Super Eagles forward Philip Otele endured a difficult afternoon as Hamburger SV fell 3-1 to Werder Bremen in a Bundesliga Round 30 clash on Saturday afternoon, with the Nigerian attacker’s dismissal proving a decisive moment in a dramatic encounter.

Otele, who came on in the second half as Hamburg chased the game, was later shown a straight red card in the 79th minute following a VAR review.

Referee Florian Exner initially allowed play to continue but was instructed to revisit the incident on the pitchside monitor.

After reviewing the challenge, the decision was upgraded to a sending-off for dangerous play, cutting short Otele’s involvement and leaving Hamburg to play the final stages with ten men.

At that point, Hamburger SV were already trailing 2-1 after a brace from Werder Bremen midfielder Jens Stage, who had earlier opened the scoring in the 37th minute and restored Bremen’s lead in the 57th minute.

Robert Glatzel had briefly brought Hamburg level before half-time, keeping the contest finely balanced.

Otele’s dismissal shifted the momentum firmly in Werder Bremen’s favour, as Hamburg struggled to reorganise without the Nigerian forward’s attacking presence.

His sending-off disrupted their pressing structure and reduced their threat in transition during the closing stages.

Werder Bremen then capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Cameron Puertas sealing the result in stoppage time to complete a 3-1 victory.

For Otele, the match marked a frustrating setback, as his involvement ended prematurely in a high-profile Bundesliga fixture.

The Basel loanee will now face suspension, adding further concern for Hamburg as they continue their league campaign.

Wale Adejumo