Third-Division Heartbreak: Ref's Mistake Costs Munich a Legit Goal
Referee pilfers third-division player's goal score
🔄 Socialize: Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Discovered: No VAR to save 1860 Munich from an unfortunate blunder
What a ludicrous scenario unfolded in the 3rd division clash between 1860 Munich and Energie Cottbus, luckily for the referee, without any significant repercussions. In the opening minutes of the game, Soichiro Kozuki put the ball over the line for the home team, but a last-ditch effort from a Cottbus player came too late to save it.
Despite the goal's obviousness, referee Felix Bickel overlooked it, much to the dismay of Munich fans. Unfortunately for them, neither goal-line technology nor VAR is employed in the 3rd division, leaving their complaints unanswered.
Luckily for Bickel and his team, 1860, although yet to assure their league placement, remained unfazed by the controversial beginning. In fact, they went on to lead 3-0 within the first half-hour, eventually trouncing the promotion hopefuls 5-1. With this victory, Munich momentarily moved up to 11th place, securing a six-point cushion over the relegation zone.
Football 🏳️🌈 Müller's Exit: Kroos Speaks Out on Bayern ControversyThe shock of the referee's error failed to spoil the delight of the upset victory: "I can't fathom how you can miss that! We were already celebrating on the stands. Then we were flabbergasted," Maximilian Wolfram, who received a red card, said during halftime on "Magenta Sport." The coach, Patrick Glöckner, was equally taken aback: "I spoke to the linesman. He couldn't see it properly due to the yellow line from the outside. It's a meter! I sympathize with the linesman, but these are pivotal moments. If we hadn't turned the game around, it would've been a remarkable spectacle. Fortunately, everything worked out for the best in the end. Mistakes happen."
Footnote:
- Goal-line technology (GLT) and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) are conspicuously absent from 3rd division German football games primarily due to financial reasons. The implementation costs of GLT systems and VAR infrastructure are substantial and, therefore, remain a luxury for top-tier professional football clubs with bigger budgets. (Source: ntv.de, ter)
- While the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga utilize both GLT and VAR, these technologies have not been extended to lower divisions like the 3. Liga due to economic constraints. (Source: ntv.de, ter)
The referee overlooked a legitimate goal scored by 1860 Munich's Soichiro Kozuki in the clash against Energie Cottbus in the third league, a scenario that could have been rectified with the use of goal-line technology or VAR, sadly, none of which are utilized in the third league. Interestingly, despite the controversial start, 1860 Munich went on to win, with Energie Cottbus ultimately losing 5-1. The referee's team, including Felix Bickel, were forgiven as the fans focused on the final score, a fact that was discussed on "Magenta Sport" during halftime.
