The refereeing performance of João Pinheiro during the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and PSG has sparked major controversy in Germany.
German magazine Kicker heavily criticized the Portuguese referee, focusing on a controversial moment in the 29th minute that triggered strong protests from Bayern players. According to the publication, “several Bayern players gathered around referee João Pinheiro to loudly demand a second yellow card for Nuno Mendes.”
The incident involved the PSG full-back allegedly stopping a promising Bayern attack by positioning himself in front of Konrad Laimer and handling the ball with his right hand, in what was viewed as a tactical foul. Despite the appeals, João Pinheiro chose not to issue a second booking, a decision that angered both Bayern players and supporters inside the Allianz Arena.
Kicker also criticized the referee for changing his initial decision after consulting the fourth official. “The UEFA referee initially awarded a foul in Bayern’s favor, but after a brief conversation with the fourth official, he changed the call to handball by Laimer — an incorrect decision and therefore a fortunate escape for the European champions,” the magazine wrote.
The incident led to intense protests both on the pitch and in the stands. Combined with another controversial moment involving João Neves, where Bayern players appealed for a penalty, João Pinheiro’s officiating became one of the main talking points of the match that secured PSG’s place in the Champions League final.
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