Deniz Undav Criticizes Referee Decision Despite VfB Stuttgart’s DFB-Pokal Win

Stuttgart, Germany — VfB Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav broke with tradition after his team’s DFB-Pokal semifinal victory, joining the chorus of criticism aimed at referee Tobias Welz for a controversial decision that disallowed what appeared to be a go-ahead goal for SC Freiburg in extra time.

Speaking to reporters following VfB Stuttgart’s 2-1 extra-time win over SC Freiburg in the DFB-Pokal semifinal on April 23, 2026, Undav did not mince words about the pivotal moment that shaped the match’s outcome. The Germany international striker acknowledged the benefit to his team while maintaining the call was incorrect.

“Einen krasseren Fehler, glaube ich, kannst du nicht machen als Schiri. Gut für uns natürlich, aber das darfst du nie und nimmer wegpfeifen,” Undav said, according to match reports. The quote translates to: “I don’t suppose you could make a worse mistake as a referee. Excellent for us naturally, but you must never and ever whistle that away.”

The incident occurred in the first minute of extra time when SC Freiburg’s Lucas Höler appeared to put the visitors ahead with a goal. However, referee Welz and his assistants had already blown the play dead, ruling that VfB Stuttgart defender Jeff Chabot had been fouled in the buildup. Replays showed minimal contact as Chabot went to ground, with Höler immediately confronting the referee to protest the decision.

“Ich habe ihm gesagt, dass es eine Frechheit ist, das wegzupfeifen. Und er hat gesagt, dass es eine glasklare Entscheidung ist,” Höler told Sky Germany after the match, recounting his exchange with Welz. The Freiburg striker added, “As well ich weiß nicht, was er in dieser Szene gesehen hat,” echoing the disbelief felt throughout the Freiburg camp.

VfB Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, while accepting the advantage his team gained, showed unusual empathy for the Freiburg perspective in his post-match remarks. “Die Situation darfst du nicht abpfeifen. Da hätten wir genauso reagiert, wie es die Freiburger getan haben,” Hoeneß stated, indicating his belief that the whistle was premature and that Stuttgart would have reacted similarly had the roles been reversed.

The controversial call overshadowed what was otherwise a tightly contested DFB-Pokal semifinal that went to extra time. VfB Stuttgart had entered the match as defending champions, having won the previous season’s tournament. The victory advanced them to the final, where they would await the winner of the other semifinal.

Undav’s criticism carries particular weight given his status as a key player for both club and country. The 29-year-old forward has been instrumental for VfB Stuttgart since joining the club, scoring 27 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 season as of April 12, 2026. He has also earned seven caps for the Germany national team since his debut in 2024, scoring four international goals.

Born in Varel, Germany on July 19, 1996, Undav began his professional career in the lower divisions before making his mark in Belgian football with Union Saint-Gilloise. His performances there earned him a move to the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, followed by a successful loan spell at VfB Stuttgart that was made permanent in 2024.

The referee’s decision has sparked broader discussion about officiating standards in German cup competitions, particularly regarding the interpretation of marginal contact in the penalty area. While VfB Stuttgart celebrated their advancement to the DFB-Pokal final, the manner of their victory has left lingering questions about whether the result was truly earned on the field.

As both teams return to Bundesliga action, the controversy serves as a reminder of how single officiating decisions can dramatically alter the course of knockout competitions. For SC Freiburg, the focus now shifts to finishing their league campaign strongly, while VfB Stuttgart prepares for what could be a historic double if they can convert their DFB-Pokal advantage into league success as well.

The DFB-Pokal final date and venue have been confirmed by the German Football Association, with the match scheduled to take place later in May 2026. VfB Stuttgart will await their opponent, knowing their path to the trophy was paved by a moment of controversy that even their own star player could not endorse.

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