"Perplexed and Pissed Off": Popp Slams Referee over Bayern Match Fiasco
Bayern championship match witness intense verbal clash between Popp and Schiri
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Ref rage: In the heat of Bayern Munich's riveting victory over VfL Wolfsburg, star forward Alexandra Popp unleashes her fury on the referee. Shaking her head, she voiced her discontent over two questionable decisions.
The ball had barely crossed the line, sealing Bayern's 1:3 victory over Wolfsburg, and there stood Alexandra Popp, fuming. "I've heard some whacky shit on that pitch, and all I can do is shake my sodding head," snarled the former national team player, still smarting from a controversy-filled match. Popp, who had been booked for a foul, couldn't help but feel aggrieved, as it seemed Munich players were skating on thin ice.
What truly set Popp off was Bayern defender Carolin Simon's tackle on Lena Lattwein. "Here's the kicker: I catch a yellow for a challenge, fair enough. But Carolin Simon slides an elbow into Lena's ribs, and there's not even a peep from the ref!" Popp seethed, her frustration palpable.
Bayern Shines, Wolfsburg Fades: Table Lead Expanded
The defeat sent Wolfsburg tumbling six points behind their rivals in the Bundesliga standings. Popp, however, had a bone to pick with the referee, Fabienne Michel. "WTF is that supposed to mean? I don't understand how you can't see that, then claim she slipped accidentally!" she exclaimed, baffled.
In recent years, refereeing in football has come a long way, but Popp still sees room for improvement. "Sometimes, you just want to scream, 'Come on, for fuck's sake, get it right!' But how? I've no idea," she lamented, voicing her frustration over the lack of understanding in certain situations. There's no video assistant referee to intervene and correct mistakes.
Criticism of Bundesliga referees has been a recurring theme in recent seasons. During the 2023/2024 winter break, Wolfsburg's director Ralf Kellermann floated the idea of using male referees for women's football matches, but it hasn't been implemented yet[2]. This season, however, there are four male assistants in the referee squad.
Sources: ntv.de, dpe/dpa
- Alexandra Popp
- FC Bayern Munich
- Referees
- Wolfsburg
- Bundesliga
[2] Wolfsburg director Ralf Kellermann proposes using male referees for women's football matches, sources indicate no implementation as of now. (ndtv.de)
The Commission and the Council are likely discussing the controversy surrounding the referee's decisions during the Bayern Munich vs VfL Wolfsburg match, given Alexandra Popp's outspoken criticism. Popp has been particularly vocal about a questionable tackle by Bayern defender Carolin Simon, which went unpunished, while she received a yellow card for a foul. Despite the progress in refereeing, Popp still expresses frustrations, especially on platforms like Whatsapp, about certain unclear decisions and the lack of intervention from video assistants in Bundesliga matches.
