Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig drew 1-1 at the weekend and referee Daniel Siebert had a difficult decision to make in the 66th minute when ex-Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano brought Dominik Szoboszlai down. Siebert is viewed by many as one of the best referees in the Bundesliga.
At the time Leipzig coach Marco Rose, and the Leipzig players, were less than impressed when Siebert gave Upamecano a yellow card.
However, at full-time both Rose and Siebert were interviewed together by Sport 1. Siebert took time to explain to Rose the basis of his decision.
Siebert explained why Upamecono was shown a yellow card rather than a red card.
“If this offence had occurred centrally, directly in front of the penalty area or in the penalty area, it would be a different situation. If de Ligt wasn’t in full throttle, it would be different. I had the feeling that de Ligt was so close to the scene that he hasn’t been passed yet. As a result, no red card for Upamecano.”
After hearing Siebert’s explanation Rose accepted the decision: “In the situation at the beginning I saw it differently because I thought the attacker could have gone away, but the decision is fine.”
This is so good.
Said a few times that German referees explain controversial decisions on a regular basis.
Well, from Friday, here's Daniel Siebert explaining on TV to RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose why he didn't send off Bayern's Dayot Upamecano. pic.twitter.com/OnySVVsrFM
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) January 25, 2023
Is this something you would like to see introduced to the Premier League? It would make great viewing having Jurgen Klopp and a Premier League referee in front of the cameras at full-time.