Muristek
Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) and coach Julian Nagelsmann (right) on the sidelines after Bayern had 12 players on the pitch during the match against Freiburg at the Europa Park Stadion April 2, 2022. — Reuters pic
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BERLIN, April 5 — Freiburg have appealed against their 4-1 Bundesliga defeat by Bayern Munich at the weekend, when the defending champions played with 12 men on the pitch for a few seconds, saying on Monday that they were uncomfortable with their decision.
The incident occurred in the 86th minute when Corentin Tolisso and Kingsley Coman were to be taken off for Marcel Sabitzer and Niklas Suele.
But the fourth official displayed a wrong number for Coman and the France winger played on for a few seconds, according to the champions and referee Christian Dingert.
Freiburg said they found themselves in a dilemma through no fault of their own as they deliberated their next step, before deciding to appeal against the validity of the game following intensive discussions and legal consultations.
“Freiburg played no part in and had no influence over the events surrounding the substitution process,” the club said in a statement on their website on Monday.
“Despite this, the DFB’s (German FA) legal and procedural regulations have forced us into taking an active role in having the events legally reviewed.
“We have no interest whatsoever in taking up this active role... and feel distinctively uncomfortable in it.
“As a result, we believe these procedural regulations are unfit for purpose. They place burden on completely uninvolved parties ... and gives them the responsibility of dealing with a clear and obvious violation of the rules.”
Bayern top the table with 66 points from 28 matches, nine points more than second-placed Borussia Dortmund. — Reuters