Presented as the best team on the continent until this semi-final against PSG, Bayern Munich finally came across stronger than them. But the Bavarians could legitimately harbor some regrets regarding certain refereeing decisions.
During the first leg, the capital club was able to take the lead just before the break thanks to a penalty following a handball from Alphonso Davies. But for the German camp, the Canadian defender’s hand was involuntary since the ball had first hit the player’s body, considerably reducing his reaction time. The former referees nevertheless agreed that the penalty was justified since the Canadian’s left arm was out and increased the body surface area.
During the return match, it was a penalty refused to Bayern Munich which made the Bavarian side cringe. Joao Neves’ hand is obvious but follows a clearance from Vitinha. However, the IFAB regulations indicate that there is no reason to call a penalty in this specific case.
Konrad Laimer did not touch the ball with his hand
Bayern Munich, however, had good reason to complain. A few minutes before this action, Nuno Mendes was indeed guilty of a rough hand on the left side. A fault which should have earned the Portuguese defender a second warning and therefore his exclusion. But for Joao Pinheiro, the referee of the match, if there was reason to whistle, it was in favor of PSG. The fault of a first hand from Konrad Laimer. A decision which angered Vincent Kompany.
“I watched the footage three times and I didn’t see a single image where Konrad Laimer touched the ball with his hand,
he lamented at a press conference. Has anyone seen any other images here? I was 10 meters away and not once did I have the impression that Konrad had touched the ball with his hand. He took it with his hip. For me, it was clearly a second yellow card. This scene is decisive for the match. »
And the images prove the Belgian coach right. The ball indeed hits the flank of the Austrian defender but absolutely not his hand.
