Treten Schiedsrichter-Ärger fuels BVB controversy after missed penalty
Borussia Dortmund (BVB) edged Eintracht Frankfurt thanks to late Treffers from Maximilian Beier, but the victory was shadowed by a denied penalty in the first half. Lothar Matthäus, appearing as a Sky expert, argued the decision should have awarded Ramy Bensebaini a spot‑kick.
Penalty controversy sparks debate
Matthäus maintained that the incident in minute 19 was a clear foul on Bensebaini, with SGE striker Jonathan Burkardt making decisive contact. He described it as a ‘clear kick to the Achilles tendon without the ball’, insisting a penalty should have been given.
The video assistant referee (VAR) did not intervene, despite the referee’s initial decision to rule out a penalty. Matthäus criticised the VAR, saying it should have stepped in and noting that in eight of ten cases a penalty is awarded when the VAR shows the footage.
Assistant coach Robert Kovac, brother of BVB head coach Niko, also felt a penalty was missed. He said the team saw the incident differently but must accept the referee’s call, adding that the VAR apparently indicated no penalty.
The win moved BVB to the top of the Bundesliga table, pushing FC Bayern into second place. Bayern can reclaim the lead with a victory over SC Freiburg on Sunday at 17.30.
The direct clash between the two rivals is scheduled for the coming Saturday, offering Bayern a chance to respond to Dortmund’s recent surge.