Foul on Raum? Leipzig with clear VAR criticism

RB Leipzig felt disadvantaged by referee Bastian Dankert in the top match against Bayer Leverkusen and also criticized the video evidence. "That was a very, very decisive scene," said national player David Raum after the 2:2. Before the 2:0 for Bayer in the 36th minute, Florian Wirtz, who provided the assist, stepped on the 26-year-old's knee on the touchline. After the video referee Felix Zwayer assessed the scene, Dankert ruled it a goal.

Raum reported that Dankert had already invited him into the referee's booth at half-time to explain the situation after the final whistle. "The referee is still of the opinion that it wasn't a foul," said Raum and declined Dankert's invitation: "I haven't been to see him yet. I don't think I'll even listen to it." Dankert did not want to comment to the media.

"Pictures speak for themselves"

There was no unanimous opinion between the coaches. Xabi Alonso spoke of a "normal duel". Leipzig coach Marco Rose countered smugly: "I don't have to understand everything."

Leipzig captain Willi Orban had clearer words. "In my opinion, it's unsportsmanlike behavior from Wirtz, who is standing with his body weight with his foot on David's knee. I think the pictures speak for themselves," said the Hungarian international.

In the end, Leipzig managed to equalize with goals from Raum (41') and an own goal from Edmund Tapsoba (85'). Although Leverkusen had missed three great chances to score a third goal through Exequiel Palacios, Wirtz and Piero Hincapie, Leipzig were not satisfied with the points. "If we'd had another five minutes, we might have been able to do better," said Raum and coach Marco Rose: "The result could have been better."