A curiosity in the Bundesliga: In the game in Mainz, the goal-line technology caused a phantom goal – fortunately the referee checked again himself.
Even the experienced referee Felix Zwayer has never experienced a football afternoon like this. First, the goal-line technology sent him the wrong signal on the clock, then the 40-year-old whistled for three penalties within 15 minutes. Following FSV Mainz 05’s 4-0 (1-0) win against Arminia Bielefeld, Zwayer explained the blackout of the technical system on Saturday: “The provider has to evaluate that. We heard that the system was checked during the game and that there was actually a malfunction.”
After a header from Moussa Niakhaté (15th minute), the game initially continued. A whistle sounded from Zwayer, who had received a corresponding signal, practically out of nowhere. The referee then checked the goal score, which seemed strange to him, using the video images from the sidelines. Despite the fourth defeat without a goal of his own, Bielefeld’s Frank Kramer took it with humor: “You see. If you look at it now: the more technology, the better. Because then technology can override technology.”
National player Jonathan Burkardt scored the fastest goal of the current league season for strong Mainz after 27 seconds, and Niakhaté (65th penalty), Burkardt (75th penalty) and Marcus Ingvartsen (79th penalty) scored in front of 25,000 spectators stadium sold out according to Corona conditions. “It went well for us today,” said head coach Bo Svensson, whose team can almost celebrate staying in the class.
Hertha wins without new coach Magath
There is high tension in the relegation battle. Even without Felix Magath on the sidelines, Hertha BSC managed to get their first win in three months. The Berliners, who had to do without their new coach because of a positive corona test, won 3-0 (1-0) against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday. Magath was represented at the Olympic Stadium by Mark Fotheringham. His Hertha took the lead through Niklas Stark (39th minute) after a free kick. Former Hoffenheimer Ishak Belfodil (63rd) and Lucas Tousart (74th) increased after the break for the Berliners.
SC Freiburg climbed to fourth place in the Champions League thanks to a 0-0 draw at bottom team SpVgg Greuther Fürth. After falling behind twice, VfB Stuttgart still drew 3:2 (1:2) against FC Augsburg and improved to 14th place ahead of FCA and Hertha. Bielefeld slipped to 17th place.
In the farewell game of CEO Thomas Hitzlsperger, Stuttgart fell behind through a goal by André Hahn (6th). Waldemar Anton (44th) managed to equalize, but Michael Gregoritsch (45th + 1) quickly restored Augsburg’s lead. Omar Marmoush (79′) equalized again with a direct free kick, before Tiago Tomás (85′) made the VfB fans cheer even louder.
Bayern wins 4-0
In the evening, FC Bayern kept their pursuers Borussia Dortmund at a distance. The Munich team won against 1. FC Union Berlin 4-0 (3-0) and increased their lead over BVB in the Bundesliga to seven points. Dortmund can still do better in the game at 1. FC Köln on Sunday. Kingsley Coman (16th), youngster Tanguy Nianzou (25th) and twice Robert Lewandowski (45th + 1 per penalty / 47th) shot out the clear Bayern victory. There was another three for Bayern, after they had only drawn twice recently, which allowed BVB to come close.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
