Dortmund fuming over controversial PSV penalty in Champions League

Borussia Dortmund expressed frustration over a penalty decision in Tuesday’s Champions League round of 16 first leg, resulting in a 1-1 draw against hosts PSV Eindhoven. Donyell Malen had previously scored an impressive goal for Dortmund before Eindhoven’s Luuk de Jong converted a controversial spot kick in the 56th minute at the Philips Stadion.

Dortmund defender Mats Hummels vehemently disagreed with the penalty call, stating, “Zero percent penalty, zero.” Hummels described the challenge on Malik Tillman, saying, “I go in for the tackle, I clearly get to the ball first, I change its course and then I make minimal contact. But this is football, I am sorry, zero penalty.” Despite Hummels’ assertions, a VAR review upheld the on-field decision by referee Srdjan Jovanovic, leading to disappointment among the Dortmund players.

Mats Hummels is not a happy man 😠

The Dortmund defender disagreed with the penalty awarded after his tackle on PSV’s Malik Tillman last night ⚽❌ pic.twitter.com/ZVghtsOlu4

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Hummels further expressed his frustration with the officiating, citing a similar incident in a previous Champions League group game against Paris St Germain. Dortmund lost 2-0 in that match, with Kylian Mbappe scoring from the penalty spot following a handball incident. Hummels criticized the current trend of penalties being awarded for situations that wouldn’t be considered fouls in other areas of the pitch, stating, “No defender in the world would award this penalty.”