Hamburger SV earned a valuable point in an away clash with FSV Mainz 05, extending their unbeaten run to six matches. The match, which ended 1:1, however, took place in an atmosphere of refereeing scandal. Players from Hamburg accused the hosts of brutal play, calling them a 'butcher team,' and expressed deep dissatisfaction with referee Robin Braun's work, which they felt was too lenient towards the aggressive attacks of the Mainz players.

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 by 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, having 6-point lead over Dortmund ahead of a direct clash scheduled for the next week.

The match opening the 23rd round of the Bundesliga between FSV Mainz 05 and Hamburger SV ended with a share of points, which did not satisfy the visitors. The match, a crucial clash 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 hold back harsh words for their opponents, labeling them 'Tretertruppe' (butcher team/kickers). Criticism mainly focused on 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 was brought by 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 top flight. 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 defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 3:2, which, combined with Borussia Dortmund's draw, allowed them to extend their lead over their most dangerous rival to eight points. 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 top matches means the 23rd round could prove crucial for the layout of the upper part of the table. „Dawno nie grałem przeciwko takiemu zespołowi rzeźników. To, że sędziowie nie reagują, jest szaleństwem i pozostaje dla mnie niezrozumiałe.” (I haven't played against such a butcher team 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 work.
  • Nadiem Amiri — Scorer of the goal for Mainz, a 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.