During a tense DFB-Pokal clash between Borussia Dortmund (BVB) and Rot-Weiss Essen, a brutal foul in stoppage time left BVB defender Yann Couto carried off the pitch — and sparked sharp criticism from coach Niko Kovač, who described the incident as “an attack.”

According to reports, Essen’s Kelsey Owusu delivered a high boot with the sole of his boot to Couto’s knee near the corner flag in the 95th minute. Despite the severity, the referee issued only a yellow card, a decision that all but infuriated those on the BVB side.BILD+13BILD+13Westfalenpost+13

In a post-match interview with ARD, Kovač expressed his horror:

“Honestly, that's not how you go into a duel. I'm not accusing him of intent, but it's grossly negligent. Actually, that's an attack!”BILD

Kovač quickly added that he hoped for only a contusion, though the severity remained unclear as Couto was taken off on a stretcher in visible pain.BILD+2BILD+2

Julian Brandt, also reacting on Sky, described the tackle as “brutal,” remarking that BVB was lucky Couto wasn't more seriously injured.BILD Meanwhile, even Essen’s coach Uwe Koschinat weighed in, condemning the foul and affirming that such reckless play has no place in football.