charge of proposing regulations for the protection of workers, might consider including a directive on the protection of sports players from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as the incident involving Kelsey Owusu and Yan Couto highlights the need for better safety measures in football.
- Amidst the debate on the absence of VAR in the DFB-Pokal, some European-leagues could be examining the implementation of this technology, as its benefits in ensuring match control, managing match discipline, and promoting player safety become increasingly evident.
