NIKO KOVAČ CALLS FOR PROBE AFTER ‘EXTRA-MINUTE’ CHANT FROM TOTTENHAM FANS IN DORTMUND’S 2–0 LOSS
Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovač has urged authorities to look into a controversial chant from sections of the Tottenham Hotspur support following his team’s heavy 2–0 defeat, as an already difficult night for the German side turned increasingly tense.
Dortmund travelled to North London hoping to revive their European campaign, but instead left with both a damaging result and lingering frustration. Spurs struck once in each half to take control, yet the talking point emerged late on and continued after the final whistle.
During stoppage time, a chant referencing “extra minutes” rang around the stadium, something Kovač felt went beyond acceptable fan banter. While accepting the result on the pitch, the Dortmund coach said the atmosphere and message behind the chant deserved closer examination. Broadcast microphones clearly picked it up, and it appeared to allude to previous refereeing controversies involving Dortmund — a sensitive issue within the club.
The reaction was noticeable. Several Dortmund players turned toward the stands as the chant intensified, while the bench responded angrily, prompting stewards to move closer amid rising tensions.
On the field, the match had been fiercely contested from the outset. Tottenham’s high press unsettled Dortmund early, leading to the opening goal, while the second strike effectively sealed the game. As the match wore on, Dortmund’s frustration became evident, with late tackles and confrontations disrupting their rhythm.
Kovač praised Tottenham’s intensity and quality but stressed that respect should remain fundamental to the sport. “Rivalry and noise are part of football,” he said. “But when chants are meant to provoke and touch on sensitive matters, there must be responsibility.”
He confirmed Dortmund would file an official report under UEFA’s crowd conduct regulations. Although he did not explicitly call for sanctions, he insisted the incident should be reviewed to avoid repeat scenarios.
Tottenham chose to keep the focus on their performance. Their manager highlighted tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and clinical finishing, declining to address the chant directly and insisting crowd behavior was not his concern.
ONLINE REACTION
Reaction on social media was swift and divided. Dortmund supporters largely backed Kovač, arguing that mockery crossed the line. Tottenham fans, however, dismissed the chant as harmless banter and part of the big-match atmosphere.
Pundits and former players were similarly split, with some defending fan expression and others warning that tolerating provocative chants could erode standards.
For Dortmund, the defeat complicates their European outlook, but Kovač believes confronting the off-field is
sue is just as vital as fixing on-pitch problems.
“If football is to progress, everyone has a responsibility,” he said. “Players, coaches, officials, and fans. Staying silent helps nobody.”
As UEFA reviews the report and debate continues online, a match settled by goals now risks being remembered for a chant that could carry consequences beyond the scoreline.
