Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has accused referee Joao Pinheiro of reversing a decision to send off Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes during the Champions League semi-final second leg. Kompany's side were eliminated 6-5 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Munich, but two controversial decisions left the Belgian furious.
Incident in the 29th Minute
In the 29th minute, the ball struck Mendes' arm as he intercepted a Bayern attack. Pinheiro immediately blew his whistle and awarded a free-kick to the hosts. Kompany passionately appealed for a second yellow card, as Mendes had already been booked early in the match. However, after consulting with his fourth official, Pinheiro reversed his decision, ruling that Bayern's Konrad Laimer had handled the ball moments earlier. PSG were awarded the free-kick instead, and Mendes escaped a sending-off.
Kompany's Reaction
Speaking to TNT Sports, Kompany said: "I thought he was giving it and I felt he pulled out because he realised he'd already given him a yellow and he didn't want to send him off for that. He's turned it around to the other side. I've seen it on a few angles. I don't see Konrad Laimer touch the ball with his hand. They say he did. So I don't know." The Bayern boss also labelled the officiating "ridiculous" during his post-match press conference.
Former Bayern midfielder Michael Ballack added on DAZN: "This is a game-changing situation. It is the first time that the fourth official intervenes in such a scene. I had the feeling that they didn't want to give the yellow-red card. That's my feeling as a spectator."
Context and Fallout
PSG went on to reach the final in Budapest, where they will face Arsenal. Bayern, meanwhile, have already secured the Bundesliga title and face Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal final, keeping hopes of a domestic double alive. The controversy has sparked debate over the use of VAR and fourth official intervention in high-stakes matches.
