Rare praise: After the zero score between Eintracht Frankfurt and SC Freiburg, the coaches of the two rivals unanimously praised referee Felix Zwayer’s confident management of the game. The 42-year-old Berliner was right in two key moments in the Bundesliga game on Sunday evening, which did not have a decisive influence on the game.
At the first excitement, Zwayer allowed Aurelio Buta to pass after a slight collision in the penalty area from Freiburg’s Lukas Kübler. “In situations like this, a penalty is often called and a red card is given. Luckily the referee waited because there was no foul. That was outstanding, otherwise the whole game will be ruined,” said SC coach Christian Streich, praising the referee. “That’s how it has to be, whether for or against us. That was great from the referee.”
Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller also welcomed Zwayer’s decision, although it was to the detriment of the Hessians. “For me, far too many penalties are called where there is only minimal contact. Contact is part of football and sometimes happens in the penalty area. It’s bad for sport when such things are whistled. “You should let it happen more often,” said Toppmöller and added: “I think the referee did it right.”
According to the 42-year-old, Zwayer also correctly assessed the second tricky situation when he did not show Frankfurt’s junior Dina Ebimbe the red card after a violent kick on Kiliann Sildillia’s foot and despite an intervention by the video assistant, according to the TV images his decision remained. “The scene looked really bad, but Junior didn’t want to hurt the player,” said Toppmöller.
Ralf Weitbrecht, Frankfurt Published/Updated: , Published/Updated: Published/Updated: Published/Updated:
Streich generally stood up for the referees, who were under extreme pressure. “If a referee waits to make a decision, they immediately say: He doesn’t have a big chest, he doesn’t dare. That’s rubbish. “You have so much responsibility in a situation like this,” said the 58-year-old and reiterated: “The video assistant was introduced to ensure that no wrong decisions are made and games are decided as a result.”
