Bayern Munich‘s Champions League dreams were shattered in the dying moments of their semi-final clash against Real Madrid, reported by GOAL. Trailing 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bayern thought they had salvaged a lifeline when Matthijs de Ligt found the back of the net with a late equaliser. However, celebration turned to disbelief as the goal was disallowed due to a contentious offside call.
The controversy stemmed from a ball played into the Bayern box, where Leroy Sane seemed poised to pounce. Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy outjumped Sane to head the ball away, but the linesman swiftly raised his flag, flagging Sane offside. Before the ball even nestled into the net, the referee blew his whistle, halting play and denying Bayern their crucial equaliser.
Social media erupts with Bayern Munich fans
Football fans took to social media to express their outrage over the controversial decision. Many argued that the offside call was questionable at best and called for VAR intervention. The consensus among fans was that Bayern had been robbed of a legitimate chance to equalise, with some labelling the decision a catastrophe for football.
The @thefutballboy_1 wrote on social media: “In all honesty, this is not offside, and even if it was, it’s a close close call, and the rules say “Players must keep playing until the attack is over, then check VAR”. Bayern got robbed!”
@HLTCO said: “It’s absolutely bonkers that they’ve blown up and not allowed VAR to determine whether or not that was offside.”
“Linesmen and refs let players run through on goal for ages even if it’s clearly offside, potentially causing injury,” @lawrence_bury said. “The one time in ages I have seen an instant whistle blow is tonight, at the highest level. Why? It’s a catastrophe to football how bad the game is being managed.”
“I refuse to believe that this is offside lmao,” @CFC_Iann said. “De ligt is offside but he doesn’t even touch the ball, the linesman f*cked up the game.”
@Thomasjrennie wrote: “Hold on. He’s onside there isn’t he? That’s a balls up there from the linesman. When you think about all the times they play on when you KNOW someone is offside.”
Thomas Tuchel’s frustration
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel was visibly incensed by the decision and didn’t hold back his frustration. He received a yellow card for his vociferous protests aimed at the linesman. Speaking after the match, Tuchel labelled the incident an “absolute disaster” and criticised the officials for violating the rules by prematurely halting play.
Tuchel told DAZN: “It’s an absolute disaster. This scene must be played out to the end. That’s the rule. The linesman made the mistake, and the referee made the second mistake. It’s a violation of the rules.”
Matthijs de Ligt, the player at the centre of the offside controversy, shed light on the aftermath of the incident. He revealed that the linesman had apologised to him for the erroneous call, admitting his mistake. “I don’t want to say that Real Madrid always has the referees with them but that made the difference today.” He added to Bein Sports: “The linesman told me: ‘Sorry, I made a mistake’.” De Ligt’s comments added fuel to the fire, with many questioning the impartiality of the officials.
What lies ahead for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid
While Bayern Munich’s season ended in disappointment, Real Madrid marched on to the Champions League final. They are set to face Borussia Dortmund in a bid to clinch their 15th European title. However, the controversial decision against Bayern will undoubtedly linger in the minds of fans and players alike, casting a shadow over an otherwise thrilling encounter.
