Joshua Kimmich has called for a change to the handball law after Bayern Munich were on the receiving end of a controversial decision in their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern were beaten 5-4 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Parc des Princes, with one of the goals coming from a contentious penalty.
The Controversial Incident
PSG went into the half-time break 3-2 up after referee Sandro Scharer awarded them a penalty for a handball by Alphonso Davies. Ousmane Dembele's cross hit Davies' thigh and cannoned into his hand, which was close to his side. The incident initially passed without a spot-kick being awarded before Scharer was sent to the pitchside monitor by the VAR. Despite huge protestations from Bayern, led by Harry Kane and Kimmich, the referee pointed to the spot and Dembele scored.
Kimmich's Reaction
The handball law has been a bone of contention among players, managers and fans for some time, particularly in the Champions League, where its interpretation seems to be even harsher. Kimmich explained his unhappiness in an interview with Prime Video after the match. "More of an unfortunate decision. It's just not in the spirit of the game," he said. "That's really frustrating, because there's no opponent behind him who could have scored. The rule could use a tweak."
Kompany's View
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany made a similar point in his post-match press conference. "It was an extraordinary game, but I have just reviewed the penalty incident: the ball strikes the leg first before hitting the arm," Kompany said. "I need to understand the reasoning behind that decision." He added: "I am still trying to process if the penalty was awarded for that reason. If that was the criteria, it was undoubtedly the defining moment of the match."
Pundits Weigh In
Alan Shearer was on co-commentary duties for the match and agreed with the Bayern protestations. "Once you see that deflection onto his arm, then that for me, shouldn't be a penalty," he said. "He's given it. I don't agree with that, I really don't agree with it. Once it comes off his leg onto his arm, then for me, that's a different story. If it hits his arm then okay, I might accept. But once it comes off a different part of his body onto his arm, what's he meant to do?"
Former referee Mark Clattenburg added: "I agree with you, Alan, but we've seen it time and time again over the last two seasons. Something that we always discuss, it's highly controversial. But when you see it come from that body, the leg onto the arm — even though the arm's come away from the body — I don't believe they should be given, and I agree with Alan."
The debate over the handball rule continues, with Kimmich's call for a tweak adding to the chorus of voices seeking clarity and consistency in its application.
