German media are divided over Bayern Munich’s performance in the Champions League semi-final. Referee João Pinheiro in particular had to pay the price. “That can be discussed for weeks.”
After last week’s spectacle in Paris (5-4), Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 in Germany. The French will have the opportunity to win the Champions League for the second year in a row on Saturday, May 30.
While the beautiful play of both teams was central in the first leg, this time it was the Portuguese referee. He didn’t give a penalty for an obvious handball. Rightly so, as the rules of the game show.
Yet the German newspaper BILD sees a negative role for referee Pinheiro. ‘One truth is: referee João Pinheiro was not up to this match. Mendes should have received his second yellow card after 29 minutes,” it can be read.
According to BILD referee expert Manuel Gräfe, who was active in the Bundesliga between 2004 and 2021, a penalty should have been given. ‘Neves’ penalty that was not given can be discussed for weeks to come’
Sportschau also writes that the referee took a leading role and explains another moment. ‘In the 23rd minute he whistled Harry Kane for offside during a promising attack. The television images were inconclusive, but the referee failed to allow the attack to play out.’
In addition to Sportschau, Kicker also writes that the decision not to award a penalty was correct. Vitinha accidentally hit the ball against teammate João Neves’ arm. No penalty, according to the rules of the game.
Yet BILD mainly blames Vincent Kompany’s team. ‘Bayern were simply not strong and accurate enough to beat PSG yesterday. Six goals conceded in two matches against PSG are simply too many.’
‘For comparison: Arsenal reached the final against Atlético Madrid with two goals. Bayern is out with five goals against the defending champion…’