FC Bayern Munich CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, has strongly criticised referee João Pinheiro following Bayern’s dramatic Champions League semifinal exit against Paris Saint-Germain.
After Bayern’s 1-1 draw with PSG at the Allianz Arena, which saw the French side advance 6-5 on aggregate, Dreesen questioned UEFA’s decision to appoint the Portuguese referee for such a high-profile match.
He said it was “astonishing” that a referee with only 15 Champions League appearances was allowed to officiate a semi-final of that magnitude.
The match was filled with controversial moments. Bayern players and fans were furious after PSG defender Nuno Mendes escaped a possible second yellow card for handball.
There were also loud appeals for a Bayern penalty after the ball appeared to strike João Neves’ arm inside the box, but VAR chose not to intervene.
Dreesen’s comments show the frustration inside the Bayern camp. Head coach Vincent Kompany and several players also questioned some of the referee’s decisions after the final whistle.
