Hamburger SV secured a valuable point in an away clash with FSV Mainz 05, extending their unbeaten run to six matches. However, the 1-1 draw unfolded in an atmosphere of refereeing scandal. The Hamburg players accused the hosts of brutal play, calling them a 'team of butchers,' and expressed deep dissatisfaction with referee Robin Braun's performance, whom they believe treated Mainz's aggressive attacks too leniently.

Refereeing Controversies in Mainz

HSV players accused the referees of failing to react to Mainz's brutal play, pointing to at least two missed opportunities to show red cards.

HSV's Unbeaten Run

Thanks to a goal from Fábio Vieira from a free kick, the Hamburg club remains unbeaten for six matches in the second half of the Bundesliga season.

Upcoming Bayern Match

The leader from Munich will face Eintracht, holding a 6-point lead over Dortmund before a direct clash scheduled for the following week.

The match opening the 23rd round of the Bundesliga between FSV Mainz 05 and Hamburger SV ended in a share of points, which nevertheless did not satisfy the visitors. The match, a crucial encounter in the context of the relegation battle, was dominated by the hosts' brutal play and controversies surrounding referee Robin Braun's decisions. HSV players did not spare harsh words for their opponents, labeling them 'Tretertruppe' (team of butchers/kickers). Criticism mainly concerned the lack of red cards for Mainz players who – according to the Hamburg side – repeatedly crossed the line of the rules. Despite difficult conditions, the HSV coach's squad managed to respond to the hosts' lead. The first goal for Mainz was scored by Nadiem Amiri just before halftime, showcasing a spectacular strike. In the 64th minute, the equalizer for the visitors came from Fábio Vieira, who successfully executed a free kick. For Mainz coach Urs Fischer, the draw was a bittersweet gift on his 60th birthday. This result allows both teams to maintain distance above the relegation zone, although both squads were within sight of rivals fighting for survival in the elite. Hamburger SV returned to the Bundesliga after a several-year absence, becoming one of the most unpredictable teams of the 2025/26 season. Traditionally considered a 'dinosaur' of German football, the club underwent a deep organizational and sporting crisis in the last decade.The situation in the table is becoming increasingly tense, and the weekend matches will bring further decisions in the battle for European cups and the championship title. FC Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany will face Eintracht Frankfurt, trying to maintain a six-point lead over Borussia Dortmund. Simultaneously, RB Leipzig will face a difficult task in the clash with BVB, having to cope without their first-choice goalkeeper. Such a concentration of highlights means the 23rd round could prove crucial for the layout of the upper part of the table. „I haven't played against such a team of butchers in a long time. That the referees don't react is madness and remains incomprehensible to me.” — Miro Muheim

Mentioned People

  • Miro Muheim — HSV defender who sharply criticized Mainz's style of play and the referee's performance.
  • Nadiem Amiri — Goal scorer for Mainz, key midfielder for the host team.
  • Vincent Kompany — Bayern Munich coach focused on the match against Eintracht.
  • Urs Fischer — Mainz coach celebrating his 60th birthday on the day of the match.