Hans-Joachim Watzke accuses Augsburg of foul play

The Borussia Dortmund CEO has accused the Fuggerstadter of preparing a substandard pitch intentionally.

Borussia Dortmund saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end after they played a goalless draw at Augsburg last weekend. The reigning German champions travelled to the SGL arena on Saturday, March 10, and dropped their first points in the Bundesliga since coming back from the winter break.

Club chairman, Hans-Joachim Watzke, claimed that the SGL arena pitch was a poor one and DFB must look into the matter. His comments came after Dortmund goalkeeper, Roman Weidenfeller, described the pitch as ‘a health hazard’. Sporting director Michael Zorc also termed it a very bad surface to play on.

The Black Yellows found it hard to control the ball which was unusual to see after all the recent success. Dortmund dropped their first points of the year after winning eight straight games in all competitions.

While talking to a German sports website, Derwesten.de, the CEO further added: "Apparently, they tried every possible measure to divert us from success." 

Augsburg started the game sitting close to the relegation zone and needed a win to keep them safe from dropping further down the table. It is believed that the club officials might have ordered a substandard pitch as an advantage to the home side.

However, the Fuggerstadter were still unable to come out with all three points but still came up with a vital point against the reigning Bundesliga champions. Jos Luhukay, though, would still be pleased to get a point out of the game which has left them level on points with 16^th placed Hertha Berlin.

Dortmund, as a result of this tie, find themselves just five points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich. With nine games remaining in the competition, both Bayern and Dortmund are expected to be involved in what could turn out to be a classic title chase.

The Borussians will host Werder Bremen in their next game while Bayern will travel to the capital club on Saturday, March 17. Both teams will take part in the semi-final of the German Cup as Dortmund take on Greuther Furth whereas Monchengladbach will host the Munich giants.