FC Bayern’s 2-2 draw at FC Augsburg is still sparking debate two days after the final whistle. One play from the second half, in particular, has taken center stage. In the 51st minute, Luis Díaz scored what appeared to be a goal for the record champions, but it was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review. Now, the DFB has commented on the controversial decision.
The ball found the back of the Augsburg net a total of four times on Saturday, but none of the goals were allowed. While three of these decisions were largely uncontroversial, according to *kicker*, the incident involving Díaz in particular has sparked debate.
The Colombian had scored with a bicycle kick following a cross from Ismael Saibari. Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen was unable to hold onto the ball. But instead of the equalizer, after a review lasting several minutes, a free kick was awarded to the hosts.
DFB explains: This is why Díaz’s goal didn’t count
The reason for the decision lay several seconds before the actual shot on goal. Following a free kick by Joshua Kimmich, Josip Stanišić was marginally offside when he headed the ball. Augsburg’s Han-Noah Massengo then attempted to clear the ball out of the danger zone but was unable to fully clear the situation.
Bayern retained possession and scored what appeared to be the equalizer shortly thereafter.
The decisive question, therefore, was whether Massengo’s defensive action had already initiated a new phase of play or whether the previous offside position remained relevant.
Alex Feuerherdt, head of communications for the DFB referees, explained the referees’ assessment to *kicker *. According to him, factors that play a role include how controlled a defender’s clearance is and whether the action leads to a new attack.
In this specific case, the ball was not far enough removed from the original play following Massengo’s clearance attempt. Consequently, Stanisic’s previous offside position was still deemed to be a foul.
Former referee disagrees with the decision
Patrick Ittrich’s reaction shows that this assessment is not without controversy. The former Bundesliga referee had already expressed significant doubts about the decision on Sky. “That’s the classic ‘next play’ situation, and in my view, the goal should have counted,” Ittrich explained.
In his view, the original offside situation had already been resolved by the Augsburg player’s defensive action. “I think this is a very, very controversial decision,” emphasized the former referee.
According to *kicker*, Feuerherdt also showed understanding for the opposing interpretation. The play thus certainly allows for differing assessments.
Particularly curious: Just about a minute after Díaz’s disallowed goal, Munich actually managed to tie the game.
Saibari scored to make it 1-1, bringing Vincent Kompany’s team back into the game.
Later, Augsburg took the lead again before Nathaniel Brown tied the game at 2–2.
It’s impossible to say whether the match would have unfolded differently had Díaz’s goal been allowed. What is clear, however, is that the controversial VAR decision initially prevented a potential Bayern equalizer.
For the Munich team, this means not only the loss of two points but also the ongoing debate over a play on which even former referees have differing opinions.