“The referee decided the game” – Sebastian Kehl rages at Sascha Stegemann after Bochum draw

Sebastian Kehl was left frustrated by what he felt was negligent refereeing from Sascha Stegemann during Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw against VfL Bochum.

Borussia Dortmund dropped two crucial points in the Bundesliga title race on Friday evening as they were held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals VfL Bochum. A slew of missed chances came back to haunt the Black and Yellows, who are now only two points ahead of Bayern Munich, having played a game more.

The biggest talking point from the game was the performance of referee Sascha Stegemann, who denied Borussia Dortmund what looked like a clear penalty kick after Karim Adeyemi was brought down inside the box mid-way through the second half.

Sebastian Kehl revealed his fury after the game, and said that the referee cost them two points in the Bundesliga title race. The Borussia Dortmund sporting director also felt that there was a foul on Emre Can in the build-up to Bochum’s goal, which the referee failed to spot. The former BVB captain added that he made his feelings known to Stegemann after the game.

"“We have seen it from different angles, and I think it’s outrageous, with the means we have at our disposal, five matchdays before the end of the season, when it’s about the Bundesliga title, not to look at the scene again in this situation, I think it is absolutely negligent, cowardly, and completely wrong. We are incredibly angry and have made our displeasure clear.”“The referee decided the game and cost us two points. As a referee in this day and age, with the resources that are available, you have to look at the disputed scenes. I think it’s negligent and disgraceful if you don’t use the resources at your disposal in a situation like that.”"

Edin Terzic was also left annoyed by the refereeing and felt that with so much at stake, Stegemann should have taken another look at the penalty incident on the pitch side monitor.

Borussia Dortmund’s draw against Bochum gives Bayern Munich the golden opportunity to return to the top of the Bundesliga standings when they take on bottom club Hertha Berlin at home on Sunday.