Hoffenheim keeper Baumann fined €8,000 for refereeing criticisms
The DFB-sporting-committee opted to hit Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann with an €8,000 fine on Thursday following post-match criticism of German match official Martin Petersen.
Some observers might have had sympathies toward Kraichgauer keeper after his side's 1-4 loss to Leverkusen on Sunday. Referee Martin Petersen didn't have the greatest of matches.
In the 18th minute of the weird and wild match, Leverkusen's Daley Sinkgraven stomped on Christoph Baumgartner's foot, prompting what should have been a penalty. Instead, Petersen called an offensive foul on Baumgartner.
In the 64th minute, Petersen sent Hoffenheim's Florian Grillitsch off on double-yellows following what replays confirmed was an absolutely fair challenge on Nadiem Amiri.
Most of the Sinsheimer players and their coach complained about the officiating after the match, yet Baumann's comments that "it's difficult to play against 12" deliberately singled out Petersen for criticism; something that ran afoul of DFB rules against accusing officials of partiality.
TSG coach Sebastian Hoeneß admitted in a subsequent interview that he didn't necessarily agree with his keeper's statements, saying that his player should have been more tactful in his choice-of-words.
Such conduct can lead to a suspension for the player and a fine of up to €12,000. In this instance, the DFB ultimately opted to forgo the suspension and impose the minimum fine.