Hertha slams red card for Leistner - and Knäth counters - Hertha slams red card for Leistner - and Knäth counters
A controversial red card sparked outrage in the 2. Bundesliga clash between Hertha BSC and Arminia Bielefeld. The match on December 19, 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw after referee Jarno Wienefeld sent off Hertha’s Toni Leistner in the 85th minute. The decision left players, officials, and fans furious.
The incident unfolded when Leistner brought down Arminia’s Isaiah Young near the sideline, roughly 20 metres from goal. Referee Wienefeld deemed it a professional foul and showed a straight red card. Hertha BSC coach Stefan Leitl called the ruling an 'outrageous disgrace,' claiming the official misunderstood the rules.
Hertha’s sporting director, Benjamin Weber, labelled the decision 'completely incomprehensible' and argued it cost his team two vital points. Captain Fabian Reese went further, accusing Arminia of poor sportsmanship and promising payback in the return fixture.
In response, Arminia coach Mitch Kniat stood by the referee’s call. 'A foul is a foul,' he stated, dismissing criticism and refusing to apologise for the win.
The red card overshadowed the match, leaving Hertha BSC frustrated and Arminia Bielefeld unapologetic. The fallout has intensified tensions ahead of the teams’ next meeting. Wienefeld’s decision remains the focal point of the dispute.
