“You can’t make all the right decisions in a game like this!” – Referee Bastian Dankert after the Klassiker

The Bundesliga Klassiker between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund produced drama on and off the pitch, with key moments, tactical battles, and controversial decisions sparking reactions from players, coaches, and the referee alike. Here are Bastian Dankert’s thoughts after the game.

Bastian Dankert, the referee for Bayern Munich’s 2–1 victory over Borussia Dortmund, addressed questions about key decisions in the Klassiker and reflected on the challenges of officiating Germany’s biggest fixture.

“It’s THE top game in Germany, and I think in a game like this you can’t make all the right decisions,” Dankert said. “We followed a good line in the first half. The second half was a bit more hectic with more fouls. It’s quite normal that some decisions do not go the way one team likes, then it’s the other way around. In total, me and my team were happy with our performances this evening.”

Regarding Bayern’s opening goal, Dankert explained the decision-making process: “I had contact with my colleagues in Cologne [VAR room] right after the first goal from Kane. I had a good vision, and for me, Kane does make contact with Guirassy during the jump, but not in a manner in which I would have to take the goal back. You wouldn’t want me to give a penalty for such an action if it was the other way around either. There is no push from Kane towards Guirassy; this kind of situation is completely fine in the Bundesliga. Of course, sometimes a small contact can be enough to disturb the other player, but not in this situation.”

Dankert also commented on his post-match conversation with Dortmund coach Niko Kovač: “I’ve known Niko for a while. We talked after the game and he gave me his opinion, which is totally fine. I made my decisions and I can’t take them back, therefore I have to accept his opinion on the matter. It was a fair talk, and we’ll see each other again sometime.”

Dankert’s statements highlight the difficulty of officiating high-stakes matches like the Klassiker and his confidence in the decisions made during a tense and competitive encounter.