Referee Sascha Stegemann admits Borussia Dortmund should have had a penalty against Bochum

Referee Sascha Stegemann has admitted that he made the wrong decision by not awarding Borussia Dortmund a penalty during their 1-1 draw against VfL Bochum on Friday.

The fallout is continuing from Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw against Bochum. The Black and Yellows were left fuming after referee Sascha Stegemann failed to award them a penalty when Karim Adeyemi was brought down inside the box in the second half.

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl said after the game that the referee’s decision cost Borussia Dortmund two crucial points in the Bundesliga title race.

Now Sascha Stegemann has had his say on the matter. In an interview with BILD, the referee admitted that he made the wrong decision, adding that he feels incredibly annoyed by it.

"“After looking at it, it should have been a penalty for BVB in the situation with Adeyemi. However, I did not view it like that at all on the pitch.”“The defender came at a high speed and I was sure Adeyemi had put his leg in. The video assistant of course looked at the scene and assessed it. The assessment was: no obvious wrong decision, so there was no recommendation for me to look at it again.”“I’m incredibly annoyed, I feel like crap. It was a very, very rough night, I don’t feel good about it.”"

Stegemann also spoke about Sebastian Kehl’s claim that Bochum’s goal should not have been allowed to stand as a result of a foul on Emre Can in the build-up.

"“Arguments can be found for both sides in this situation. I was generous throughout the game, so for me it’s absolutely okay to let this duel continue – even one day later.”"

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are locked in the battle for the Bundesliga title. And BVB certainly have every right to feel aggrieved at the referee’s decision after it played a role in them failing to get the three points against Bochum.

With just four games to go in the Bundesliga season, Borussia Dortmund must now hope for another Bayern Munich slip up if they want to win the Meisterschale for the first time in 11 seasons.

Borussia Dortmund will next be in Bundesliga action on Sunday as they take on VfL Wolfsburg at the Westfalenstadion.