In a heated Champions League semi-final second leg between PSG and Bayern Munich, several contentious moments ignited controversy, with Konrad Laimer finding himself at the center of one such incident.
Following the match, which saw FC Bayern Munich eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, Konrad Laimer expressed his profound disbelief regarding a controversial play in the 29th minute.
The incident involved PSG’s Nuno Mendes, already on a yellow card, who clearly handled the ball to stop a Bayern counter-attack. Instead of issuing a second yellow card and sending Mendes off, Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro controversially awarded a foul for a supposed handball by Laimer in the build-up.
However, replays suggested that Laimer had played the ball with his body, specifically his torso and thigh, rather than his hand. This apparent misjudgment by the referee would have put FC Bayern in a strong position, potentially playing with an extra man for over 60 minutes.
«The referee is once again intervening in this wonderful game of football and altering the dynamics. Bayern were clearly disadvantaged here,» stated Sami Khedira during halftime on DAZN.
Laimer Astounded by Fourth Official’s Intervention: «Felt Like It’s Never Happened Before»
After the final whistle, which confirmed Bayern’s exit following a 1-1 draw, Laimer spoke about the disputed handball call. «I would have also said: 100 percent no. But sometimes you don’t feel it,» the Austrian admitted. He continued, «But when you’re in the middle of the game, I would have also thought I touched him with my body, tried to pass him, and he clearly played it away with his hand.»
Laimer concluded, «It’s bitter, and these are the kinds of decisions that didn’t go our way. We don’t need to analyze too much, it’s irrelevant now, but the referee whistles my handball what felt like five seconds after the action with his handball happened. I found that strange.»
Adding to the peculiarity, amidst strong protests from Bayern players and staff, the referee indicated that the fourth official had advised him that Laimer had handled the ball.
Laimer’s reaction was unequivocal: «Great! So, it felt like the fourth official has never said anything in any game. But it doesn’t matter, I can’t change it anymore. It would have been a very decisive moment, of course, if a player gets a red card after 20 minutes.»
Former Bayern player Michael Ballack also expressed his lack of understanding for the refereeing team’s decision. «I had the feeling they didn’t want to give this yellow-red card, that’s my feeling as a spectator, and I’m saying that openly here.» DAZN expert Sami Khedira also referred to it as a «game-deciding» misjudgment.
Stanisic Sees an Overwhelmed Referee and Can No Longer Comprehend Anything
Teammate Josip Stanisic had a clear opinion on the alleged handball. «I think the referee was overwhelmed by the whole situation himself and then said that Konny took the ball with his hand or something,» he said. «He reacted quickly and said that Konny played the ball with his hand. He couldn’t say much else at that point.»
The Croatian is generally frustrated with how handball situations are handled. «This whole handball situation is a pain in the ass for all of us. Sometimes they decide one way, sometimes another. It’s incomprehensible.»
Furthermore, another incident particularly agitated the FCB players. Just two minutes after the Laimer situation, Vitinha, attempting to clear the ball in his own penalty area, struck Joao Neves’ outstretched arm at close range.
FC Bayern Upset — But Pinheiro Was Correct
However, Pinheiro opted not to award a penalty, seemingly adhering to the rules. «UEFA instruction. It should not lead to a penalty if the ball is struck by a teammate from outside the penalty area,» explained DFB referee chief Knut Kircher just last year.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), if a player is hit by the ball on their hand or arm from a shot or header by a teammate, it is not considered a handball. Exceptions apply if the ball directly enters the opponent’s goal or if the player scores immediately afterward, in which case the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick.
«Whether it comes from your own player or not – it’s a bit nonsensical, a bit of rubbish. That’s a shame,» said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. When shown the Mendes incident on TV, the Belgian laughed, «But then we want to analyze why we are not in the final. They just showed two clips.»