Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has come to the defense of Jobe Bellingham after his sending-off against Freiburg.
Bellingham was shown a red card in Dortmund’s 1-1 draw with SC Freiburg for bringing down Philipp Treu as the last man.
Kehl acknowledged that Bellingham was disappointed with his actions and is reflecting on how he could have handled the situation better.
The sporting director explained that the situation was triggered by a pass played too short by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, which sent Treu through on goal and left Bellingham in a difficult position.
“It was a chain of events, it was avoidable. In that action there are many things you can do better. Jobe tries to save it. Someone always ends up being involved – this time it was Jobe,” Kehl said in a post-match interview.
Kobel has accepted responsibility for the situation, stating, “I have to see that better, I have to help Jobe there. I’m sorry for him.” He added, “In the end I’m happy to take the blame, that’s okay.”
The red card is likely to result in a suspension for Bellingham, who has struggled to make an impact this season with only two assists in 22 appearances. Dortmund will be without Bellingham for their next match against Gladbach on December 19.
The team managed to hold on for a point despite playing with 10 men for almost 45 minutes, with Freiburg pushing hard for a win after Bellingham’s dismissal.
Dortmund currently sits in third place, level on 29 points with second-placed RB Leipzig, who lost 3-1 at Union Berlin on Friday.
