Referee heaps rare praise on Borussia Dortmund star for action suring Wolfsburg clash

Referee Siebert has singled out Dortmund's Adeyemi for special praise following a significant act of sportsmanship in his side's 1-0 Bundesliga win over Wolfsburg. Adeyemi, who also scored the game's only goal, was lauded for halting a promising attack after an opponent went down injured.

Adeyemi was the decisive figure at Signal Iduna Park on Sunday, scoring a powerful strike in the 20th minute to secure all three points for his team in a tightly contested match. However, it was an off-the-ball incident in the first half that drew acclaim. The German international gained possession on the right wing but chose to kick the ball out of play after Wolfsburg's Patrick Wimmer sustained an injury, sacrificing a clear attacking opportunity for his side.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, referee Siebert highlighted the rarity of the gesture and explained the situation. 

"I'd like to take advantage of this opportunity because it's not common in professional football to have such a great fair play move," Siebert said. "Normally, as a player, you could have taken advantage of the opportunity and run towards the goal – and then you would have had a numerical advantage. But he realized why he had won the ball, voluntarily kicked it out of bounds, and said he didn't want to profit from his opponent's injury."

Siebert confirmed the action would be positively mentioned in his official report, adding: "I think that's great. We'll definitely note and praise it in the report. We'd love to see more of this, dear professionals!"

The victory was crucial for Dortmund, who controlled the match with 56 per cent possession and registered four shots on target to Wolfsburg's zero. The result keeps Edin Terzic's side in second place in the Bundesliga table with 10 points, ensuring they remain unbeaten after four matches and stay just two points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. The defeat leaves Wolfsburg in 12th position.

With the win secured, Dortmund will look to carry their momentum into their upcoming fixtures as they continue to fight on both domestic and European fronts. Adeyemi's vital goal contribution and commendable sportsmanship provide a positive boost for the squad as they seek to maintain their challenge at the top of the table. BVB will now take on Mainz this weekend in a Bundesliga fixture.