Thomas Tuchel, the coach of Bayern Munich, blasted a late offside ruling, labeling it a "complete disaster," after Real Madrid defeated his team on Wednesday in the Champions League semifinals.
In the 12th minute of stoppage time, Joshua Kimmich sent in a long cross that was headed centrally by Thomas Mueller for defender Matthijs de Ligt to score, putting Real Madrid ahead 2-1 after two late goals.
Following the ruling, a jubilant Tuchel sprinted along the sidelines. He referred to the choice as "a disaster, an absolute disaster" to broadcaster DAZN following the game.
"We must wait for the action to conclude. That's the rule, particularly given how restricted it is and how near it is to the objective.
"The first error is made by the linesman, the second comes from the referee," Tuchel stated.
The 50-year-old coach said that the choice "felt like a betrayal" to television network TNT.
At the news conference, Tuchel stated that the referee had expressed regret, but he also noted, "It doesn't help to say sorry."
"Everyone must push themselves to the very limit, endure pain, and play flawlessly. Consequently, the referee must also be at that level.
"You are the greatest there is, which is why you are on the field. And up until the very end, we are entitled to anticipate that."
De Ligt, the game's top scorer, concurred with his coach and said the choice was critical.
"I think the last moment is amazing. Why he (the referee) doesn't allow the activity to continue is beyond me.
He expressed regret. That choice makes the difference today, but I wouldn't want to argue that Real Madrid is always fortunate," De Ligt said to DAZN.
"We're in the Champions League semi-finals," stated a disgruntled Manuel Neuer, the captain of Bayern. He probably understands that it was a mistake and that you shouldn't act hastily."
News
