Schalke 04 was robbed and neither the Ar's or 4th Official saw it! (R)

Let me first preface my remarks by stating that I am not a fan of either team, but respect them for what they bring in terms of attractive football playing.

Okay, let's start. The key play in the match was the send off of Victor Agali. It was in my opinion incorrect. The issuance of a straight red card for what amounted to an elbow in the chest without taking into consideration what happened prior to the action was tragic and shameful. What was most glaring was that nothing was done to Dede who clearly precipitated Agali's response by applying a clothesline (forearm) to Agali's throat along the touchline. Where was the senior AR? Where was the fourth official to see this? IN refereeing you have to constantly ask yourself, what precipitated the players action. Was there something before or earlier in the match. You need to keep track of chippy fouls, or off the ball stuff that can become an issue later. Since the incident happened near the halfway line, an official should have been within ten yards of the play to see it (Sr. AR or 4th official). In my professional opinion, Dede and Agali should have both been cautioned and Mr. Fandel should have had a short, but direct discussion that no further incidents would be tolerated from either player. "Next time gentlemen it's a straight red card, are we clear?" and tehn immediately restart play. The action set in motion the comeback by Dortmund. A game altering decision.

There a second match altering decision made by the junior assistant referee, who clearly blew Shalke's apparent game winning goal. There is no doubt in my mind the Shalke forward was onside.

Lehman continued to self destruct, thought it is a rare occurence to see a player cautioned for yelling at his own teammate. Clearly, one the factors influencing Fandel's decision had to be how far forward from the goal area Lehmann ranged. He ran out a good 30 yards from the goal line to yell at his own player.

I would be curious to hear what the deciding factor was on Lehmann's second caution, the reason for the Agali send off and the bad decision on the offside call.

 

Olaf my friend thank you. Fandel did make the correct call on Lehmann, who clearly had been warned by the referee to maintain his composure.

 

Agreed it was a great game.

 

Olaf do you have a link? Was it about the phantom offside and the non-call on Dede? No doubt the post match assessment did not produce a happy group campers. I can't see how the match inspectors did not criticize the major errors in performance. They will all hopefully come away better for the experience.