German referee Sascha Stegemann has revealed that he was placed under police protection for several weeks after receiving death threats following a controversial decision during a crucial match in the 2023 Bundesliga title race. The incident has once again raised the sensitive issue of referee safety and the pressures they face.

Stegemann found himself at the centre of controversy after denying Borussia Dortmund a penalty during a 1-1 draw against Bochum in April 2023. This decision proved decisive: Dortmund dropped two crucial points, which contributed to their eventual defeat in the title race against Bayern MunichBorussia Dortmund, in fact, failed to win their final match of the season, effectively handing the title to their rivals Munich. Stegemann's error was not subject to video review, and the day after the match the referee publicly admitted his mistake, apologizing to the club and the fans.

However, the apology didn't quell the fury of some fans. According to the General-Anzeiger, Stegemann shared new details about the incident during a refereeing event in Cologne, saying he immediately realized, after the match, the impact his decision would have on the title race. A few hours after the match, two police officers showed up at his door late at night, informing him that he and his family had been the target of death threats.

The referee explained that he was protected by law enforcement for approximately four weeks, during which time he was accompanied by police to a television interview and during all his public activities. Despite the severe stress of the episode, Stegemann explained how his wife's support was crucial in continuing his refereeing career.