Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck (27) directly voiced his position regarding the bench dismissal decision. The message came immediately after the team's Champions League elimination.
Borussia Dortmund lost 1-4 to Atalanta on the second leg of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League round of 16 playoff at Stadio di Bergamo in Bergamo, Italy, on the 26th (Korea time), exiting on an aggregate score of 3-4.
Despite a 2-0 win in the first leg, the atmosphere on the bench collapsed amid a late-game penalty decision and successive dismissals.
In particular, controversy continued when Rami Bensebaini's high-kick foul in added time of the second half was declared a penalty after VAR review, and Schlotterbeck, who was on the bench, also received a red card.
After the match, Schlotterbeck left a lengthy message for fans expressing his grievance.
On his social media, Schlotterbeck first conveyed his feelings about the loss, saying the whole team and he personally are feeling great shock and disappointment.
He then explained the dismissal situation, saying, "When Atalanta players stood up and strongly protested at the same time, I also stood up and only said 'sit back down.' There was no insulting language or rude behavior."
He also questioned the decision-making process. Schlotterbeck emphasized his grievance, saying, "Even after the match the referee could not clearly explain why I was sent off for that matter." He added, "I only wanted to clarify the facts."
Dortmund, despite carrying a two-goal lead from the first leg, invited elimination as defensive organization faltered away from home. With controversy over the decision in addition to the match content, the aftertaste of the defeat continued even after the final whistle.
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