Michael Zorc: Handball decisions against Borussia Dortmund “are incomprehensible”
By Tushar Bahl
Sporting director Michael Zorc was left annoyed after Borussia Dortmund were once again on the wrong end of a controversial decision by the VAR.
Borussia Dortmund needed a 95th minute winner from Erling Haaland to defeat Fortuna Düsseldorf 1-0 on Saturday. The win could have been a lot more comfortable though, had Raphael Guerreiro’s goal in the 66th minute not been ruled out for a controversial handball by VAR.
The Portuguese international found the back of the net with a well taken volley to give his side the lead, but VAR adjudged that the ball had struck his arm in the build-up. Replays clearly suggested otherwise, and showed that the ball hit Guerreiro on the shoulder.
Both Michael Zorc and Erling Haaland were unhappy with the decision, and shared their thoughts after the game.
"What upsets me are the handball scenes, which are sometimes decisive for the game. Boateng in Dortmund, then in Paderborn – and today,” Zorc said in the mixed zone after the game. “All against us, the whole thing is incomprehensible.”Haaland, who scored Borussia Dortmund’s winner in the 95th minute, said, “I haven’t seen the replay yet, but I have the feeling this handball rule is currently only against us.”"
This is not the first time Borussia Dortmund have been victims of a questionable handball call. In each of their last four games, the Black and Yellows have seen controversial refereeing decisions go against them.
Dortmund were denied a blatant penalty in the crucial game against Bayern Munich when Erling Haaland’s shot was clearly blocked by Jerome Boateng’s outstretched arm. The referee waved play on, and VAR did not even take a look.
Next. Borussia Dortmund player ratings from 1-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf. dark
Just a few days later, Paderborn were awarded a penalty when the ball hit Emre Can’s arm as he was sliding in to block Mohamed Drager’s shot. Can’s arm was tucked into his chest, and was not in an unnatural position, unlike Boateng’s. A week later, Borussia Dortmund were again denied a penalty when Emre Can’s shot hit Dedryck Boyata’s arm. But the referee waved play on once again.