DFB statement following review of controversial goal in Stuttgart-Augsburg match
The German Football Association (DFB) has released a statement defending the validity of the goal scored by Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic in their 2-2 draw with FC Augsburg on Saturday. The goal, which came in the 89th minute, was initially ruled out for offside but was later awarded after a VAR review.
Augsburg had protested the decision, claiming that Kalajdzic was offside in the build-up to the goal, but the DFB has now confirmed that the goal was compliant with the regulations.
Statement from DFB
We have reviewed the incident and we are satisfied that the goal was compliant with the regulations, the DFB said in a statement. The VAR review showed that Kalajdzic was onside when the ball was played to him, and he did not interfere with the Augsburg goalkeeper.
The DFB also defended the performance of the VAR officials, saying that they had made the correct decision in awarding the goal.
The VAR officials followed the correct procedures and used all available camera angles to make their decision, the DFB said. We are confident that they made the right call.
Augsburg reaction
Augsburg have expressed their disappointment with the DFB’s decision but have said that they will not lodge an appeal.
We are disappointed with the DFB’s decision, but we respect their authority, Augsburg sporting director Stefan Reuter said. We will not lodge an appeal, but we hope that the DFB will take our concerns into account in the future.
Conclusion
The DFB’s decision is likely to put an end to the controversy surrounding the goal, but it is sure to reignite the debate about the use of VAR in football.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
