Referee Slavko Vincic became a focal point for Real Madrid officials after their Champions League elimination. Former Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman finds their reaction understandable only to a certain extent.
In the 86th minute, Vincic showed a yellow-red card to Real’s substitute midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. The Frenchman held the ball for an extended period after a minor foul, for which the official issued a yellow card. It appeared the referee may not have registered that Camavinga had already been cautioned, leading to the subsequent red card. With an advantage, Bayern then rallied from a 2-3 deficit to a 4-3 victory, advancing to the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the sixth edition of his own charity golf tournament in Barcelona, Ronald Koeman, a former Barcelona player and coach and current Dutch national team manager, was also asked about the midweek Champions League clash.
When questioned whether he would hold the player or the referee more responsible for the debatable decision, he stated: «If I were the coach, I would be angrier with the player. And also a little with the referee, because he needs to be aware of the game situation,» the Dutchman commented.
Ronald Koeman: ‘Perhaps the referee overreacted’
Koeman explained what he believed Camavinga did wrong: «He should have committed the foul and given the ball away before returning to his position. By holding onto the ball, he left the decision to the referee – and you shouldn’t do that,» he said. «Perhaps the referee overreacted,» Koeman conceded.
PSG vs. Bayern? ‘The dream final’
After the match, Real Madrid players and officials solely blamed referee Vincic for their Champions League exit. Spanish media also spoke of an ‘injustice’ and a ‘terrible’ official.
Koeman also acknowledged the strong performance from Bayern Munich, which was primarily responsible for the Royals’ elimination. However, he expressed disappointment that FCB will now face PSG in the semi-finals: «That was the dream final,» he confessed, adding: «PSG is very strong, just like Bayern,» said Koeman. In the other semi-final, Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid.