Mahmoud Dahoud’s dismissal: Aytekin subsequently misses composure

Looking back on the controversial dismissal for professional footballer Mahmoud Dahoud, referee Deniz Aytekin would have wished for “a little more inner calm”. “Then I would not have sent him off. I have to say very clearly that I simply do not want to give up,” said the 43-year-old in an interview with Deutschlandfunk.

The already cautioned midfielder from Borussia Dortmund saw the yellow-red card on September 25 because of a dismissive gesture in the Westphalians’ 0-1 defeat at Borussia Mönchengladbach. For this decision, the Bundesliga referee was heavily criticized, especially by the guests.

According to Aytekin, he would have no problems explaining his decisions on the field via microphone: “The more transparency, the less theater.” In sports where this is already practiced – such as rugby and football – referees generally have a better standing, according to the FIFA referee.