Dortmund bosses refuse to blame referee after Hoffenheim loss settled by two penalties | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund’s hierarchy declined to criticise referee Daniel Siebert after defeat to Hoffenheim, with Niko Kovač later saying the result was deserved. The match turned on two penalties for TSG.

According to BuLi News, sporting director Lars Ricken expressed concern for Niki Süle, who hurt himself moments before the ball struck his hand for the first spot-kick. He noted Siebert initially delayed his whistle, but said Dortmund would not apportion blame to the officials.

Kovač said Hoffenheim clearly dominated the first half as Dortmund were sloppy in possession and created too little, before conceding the opening penalty. He accepted the decision, pointing out the hand was away from the body and that the build-up scarcely mattered.

After the interval he felt his side improved, moving the ball better and pushing the opponent back. Even so, beyond a goal and a half-chance, Dortmund fashioned few dangerous openings.

A second penalty proved decisive. Kovač called the defeat a shame for Dortmund, yet ultimately deserved, while praising Hoffenheim’s display.

Source: BuLi News