Freiburg Denied Cup Final by Controversial Call; DFB Admits Referee Error

Freiburg, Germany – The sting of defeat in the DFB-Pokal semifinals is particularly sharp for SC Freiburg after a controversial disallowed goal in extra time against VfB Stuttgart. While the German Football Association (DFB) has since acknowledged the referee's error, admitting the goal should have counted, the decision ultimately cost Freiburg a place in the final. This agonizing outcome leaves the team to grapple with frustration and a sense of injustice as they turn their attention to pressing domestic and European ambitions.

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For me, it is an outrage to whistle that away.

Lucas Höler, the player whose goal was controversially chalked off, expressed his outrage, calling the decision "outrageous." The referee had whistled for a foul against Stuttgart defender Chabot just before the ball crossed the line, negating the potential 2-1 lead for Freiburg. Even the victorious Stuttgart players acknowledged the Freiburgers' frustration, with VfB striker Deniz Undav admitting the referee made a "huge mistake." The DFB's subsequent admission of error, stating it was a "robust but fair challenge" by Höler, offers little solace to a team that felt robbed of a crucial opportunity.

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The referee could not have made a bigger mistake.

SC Freiburg captain Christian Günter voiced his disbelief, stating that if such a challenge is considered a foul, he would have to end his career. Coach Julian Schuster also lamented the disallowed "regular" goal, preferring to focus on his team's performance, particularly from defender Matthias Ginter and goalkeeper Florian Müller. Despite the Pokal heartbreak, Schuster remains optimistic, believing the experience will make the team stronger. Freiburg's strong performances in recent weeks have secured them a double European qualification, and they are determined to channel this disappointment into future successes, starting with their upcoming Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund.

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If that is a foul, then I think I have to end my career here and today, because that is really nothing.