Referee Zwayer clarifies controversial handball scene in Cologne!

Referee Zwayer clarifies controversial handball scene in Cologne!

In the exciting game between Werder Bremen and VfL Wolfsburg that took place at the weekend, referee Felix Zwayer played a crucial role. In the 50th minute, Bremen were denied a hand penalty, which caused quite a stir. The TV images initially appeared to show a handball from Vinicius Souza, who appeared to deflect the ball with his elbow. But Zwayer decided that the game should be continued with a corner kick. He didn't think it was necessary to watch the scene on the sidelines. After the game he explained that the VAR in Cologne thoroughly checked the situation kicker reported.

During his analysis, the video assistant Patrick Hanslbauer found that the ball only touched Souza's upper arm and not his elbow. Therefore, no offense worthy of punishment was identified. Zwayer was not sent to the review area because it was a clear factual decision and there was no question of interpretation. It was only after the game that the referee saw the scene in question and praised the work of the VAR team in Cologne. Hanslbauer even recommended that he clarify the scene publicly because the TV images were not clear.

Werder Bremen celebrates their third home win

Despite the controversial incident, Werder Bremen was able to celebrate a 2-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg in the end. The team recorded their third home win in a row and thus consolidated their place in the top third of the table. Wolfsburg, on the other hand, remains in crisis and urgently needs to come up with something to get out of the negative series.

The VAR decision and the associated clarification from Zwayer could now also play an important role in other games. At a time when discussion of video evidence and referee decisions is often the focus, this incident shows how important transparency in communication is.

Schlotterbeck and BVB

While the Bundesliga continues to provide exciting stories, there are also some personnel issues to be clarified on the other side. Borussia Dortmund, who are still at the top of their game, are considering extending Nico Schlotterbeck's contract beyond 2027. However, Schlotterbeck has so far been hesitant, which could stall the negotiations. Niklas Süle's future is also up for debate; he will leave the club next summer at the latest Focus reported.

Tempers in Dortmund are particularly boiling over Jürgen Klopp's role in a new partnership between Red Bull and Hungarian club Újpest FC Budapest. This causes criticism among the fan base and raises questions about how the club's policy can be reconciled with the fans.

It remains to be seen how the situation in the Bundesliga will develop, especially given the tense conditions at Wolfsburg and the contract discussions at Dortmund. However, one thing is clear: fans must continue to hope for exciting games and exciting decisions.