In the Bundesliga top match between FC Bayern and TSG Hoffenheim, a referee’s decision early on was central to the game. After a tackle between Kevin Akpoguma and Luis Díaz, Tobias Stieler awarded a penalty for Munich in the 17th minute and also sent off the Hoffenheim centre-back. Harry Kane converted safely – Hoffenheim had to play almost the entire game outnumbered
After the final whistle, TSG were mainly concerned with the harshness and the timing of the decision. Grischa Prömel spoke to DAZN about a scene that could be interpreted in different ways. „You can interpret it either way – but if it’s decided against us with a red in the 17th minute, then it will be difficult in Munich,“ explained the midfielder, pointing out the enormous influence on the rest of the game
Ilzer speaks of a „clear wrong decision“
Coach Christian Ilzer’s assessment was much harsher. The Austrian spoke of a „clear wrong decision“ and emphasized that a red card was „never“ justified in this situation. It was particularly bitter for everyone involved „that it turned out to be this short-handed game“, which upset the balance of a top game early on
Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann was also irritated, saying that he was not convinced by the referee’s explanation. „He said to me that he was pulling him down. I didn’t see an arm there,“ explained the national keeper, suggesting that he would at least have expected a review on the monitor
Stieler: „Without an alternative, a red card“
Tobias Stieler commented in detail after the game and defended his whistle with clear words. From the referee’s point of view, the scene was clear. „Luis Díaz was quicker and in the better position. He can shoot at goal, he can pass across. Then he goes to ground due to a foul by the Hoffenheim player,“ explained Stieler. The consequence was therefore mandatory: „Accordingly, there is a penalty and, without an alternative, a red card.“
The decisive factor for him was the nature of the offence: „Because it was a foul and not a typical soccer action. If he had tried to play the ball with his foot and then made contact, there would only be a penalty – but that was not possible in this case,“ said the referee
Stieler also described the brief dialogue with Akpoguma: „I had a brief exchange with the Hoffenheim player. The nature of the foul itself was never in question. Look at his reaction after the penalty. He knew full well that it was a foul.“ The only thing discussed was the personal penalty. „The only thing we briefly discussed was the red card. Therefore, this is definitely not a matter for the VAR, but will be decided on the pitch.“
The scene thus remains further evidence of the fine line between the rules and their interpretation. While Hoffenheim speak of a match-deciding over-hardening, Stieler sees a clear thwarting of a goalscoring opportunity – and thus a decision that left him no room for manoeuvre.