Borussia Dortmund set to appeal Mats Hummels’ red card vs Ajax

Borussia Dortmund are planning to appeal the red card Mats Hummels received in the defeat to Ajax last week, Michael Zorc has confirmed. 

Mats Hummels was given a controversial red card by referee Michael Oliver for his challenge on Antony during Borussia Dortmund’s 3-1 defeat to AFC Ajax in the UEFA Champions League group stage last week. And Michael Zorc has confirmed that they will issue an appeal to UEFA to have the defender’s red card chalked off.

"“We will make a clear statement on this matter to UEFA,” Zorc told Kicker. “We will show that the TV images prove that it was not a red card, and we therefore believe that we have already been punished enough by the sending off.”"

Hummels was sent off in the 30th minute of Borussia Dortmund’s clash against Ajax with the scores still level. The Black and Yellows were dominating the game prior to the red card. And while they managed to take the lead soon after Hummels’ sending off, Ajax made the most of their man advantage in the second half and came from behind to earn a 3-1 win.

Replays clearly showed that the tackle made by Hummels’ tackle did not warrant a red card. But despite consulting with the VAR, the referee decided to stick with his original decision without taking a look at the pitch-side monitor. Hummels and Marco Rose were both critical of the referee’s decision after the game.

The defeat to Ajax left Borussia Dortmund’s hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 hanging in the balance. They now face a must-win game away to Sporting CP on the penultimate matchday of the group stage later this month. And Hummels will be forced to miss that game through suspension, unless Dortmund’s appeal is successful.