BVB snatches victory in Helter-Skelter finale against Hoffenheim, contention brews over game-winning goal
Furious Hoffenheimer reacts vehemently to controversial ruling in the "scandal" case
Borussia Dortmund squeaked past Hoffenheim in a thrilling 3-2 win, held on by their teeth to keep the Champions League dream alive. The decisive goal, scored by Waldemar Anton in stoppage time, left hosts fuming and discussion raging over a controversial decision.
In the heat of the game, Oliver Baumann, TSG Hoffenheim's goalkeeper, found it impossible to reach the ball in time after a heavy collision with Carney Chukwuemeka. Anton leapt to the opportunity, tabulating the dramatic 3-2 victory for Dortmund in the 95th minute. Baumann, dazed and visibly shaken, lay collapsed on the turf, marking the controversial scene that would have heads turning long after the final whistle.
"Head-scrambling goal"
With the Championship League on the line, Hoffenheim was left thunderstruck as the referee let the 3-2 goal stand without a review. "A shock decision!" roared TSG coach Christian Ilzer on Sky, "the head injury issue has been around for quite some time. Chukwuemeka didn't touch the ball, it's absurd! Baumann's face was clearly marked. The referee's failure to review it alone is ridiculous." Video assistant Robert Schröder did not signal for Brand to revisit the questionable incident. "That's unfortunate," stated Anton Stach. Brand stayed mum on the issue, neither acknowledging nor explaining his decision during the game.
Football BVB's pulse-pounding triumph after another questionable 95th-minute goal It seems the two coaches have differing opinions on the matter. "A very tight scene. If Olli Baumann got to the ball first, it's clearly a foul. But I saw Chukwuemeka gaining possession a hair's breadth ahead," explained BVB coach Niko Kovac. "From my perspective, it adheres to the rules. I understand the frustration of the Hoffenheimers," he conceded. Ilzer, however, countered their disagreement, "We've viewed the incident countless times. We couldn't find any footage where Chukwemeka beat Baumann to the ball. Baumann was already on the ball when Chukwemeka made contact, leaving him unconscious. Therefore, for me, it's an irregular goal." The two coaches held brief discussions after the press conference, but apparently, an agreement wasn't reached.
"If the ref blows the whistle, it's fair game"
Beyond the tension of the Champions League chase, Borussia Dortmund is fighting for more than just a spot in the lucrative tournament. "It's a matter of survival for the club," stated a visibly irked Ilzer. On the other hand, Dortmund captain Emre Can offered a different perspective, "If the referee blows the whistle, we accept it. It's tough to swallow, but that's the game." As the excitement unfolded, Baumann's condition was sadly overshadowed. He managed to complete the match, but will undergo further examination for a sizable laceration on his head.
Alex Feuerherdt, head of communication and media at the DFB referee company, clarified the referee's assessment of the situation, "From our viewpoint, there was no foul committed by Chukwuemeka, merely a collision. An immediate, apparent head injury was not evident to the referee, as Baumann initially rose and continued playing. Therefore, it was reasonable that the game continued during Dortmund's attack."
Another incident that stirred debate involved a fresh insult hurled at TSG owner Dietmar Hopp, with a defamatory banner displayed in the away stands. Despite Hopp being a no-show that weekend, the BVB faithful remain in hot waters with him following their frosty history, which has escalated in the past during games against Hoffenheim.
Source: ntv.de, tno
- Borussia Dortmund
- 1899 Hoffenheim
- Niko Kovac
- The European Union might commit to implementing penalties for clubs displaying defamatory banners, such as the one directed at 1899 Hoffenheim's owner Dietmar Hopp, in football matches.
- Despite the controversy around the game-winning goal against TSG Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac understands the frustration of the opponents but maintains that the goal adheres to the rules.
- Chukwuemeka's actions on the field during the game between Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim are questionable, as disagreement arises over whether he gained possession ahead of TSG Hoffenheim's goalkeeper, Oliver Baumann.
- Baumann, the TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper who sustained a head injury during the game against Borussia Dortmund, may be fined a penalty for the controversial decision not to review the questionable incident in the game.
