Lutz Michael Fröhlich, sporting director of the elite referees, speaks during a press conference. Photo: Arne Dedert/dpa. (Source: dpa)
Frankfurt/Main (dpa) – DFB referee boss Lutz Michael Fröhlich has defended the basic system after the recent discussions about the referees and the video evidence.
“There are primarily procedural problems in the communication between the referee and the video assistant. You have to tackle that. It’s not a fundamental problem, because in the majority it’s going well,” said Fröhlich on Sky. The 64-year-old also explained that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) prevented 94 wrong decisions in the Bundesliga and 77 wrong decisions in the 2nd division.
“When working through the game, it’s clearly about pointing out the mistakes. But it’s also about giving the referees the necessary security and calm. The referees are good, and our international appearances show that,” said Fröhlich before the end of the season. There were several very controversial decisions last weekend, including the top game between FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.
The referee said he was against hitting referees too hard. This is “a) not my world and b) it doesn’t help either”. Fröhlich also doesn’t think much of a quick relegation as a punishment for poor performance. “That only increases the pressure. I’m not a fan of talking about promotion or relegation among referees.”