Mats Hummels: Far too many penalties being awarded in the Bundesliga

There has been a lot of debate surrounding the rule changes which have led to an increasing number of penalties. Now Mats Hummels has weighed in on the issue.

German magazine Kicker wrote on Tuesday about the flood of penalties being given in the Bundesliga so far this season, and the reasons on why the number of spot-kicks have increased. Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels responded to the article on Twitter, saying that ‘far too many’ penalties are being awarded by the whistle-happy referees in the Bundesliga these days.

"“A comment from a player: there are far too many penalties being whistled,” Hummels said. “Both in hand ball incidents and alleged fouls (keyword “contact”)”"

Ten penalties were awarded on matchday seven, with Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich being the only Bundesliga game in which the referee did not point to the spot. A total of 30 penalties have already been awarded in the top tier of German football this season – a record after seven match-days. It is a remarkable rise, considering only 72 penalties were awarded in the entirety of last season.

Other top leagues, including the English Premier League and La Liga, are also seeing a similar rise in the number of penalties being given by the referees.

The changes to the handball rule, and the uncertainty surrounding it has led to a number of dubious penalties being awarded in Europe. While decision making from referees on the pitch and in the VAR room in Köln has also lacked consistency.

Hummels’ comments were met with plenty of approval on social media, with many agreeing with the Borussia Dortmund defender. Former Borussia Dortmund player Matthias Ginter, who now plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach, also shared Hummels’ sentiments, and commented “+1”.