- Augustans Criticize Referee: "Two Points Were Awarded"
Augsburg's manager Jesse Thorup voiced his discontent towards referee Sascha Stegemann following a draw against Werder Bremen, asserting that they missed out on two crucial points due to the official's call. "He took away two points from us," the 54-year-old Dane expressed post-match. "Regrettably, we didn't seal the victory due to an incorrect decision by the referee," Thorup expounded during the press conference following the 2:2 (2:1) game.
The questionable instance occurred in the 77th minute when the score stood at 2:2. An Augsburg cross from the left made contact with Werder defender Anthony Jung's hand. Two FCA players missed the opportunity to profit from this. "It's just a clear-cut handball, a penalty, full stop!" proclaimed FCA CEO Michael Stroell, who engaged with Stegemann after the game. "He viewed it as a natural action," Stroell recounted from their conversation.
Thorup pondered, "What do I tell my players now?"
Stegemann revisited the situation upon the VAR's request but maintained his decision. Augsburg's frustration was further intensified by a recent clarification session they attended, where they were informed that any extended arm enhancing the body's size would result in a penalty. "What do I tell my players now? He examines it and doesn't issue a penalty," Thorup lamented.
FCA captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw claimed that Stegemann informed him on the pitch that it wasn't an obvious handball. Gouweleeuw surmised that referees now grapple with handball decisions within the penalty area, deeming them "overwhelmed."
Werder coach Ole Werner decided to skip the penalty discussion. "I don't wish to comment much on the VAR. I don't wish to participate in this aspect this season," he said.
Despite the clear handball by Werder defender Anthony Jung during the 77th minute, which could have potentially resulted in a penalty for Augsburg, the referee chose not to award one. This missed opportunity significantly impacted Augsburg's chances of securing a win in their soccer match against Werder Bremen.
The disputed incident involving Jung's handball further fueled Augsburg's manager Jesse Thorup's frustration, as his team struggled to score the decisive goal due to the official's call.
