In discussing a penalty he felt his team deserved during Saturday’s Bundesliga clash with RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac drew on memories from his youth practicing Judo. Dortmund fought back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with the home side at the Red Bull Arena. However, the points lost could jeopardize their chances of claiming the Bundesliga title.
The Key Incident
In the 89th minute, BVB substitute Karim Adeyemi was brought down in the penalty area by RB defender Castello Lukeba while Dortmund was still trailing by a goal. Although Fabio Silva scored a stunning equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a point for Dortmund, Kovac was not entirely at ease even after the final whistle.
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Following the incident involving Adeyemi and Lukeba, Kovac and the BVB bench displayed their frustration, urging referee Benjamin Brand to consult the VAR monitor for a review. However, Brand allowed play to continue without intervention from VAR, much to the displeasure of Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who voiced his discontent afterward.
Comments from Niko Kovac and Sebastian Kehl
“There were a few moments worth discussing,” Kehl stated in the mixed zone. “But for me, the main point is the penalty at the end. Lukeba didn’t make any contact with the ball. It was clearly the wrong decision. Even after having a few minutes to think about it, I still believe it’s a clear penalty.”
“I used to practice judo until I was around 13 or 14,” Kovac mentioned later. “That was a clear sickle sweep. I really don’t understand what they observed in the studio, but it seems they got it wrong. Yes, Karim extended his foot, but Lukeba didn’t touch the ball at all.”
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“I don’t comprehend why the VAR team didn’t take any action,” Kovac continued. “Perhaps it’s because they’re hesitant to overturn decisions too often. If they do, it becomes embarrassing for them.”