The Contentious Final Minutes: BVB's Victory Over Hoffenheim
Observed BVB's victorious goal while in a vehicle: 'Simply departed after witnessing the score' - Saw BVB's goal from a car: "Simply bolted away"
In an intense clash on April 26, 2025, Borussia Dortmund clinched a controversial 3-2 win against TSG Hoffenheim, a triumph attributed to a disputed goal in the 96th minute. The decisive moment arrived as Waldemar Anton scored an empty-netter, preceded by a collision between Hoffenheim's goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and Dortmund's Carney Chukwuemeka. Critics argue that Chukwuemeka's charge, which resulted in a hit on Baumann's head, should have been penalized, clouding the goal's legitimacy [1][2].
Controversial Decision by Ref and VAR
Referee Benjamin Brand decided that Chukwuemeka had contact with the ball before colliding with Baumann, justifying the goal's validity. The VAR review concurred, irking Hoffenheim's coaching staff and fans [1][2].
Coaches' Responses
- Christian Ilzer (Hoffenheim Coach): Ilzer expressed fury over the decision, labeling it "scandalous" and underlining Baumann's severe head injury that left him incapacitated during the ensuing play [1][3].
- Niko Kovac (Dortmund Coach): Kovac defended the referee's decision, asserting that Chukwuemeka touched the ball before impacting Baumann, rendering the play fair [1].
Impact on League Standings
The victory propelled Dortmund above Mainz and Borussia Mönchengladbach, securing a Conference League qualification spot [2].
Watzke's Comments on the Incident (Unconfirmed)
On account of unavailable direct quotes, we cannot definitively indicate BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke's views on the refereeing controversy. Given his strategic and diplomatic style, it's plausible that Watzke acknowledges the result's significance for Dortmund while privately acknowledging the controversy swirling around the goal [4].
- The Commission has also been informed of the progress made in the implementation of the programme, as they were interested in understanding the impact of the controversial decision on the sports of football, particularly European-leagues, following BVB's 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim.
- Despite the ongoing controversy regarding the goal scored by Waldemar Anton in the 96th minute, BVB's goalkeeper, Carney Chukwuemeka, remained central to the team's success, with their triumph securing a Conference League qualification spot.
- During a press conference discussing the controversial final minutes of the match, Borussia Dortmund's CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, reportedly stated, "I understand the concern raised by the goalkeeper collision and the subsequent goal, but our sole focus remains on promoting fair play and continuing to work towards our goal of being a top team in European football."
- Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who sustained a severe head injury during the game, took to social media to express his disappointment at the referee's decision not to sanction Chukwuemeka for their collision, prompting a widespread debate among football fans and industry experts about the importance of player safety and appropriate officiating in the sport.
