The discussions surrounding referee João Pinheiro continue after FC Bayern’s semi-final exit against Paris Saint-Germain. While the Munich team continues to grapple with several decisions, the reaction from Paris is now adding fuel to the fire
Even two days after the bitter Champions League exit against PSG, frustration still runs deep at FC Bayern, with several controversial decisions by referee João Pinheiro in particular continuing to cause incomprehension at Säbener Straße
In particular, the non-award of a yellow card against Nuno Mendes and the discussions surrounding possible handball took center stage after the 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena
At the press conference ahead of the Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg, sporting director Christoph Freund once again made it clear that the Munich side were anything but satisfied with some of the scenes. „Basically, it’s still a big disappointment two nights later. It felt good, we were convinced we could do it. But then everything has to come together and it’s the little things that decide,“ explained the Austrian
Internally, there is still a feeling at the record champions that individual decisions by the Portuguese referee had a major influence on the course of the game
PSG react with incomprehension to Bayern’s frustration
In Paris, on the other hand, they are apparently much more relaxed about the uproar surrounding the refereeing performance. As the French sports newspaper L’Équipe reports, PSG officials cannot understand the fierce complaints from FC Bayern. The paper cites information from „high-ranking sources“ within the club
In particular, the criticism of the non-award of a yellow card against Nuno Mendes is viewed differently internally at PSG. „Against Real Madrid, Bayern managed to get Camavinga sent off by exerting insane pressure on the referee. This time, they didn’t succeed,“ according to L’Équipe from within the French club
The Parisians are indirectly accusing Munich of once again trying to influence the referee’s decisions through massive protests
But that’s not all: some PSG officials are even said to be convinced that the second leg would have ended much more clearly in the French side’s favour without Manuel Neuer. According to the report, there is an internal belief that the match „could have been a devastating defeat without Manuel Neuer’s saves“
In fact, the Bayern captain saved his team from conceding further goals with several strong saves and was one of the best players on the pitch.