"We have to protect the players" Referee Deniz Aytekin defends Marcel Sabitzer red card

Referee Deniz Aytekin has defended his decision to send off Marcel Sabitzer during Borussia Dortmund's clash against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund came away with all three points against Werder Bremen on Saturday evening, earning a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Donyell Malen and Jadon Sancho. But it was hardly a straightforward result for the Black and Yellows, as they had to spend the entire second-half with ten men after Marcel Sabitzer's sending off in the 45th minute.

Edin Terzic and Niclas Füllkrug both questioned the referee's decision to hand Sabitzer a straight red card for his challenge on Mitchell Weiser. Referee Deniz Aytekin defended his decision after the game, and said that it was a clear red card as the Austrian international hit the Werder Bremen player in the achilles tendon area.

In an interview with Sky Sport, Aytekin said, "In the end, of course, it's unfortunate. Marcel Sabitzer has no intention of doing that. But it's not about whether it's accidental, he hit the player in a very unfortunate place, in the Achilles tendon area. We have to protect the players' health and that's why it's a red card."

"Would there have been arguments for a yellow card? There are always arguments for everything. But in this case - you only have to look at Marcel Sabitzer, he also knew what happened. He certainly didn't do it on purpose. But its a dangerous challenge and a red card."

Terzic also hinted that Borussia Dortmund may look to appeal the decision in order to get Sabitzer's red card rescinded. If unsuccessful, the 29 year old will be forced to miss BVB's Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt next weekend.