opinion
Change error in the Bundesliga game
Bayern can’t get away with it that easily
FC Bayern team manager Kathleen Krüger (2nd from left) discusses the confusion with Bayern manager Hasan Salihamidzic (right), the fourth official, Arno Blos and referee Christian Dingert.
© Matthias Hangst / Getty Images
Bayern Munich’s error in the game against SC Freiburg was no longer decisive, and there is agreement on that. Nevertheless, the case should be thoroughly processed before the DFB sports court because there is too much involved.
Stupid mistakes also happen in football at the highest level. FC Bayern and referee Christian Dingert gave the latest example in the game at SC Freiburg. The substitution error that led to the record champions being on the pitch with twelve men for 17 seconds is the topic of the hour in the Bundesliga. The question is: should one simply dismiss the faux pas or should SC Freiburg lodge a protest so that the case comes before the DFB sports court?
There would be a lot to clarify. Who is actually to blame for Kingsley Coman not leaving the field when he was due to be substituted? Bayern’s team manager Kathleen Krüger showed the French pro’s old shirt number, which was 29 instead of the correct 11? Coman didn’t feel addressed and stayed on the pitch until Freiburg defender Nico Schlotterbeck complained to the referee about the error. Or should referee Dingert have noticed the majority? After all, it is his job to ensure that the rules are observed.
Other questions depend on this: Do Bayern have to be punished? Who determines that the eight or more minutes of game interruption caused by the mistake in substitution were not a disadvantage for SC Freiburg? What if Freiburg lack the points from the Bayern game at the end of the season to qualify for the lucrative Champions League? How can you avoid such mistakes in the future? What about the principle of equality, that rules apply to everyone? Do you need more precise rules?
The chain of errors must be processed
Now one could be of the opinion that these questions are of no importance because the game was sportingly decided in the 85th minute at the time of the exchange chaos. FC Bayern deservedly led 3-1. Not even the biggest optimists or the hardest Bayern haters believe that Freiburg still had a chance.
Nevertheless, the case must not simply be accepted as a venial mistake in the squire’s way. It should end up in front of the DFB sports court to process it in all its facets. The fact that an objection from SC Freiburg is necessary puts the club in trouble, after all, they don’t want to be seen as a bad loser, but that shouldn’t bother Freiburg. They should appeal, even if they probably won’t win at the green table. Clear answers are required from the competent DFB sports court. It would benefit everyone.
When would breaking the rules have consequences?
Especially for FC Bayern. If the case is not heard, they expose themselves to the accusation of being favoured.
The Bundesliga is too big and it’s about too much money, so you shouldn’t just sweep such a chain of mistakes under the carpet. It would be unprofessional and not fair.
