Explain the controversy: Why referee Martin Petersen awarded Union Berlin the 2 penalties vs Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal

Naturally, when a penalty is awarded it is a pivotal moment for the match. Therefore, referee Martin Petersen was at the heart of two pivotal moments in the DFB Pokal clash between Union Berlin and Bayern Munich as he decided to award two penalties for Die Eisernen. The first came from a handball from Jonathan Tah, the other from an elbow to the head while jumping from Harry Kane. Both calls were heavily debated during the match, so naturally they would be a topic again after the match despite the Bavarians’ eventual 3-2 win.

Unusually, however, a reporter managed to ask Petersen his viewpoint on both situations and how they ended up as penalties. Petersen gave the following response on the first penalty: “Tah had a clear view of the ball. He saw it coming towards him and he simply misjudged it at the last moment. He then tried to pull his arm away, but he widened his body surface. Therefore it was a handball offense. He had the opportunity to pull his arm away, but the attempt was too late.”

On the second penalty, he said this: “I see an aerial duel, both players want to go for the ball. Kane makes contact with the opponent’s face with his elbow, so for me it was a clear penalty.”

Regardless of whether or not these were the right calls, it is nice to hear a referee’s decision making process and insight on the whole situation. German fans have been angry at referees for insufficient communication, clarity and accountability for years. Announcing the reasoning for decisions in stadiums and talking about them after the match are no perfect fixes for these issues, but it is progress in the right direction.