Drama in Dortmund: Last minute victory with a controversial referee decision!

Drama in Dortmund: Last minute victory with a controversial referee decision!

On May 1, 2025, the football world experienced a dramatic end of the Bundesliga 31st match day. Borussia Dortmund defeated TSG Hoffenheim 3-2, with the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Waldemar Anton was the hero of the game and provided great emotions in the stadium.

The crucial hit fell under controversial circumstances. In front of the goal there was a collision between Carney Chukwuemeka and Hoffenheim's goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Baumann was hit on the head and was dazed, which could no longer intervene decisively at Anton's decisive shot. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac defended the decision of the referee Benjamin Brand, who did not interrupt the game, and saw no foul. In contrast, Hoffenheim's coach Christian Ilzer described the decision as a "scandal decision" and criticized the undeprozy final whistle in this decisive phase of the game.

discussions about the referee decision

The controversy around the game increased when the experts and fans discussed the controversial decision after the final whistle. Emil Can, Captain of BVB, described the situation as a 50:50 decision. The DFB also commented and explained that it was an unfortunate collision without a foul. DFB spokesman Alex Feuerherdt emphasized that Baumann also touched Chukwuemeka's foot when the ball warded off, which made it difficult to diagnose a possible head injury. However, opinions went far apart in public.

The VAR (Video Assistant Referee) did not become active in this scene. The reason for this was the ambiguity as to whether Chukwuemeka or Baumann was the first on the ball. The referee had the opportunity to check the scene on the edge of the field, but decided against such a step. The VAR, which has been in use in the Bundesliga since the 2017/2018 season, was introduced to improve the accuracy of the decision and can intervene in four specific cases: goals, penalty, direct red cards and player confusion.

after -effects of the game

The aftermath of the game was also evident on social media. Nico Schlotterbeck, who has not been on the pitch in the past few weeks due to a meniscal tear, was pleased with the BVB victory after the game and reposted a contribution from the BVB account. The victory was important for Dortmund in the fight for European competitions and contributed to the intensity of the discussions about the controversial decision.

Overall, the victory of BVB fell under a dramatic and controversial guise that moved the minds of the fans and experts alike. A new proof of how much emotions and decisions in football are linked.