Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga title hopes suffered another setback on Saturday as two controversial VAR-assisted penalty decisions went against them in a 2-1 defeat at Hoffenheim, prompting sharp criticism from Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann.
The match at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim began with Dortmund showing intent, taking an early lead through Karim Adeyemi in the 12th minute. However, the game’s trajectory shifted dramatically in the second half when referee Sascha Stegemann, after lengthy VAR reviews, awarded two penalties to Hoffenheim that ultimately turned the tide.
First, in the 62nd minute, Stegemann pointed to the spot after a challenge by Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck on Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramarić inside the box. Replays showed minimal contact, with Schlotterbeck appearing to win the ball cleanly before any incidental contact occurred. Hoffenheim converted through Kramarić to level the score at 1-1.
Then, just six minutes later, another VAR intervention led to a second penalty when Emre Can was adjudged to have handled the ball following a cross from David Raum. The Handball decision was highly debatable, as Can’s arm was close to his body and the ball struck him after deflecting off Schlotterbeck’s leg. Hoffenheim’s Christoph Baumgartner calmly slotted home the rebound after the initial save by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, putting the hosts ahead 2-1.
Dortmund pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages, with Serhou Guirassy forcing a save and Julian Ryerson hitting the post, but the visitors could not find a way past Oliver Baumann in the Hoffenheim goal. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 loss that left Dortmund frustrated and pointing fingers at the VAR protocol.
Speaking immediately after the match on Sky Sport Deutschland, Hamann did not mince his words. “Both decisions are wrong,” he said. “The first one? Schlotterbeck plays the ball. There’s no penalty there. The second? Can’s arm is tucked in. It hits his leg first. How is that a penalty? VAR is supposed to clear up obvious errors, not create them.”
Hamann, a former Bundesliga player with Stuttgart and Bayern Munich, added: “This isn’t the first time Dortmund have been on the wrong complete of these calls this season. It’s becoming a pattern. You can’t keep having points dropped because of subjective, borderline decisions that go against you week after week. It’s not just frustrating for the players — it’s demoralizing for the fans who travel across the country to support the team.”
The defeat leaves Dortmund in fifth place on 49 points from 28 matches, six points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and four adrift of Champions League qualification spots held by RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart. With only six games remaining, every dropped point now carries significant weight in the race for European football.
Dortmund’s head coach Edin Terzić acknowledged the difficulty of the situation without directly criticizing the officials. “We created chances and were in control for large parts,” he said in his post-match press conference. “But we didn’t defend the set pieces well enough, and then these incidents happened. We have to focus on what we can control — our performance, our discipline, our belief. Complaining about decisions won’t change the result.”
Terzić’s side will gaze to rebound quickly when they host Mainz 05 at Signal Iduna Park next Saturday in a crucial home fixture. Mainz currently sit just above the relegation zone, making the match a potential trap game for Dortmund, who must avoid complacency while chasing a top-four finish.
The recurring theme of VAR controversy has become a talking point across German football this season. Dortmund are not alone in feeling aggrieved — clubs like Union Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt have also publicly questioned recent interpretations of handball and foul detection protocols. The DFB has maintained that VAR implementation follows IFAB guidelines, but inconsistencies in application continue to fuel debate among players, coaches, and pundits.
For Hamann, the issue extends beyond single match incidents. “We need more transparency,” he argued. “Why not let referees explain their decisions after reviewing VAR, like in rugby or the NFL? Fans deserve to understand the reasoning. Right now, it feels like decisions are made behind closed doors, and clubs are left guessing.”
Statistically, Dortmund have had three penalty decisions go against them via VAR this season — all in away matches — while benefiting from just one favorable call. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, have been awarded two penalties via VAR in their last three home games, both converted.
Looking ahead, Dortmund’s remaining fixtures include matches against Mainz, Augsburg, Wolfsburg, and a season-ending clash with Bayern Munich. The Bavarians, already champions, could still play a role in Dortmund’s European aspirations depending on other results.
For now, the focus remains on tightening up defensively and minimizing situations where subjective calls can influence outcomes. As Hamann position it: “You can’t control the referees. But you can control how you react. Dortmund have the quality to push for Champions League football — they just need to stop letting these moments decide their fate.”
The next confirmed checkpoint for Borussia Dortmund is their Bundesliga home match against Mainz 05 on April 20, 2024, at Signal Iduna Park, kickoff scheduled for 15:30 CET (13:30 UTC). Fans can follow live updates via the club’s official channels and broadcast partners.
What do you think about the VAR decisions in the Hoffenheim match? Were they justified, or did they cost Dortmund unfairly? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
