Fans loved referee explaining controversial decision to RB Leipzig manager in live TV interview

Fans have praised the actions of a referee in Germany after he explained one of his decisions to RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose live on TV.

Leipzig and league leaders Bayern Munich played out a 1-1 draw on Friday, with Marcel Halstenberg cancelling out a strike from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the first half.

Leipzig were incensed that their former centre-back, Dayot Upamecano, was not sent off in the 65th minute.

The Frenchman was turned inside out by Dominik Szoboszlai on the counter attack and after he knocked the ball past him, Upamecano took him out.

Szoboszlai was darting towards goal, although Matthias De Ligt was coming back on the cover. That meant man in the middle, Daniel Siebert, brandished a yellow card as opposed to red.

Image: Alamy

After the game, Siebert appeared in front of the TV cameras to explain his decision. It's rare for an official in England to do such a thing but in Germany it is a lot more frequent.

However, while Siebert was answering questions, manager Rose came into the shot and the two conversed over the key call.

The exchange was in good spirits, Siebert told Rose just why he refrained from sending Upamecano and he accepted the explanation he was given.

Rose also concurred that he deserved to receive the yellow card he was shown for his antics on the touchline after the incident.

Image: Alamy

ESPN FC editor Dale Johnson shared the clip, writing: "This is so good. Said a few times that German referees explain controversial decisions on a regular basis.

"Well, from Friday, here's Daniel Siebert explaining on TV to RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose why he didn't send off Bayern's Dayot Upamecano."

Fans hailed the communication between referee and manager in a public setting and want to see it in the Premier League.

One user wrote: "This is the way forward for the Premier League, in both VAR and On-Pitch Officiating. Make them accountable, and the decisions will dramatically improve."

Another agreed: "This should be done for refs in Prem (Premier League)."

A third said: "This would help provide increased transparency, and make the game more efficient. Full support."

A fourth commented: "You don’t need the translation to see what’s going in here, it’s post game with ref and coach in the Bundesliga @premierleague and @EFL could learn from this."

A fifth joked: "Would love to see Klopp start a fight with Rob Jones live on TV."

A sixth said: "Who knew there was a better way?!? Bundesliga light years ahead of the @premierleague Howard Webb."