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

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 Vitinha found the outstretched arm of João Neves 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 @iMiaSanMia ). “The referee whistled for handball against me five seconds later.