Bayern furious over João Pinheiro decision involving Nuno Mendes in Champions League semi-final

The refereeing of João Pinheiro in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and PSG has sparked major controversy in Germany.

German magazine Kicker strongly criticized the Portuguese referee, focusing on a key incident in the 29th minute that led to intense protests from Bayern players. “Several Bayern players gathered around referee João Pinheiro to loudly demand a second yellow card for Nuno Mendes,” the publication reported.

The incident occurred when the PSG left-back was accused of stopping a promising attack by positioning himself in front of Konrad Laimer and handling the ball with his right hand, in what Bayern considered a tactical foul. Despite the appeals, João Pinheiro opted not to show a second yellow card, a decision that angered the German side inside the Allianz Arena.

Kicker also questioned the referee’s change of decision after consulting the fourth official: “The UEFA referee initially awarded a foul in Bayern’s favour, but after a brief exchange with the fourth official, he changed the call to handball by Laimer, an incorrect decision and therefore a lucky break for the reigning champions.”

The situation triggered strong protests both on the pitch and in the stands. Combined with another disputed moment involving João Neves, where Bayern appealed for a penalty, João Pinheiro’s performance became one of the main talking points of a match that sent PSG into the Champions League final.