FC Bayern’s 2-2 draw at Hamburger SV was not just a matter of sporting frustration. In the catacombs of the Volksparkstadion, there were heated scenes between the Munich players and referee Harm Osmers immediately after the final whistle. The anger had obviously built up over 90 minutes – and was vented after the game
For the second time in a row, the record champions were without a win in the Bundesliga. A week after the 2-1 defeat against FC Augsburg, they also only managed a draw at HSV. While Hamburg celebrated the point, the result felt like another disappointment for Bayern. But it wasn’t just the sporting aspects that caused discussion
Bayern coaching team takes Osmers to task
As reported by BILD, parts of the Bayern coaching team went to the referee’s booth immediately after the final whistle. An intense discussion ensued with the referee Harm Osmers. Bayern striker Harry Kane could also be seen in the immediate vicinity of the scene
Particularly explosive: Kane walked past the situation shaking his head and audibly said: „The worst I’ve ever met in football.“ Although the Englishman did not mention a name, the context left little doubt that his words were directed at the referee
Two penalty scenes cause great frustration
Two late scenes in stoppage time were the main triggers for the anger. In the 90th minute, HSV defender Elfadli got a hand to Joshua Kimmich’s shot. The VAR intervened, but after a brief review, Osmers decided against a penalty. The displeasure on the Bayern side was great
The next controversial situation followed just a few minutes later. Josip Stanisic went to ground after being pushed in the penalty area and the Munich players again demanded a penalty. Instead, Osmers ruled an offensive foul against the Bayern defender (90.+9). Kane, Kimmich and Stanisic in particular then vehemently sought a discussion with the referee
Eberl and Neuer with clear words
Sporting director Max Eberl was not sparing with his criticism after the game either. In an interview on Sky, he explained: „Today you’re leading again, get the equalizer, try everything until the end, have to fight against extremely strong opposition. A stadium that is behind this team. A referee who was a little out of his depth, in my opinion, who didn’t assess many situations well. That’s my opinion.“
Captain Manuel Neuer also put the situation in perspective and made it clear how critical the accumulation of discussions is. „If the referee is a topic of discussion after the game, then it’s never a good sign. I think it’s always best if the referee is not discussed. Because then you know that he had the game under control. But if you’re asked so often, then it doesn’t speak for it,“ said the goalkeeper in the catacombs
The emotional exchange of blows after the end of the game showed just how deep Bayern’s frustration ran. Munich had turned the game around in the meantime, but once again failed to defend their lead. In combination with what they saw as controversial decisions, this led to an explosive situation
The focus is now likely to quickly shift back to the sporting side of things, but one thing is clear: the 2:2 draw in Hamburg has not only left its mark on the table, but has also caused considerable controversy off the pitch.