The video evidence remains a controversial issue even around its five-year existence – this time the people of Frankfurt feel cheated. Their keeper Kevin Trapp is stunned.
A few days ago, Oliver Glasner was “in principle happy that there was video evidence”. The technology makes “football fairer”.
For the five-year anniversary of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Bundesliga, however, the Eintracht Frankfurt coach probably at least internally cursed the decision that ultimately screwed up the victory for him and his Europa League winners against 1. FC Köln.
“And every weekend I stand there and have to discuss refereeing decisions, which is actually not my job. It’s about football!”, Frankfurt’s national goalkeeper Kevin Trapp thundered without any restraint after the 1-1 (0-0).
The late Cologne equalizer in front of 50,800 spectators by Jan Thielmann (82nd minute) was only recognized by referee Martin Petersen and the video assistants after a five-minute analysis. It was about the tricky question of whether striker Florian Dietz was offside – and had also blocked Trapp’s view.
After looking at the TV screen on the sidelines, Petersen decided that the goal was regular – and had to listen to the whistles of the Frankfurt fans after the final whistle.
Trapp: “I really don’t understand it anymore”
“Of course we say it has to be cancelled. The striker is in Kevin’s line – then it’s offside,” said Glasner and, in view of eleven games without a win in the league across the season, tried to take a positive overall view of things: ” 1-1 with an offside goal – that was a step forward in many areas.”
Trapp, however, did not regain his composure so quickly and scolded the DAZN microphone: “Last week we got a penalty taken back, yesterday in Berlin a very clear penalty was not given and the goal is not taken back here. I really don’t understand it anymore !”
Cologne coach Steffen Baumgart admitted “that it was an offside position” if you watched the scene calmly. “If the goal hadn’t counted then we couldn’t have complained.” Even goalscorer Thielmann answered evasively when asked whether Dietz had been offside and obstructed Trapp’s view: “Of course, as a native of Cologne, I have to say no…”.
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.
