Ethan Nwaneri wrongly shown red card after 18 seconds for Borussia Dortmund

A bizarre officiating moment occurred in the Bundesliga clash between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin. Just 18 seconds into the game, 19-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, currently on loan from Arsenal, committed a sliding challenge on Union Berlin defender Tom Rothe. The referee, Schlager, immediately produced a red card before realizing his mistake and correcting it to a yellow.

Despite the early reprieve, Nwaneri struggled to impact the match and was substituted shortly after the hour mark. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel admitted he was shocked by the error, though he conceded the challenge was dangerous:

The foul was right on the borderline. I don't know whether you need to go into a challenge like that. Gregor Kobel

The draw highlighted deeper issues for Dortmund, who brought in Nwaneri following a long-term injury to Giannis Konstantelias. Sporting director Nils-Ole Book expressed disappointment, citing a lack of collective bravery and urgency from the squad throughout the afternoon.

Manager Niko Kovac now turns his attention to the Champions League fixture on Tuesday against Azerbaijani side Sabah. Following a recent defeat to Bodo/Glimt, Dortmund are under pressure to secure a win. Nwaneri will be looking to earn his first continental start as the team attempts to improve their standing in the competition.