Konrad Laimer addresses controversial handball decisions, baffled at fourth official intervention

TL;DR

Konrad Laimer criticized controversial handball decisions in Bayern Munich's Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. He expressed confusion over the fourth official's intervention and the impact of these calls on the match outcome.

Key points

Konrad Laimer criticized handball decisions in the semifinal match.
Fourth official's intervention was questioned by Laimer.
Bayern Munich was eliminated from the Champions League.
Controversial calls impacted the match outcome.

FC Bayern MünchenParis Saint-GermainKonrad LaimerAlphonso Davies

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 06: Konrad Laimer of FC Bayern Muenchen walks out onto the pitch prior to during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain at Football Arena Munich on May 06, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images Bayern Munich’s Champions League semifinal tie against Paris Saint Germain was one defined by two very good teams going head to head and one having to fall by the wayside. But, unfortunately, the football was not the only focus of the match. Multiple refereeing decisions in this tie were roundly criticized, none more than the handball decisions that went in favor of the Parisians. First there was a handball called on Alphonso Davies in the first leg, which led to a penalty concession against the Bavarians. Then Nuno Mendes halted a dangerous attack with his arm, which could have led to his being awarded a second yellow card only for Konrad Laimer to be penalized for a handball prior to the Paris player’s infraction. Finally, a clearance by fellow Portuguese player found the outstretched arm of in the box but was waved away as not a penalty. Naturally, Laimer was going to be asked by reporters about the Mendes handball incident and what his reading of the situation was. The Austrian, clearly unhappy, had a fair bit to say about the incident: “You don’t feel it during the game itself. I thought I had played the ball with my stomach, and then Mendes with his hand,” Laimer explained (as captured by ). “The referee whistled for handball against me five seconds later. That’s really strange. Things could definitely have gone better for us today, including the other handball [on João Neves].” The reporter followed up by pointing out that the handball on Laimer was called by the fourth official. “Since when does the fourth official intervene in the game? I’ve never experienced that before,” the Austrian pointed out. “But that’s not my business; I can’t change it now anyway. That would have been a decisive moment if PSG had lost a player so early. In games like these, it comes down to a few small details. I always felt we could turn things around. But today it wasn’t enough. That’s really tough.” There will be further questions and inquiries about the decisions made in the match. But what is set in stone is that the Bavarians are out of the Champions League and will have to gather themselves to try again next season. *If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on , , , or any leading podcast distributor…*

Q&A

What did Konrad Laimer say about the handball decisions in the match?

Laimer expressed that he felt he played the ball with his stomach and was confused by the handball call against him, especially since it was made by the fourth official.

How did the handball decisions affect Bayern Munich's Champions League match against PSG?

The controversial handball calls contributed to Bayern Munich's elimination from the Champions League, as they felt the decisions were pivotal in the match.

What was the reaction of Bayern Munich players to the refereeing during the match?

Players, including Laimer, were visibly unhappy with the refereeing decisions, particularly regarding the handball incidents that favored PSG.

What are the implications of Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League?

Bayern Munich's exit means they will need to regroup and prepare for the next season, as they aim to improve their performance in future competitions.