Controversial scene at Union Berlin
“For me it’s not a penalty”: plain language from the Bayern coach
Updated 12/4/2025 – 8:00 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
The German record champions have two penalty kicks whistled against them in the game at Union Berlin. After the game, Vincent Kompany spoke particularly about the situation before the second penalty – and it became clear.
FC Bayern are in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup, but had to tremble a lot: 3-2 at Union Berlin on Wednesday evening, despite Munich’s two-goal lead at the time. But two controversial penalties brought the hosts closer again – and led to a hard-fought final phase in the Alte Försterei.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was particularly upset by the scene before the second penalty for Berlin, and the Belgian was shown a yellow card for his emotional reaction to referee Martin Petersen’s decision.
What had happened? The 55th minute in Berlin-Köpenick: With a Union cross in the Bayern penalty area, Harry Kane and Union’s Diogo Leite go up for a header – and the Englishman hits his opponent in the face with his elbow. After information from the video referee and viewing the images, Petersen decided: penalty for Union. Leopold Querfeld stepped up and scored safely against Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
After the game, Kompany again argued vehemently against Petersen’s decision: “Well, for me it’s not a penalty from Harry Kane, I want to make that very clear,” said the 39-year-old on ZDF. And further: “I have a personal opinion about it. It’s a physical game – look at the opponent’s arm, it’s exactly the same position, it’s only 30 centimeters lower,” said Kompany to presenter Jochen Breyer and ZDF expert Per Mertesacker.
Kompany was even clearer: “Not everything in the face is a foul. I am of the opinion that if you go for the ball, then it is not a penalty.” The former world-class defensive player also noted his perhaps personal view of the situation: “I’m of course an old defender…”
Mertesacker then gestured with his elbow at the level of Kompany’s neck and said: “If the elbow is here, it’s just difficult.” Kompany stuck to his opinion: There is a difference whether a player obviously planned to attack his opponent with his elbow, “or if you simply go to the ball with momentum. Then it’s not a penalty for me. I’m very clear about that.”
When moderator Breyer asked whether the yellow card against him was justified, Kompany answered honestly: “Mine? Yes, probably so…”