The opening match was just a few days ago. The discussion about the last-minute penalty that won Leverkusen’s 3-2 victory in Gladbach thanks to the intervention of the VAR is still raging. Even referee boss Knut Kircher had criticized the Cologne player’s action.
Now Gladbach President Rainer Bonhof (72) wants to be the first Bundesliga boss to implement the rule revolution.
No arbitrary intervention by the video referee, only at the request of the clubs involved. The so-called challenge.
Gladbach President Rainer Bonhof is dissatisfied with the current VAR situation
Photo: Ralf Ibing /firo Sportphoto
Bonhof to BILD: “It is fairer if you as a club have one or two chances per half to request a video review. Like in American football and basketball. If your appeal is wrong, the right is lost. If it is justified, your right to appeal remains.”
BILD: Isn’t that just your frustration about the defeat?
Bonhof: “No, but the game is a good example. We Gladbachers also had several situations that could have been checked. But that didn’t happen. The spectators are asking themselves: Why are only Leverkusen scenes checked? The challenge saves you from such suspicion. As a club, you are in control. The fans would accept that.”
BILD: Would such a rule help the referees?
Bonhof: “The referee on the pitch would finally be strengthened because the Cologne player Keller would no longer be able to intervene on his own initiative. The VAR would only be the controlling authority if one of the two teams requests it.”
BILD: And what if a club has exhausted its appeals and then there is a wrong penalty?
Bonhof: “Too bad. You had your chance.”
BILD: Is an introduction realistic?
Bonhof: “Why not? You can test it for half a season in the Bundesliga. UEFA and FIFA are also trying out a few things, for example, having only the captain as the contact person.”
