Ballack's frustration began in the mid-first half, with Bayern trailing 0-1. In the 23rd minute, Josip Stanisic delivered a long pass to Harry Kane, who broke free. The Bayern striker had ample space, facing only Willian Pacho. However, main referee Joao Pinheiro immediately blew his whistle for offside, despite the assistant referee not raising his flag.

Ballack, former Bayern captain, expressed anger, believing Kane was nearly level with Nuno Mendes. Pinheiro's hasty decision prevented video assistant referee (VAR) intervention during a crucial moment.

"The referee blew his whistle before the assistant even raised the flag; he isn't allowed to do that. This is a significant error", Ballack stated sharply on DAZN. He questioned, "Referees must let the play continue. Why did he blow the whistle with Kane breaking through on goal?"

Ballack during the post-match commentary for Bayern - PSG on DAZN on 6/5. *Photo: Reuters*

Pinheiro again drew attention in the 29th minute of his 15th Champions League match. Nuno Mendes, already booked, used his hand to block a Bayern counter-attack. Instead of showing a second yellow card, the referee sparked controversy by penalizing an earlier handball by Konrad Laimer.

Replays showed the Austrian player appeared to control the ball with his stomach and thigh, rendering the decision a clear error. This allowed PSG to avoid playing with ten men for over 60 remaining minutes. Ballack commented, "The referee's handling lacked finesse."

"The referee again interfered in this excellent match, altering the balance. Bayern was clearly treated unfairly", Sami Khedira, another former Bayern player, remarked on DAZN.

Two minutes later, coach Vincent Kompany lost his composure on the sideline. Inside the PSG penalty area, Vitinha cleared the ball at close range, which struck Joao Neves's outstretched arm. Bayern demanded a penalty, but VAR confirmed the referee's decision not to award one.

Bayern players (right) react to referee Joao Pinheiro after Joao Neves's handball in the penalty area, at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 6/5. *Photo: Reuters*

The current handball law states: "If the ball touches a player's hand or arm after a shot or header from a teammate, the referee is not obliged to call a foul, unless the ball travels directly into the opponent's goal or the player scores immediately after the handball. In such an instance, the opposing team receives a direct free kick."

Based on the law, Pinheiro's decision was deemed correct. However, Ballack, who made 98 appearances for the German national team and played for Bayern from 2002-2006, remained indignant. He argued, "That was a very clear handball penalty. His hand was high, at shoulder level, directly in the ball's path. It's truly baffling why no penalty was given."

The 1-1 draw with PSG in the second leg resulted in Bayern's elimination from the Champions League, with an aggregate score of 5-6. Kompany's team, already Bundesliga champions, now has one remaining objective: to defeat Stuttgart in the German Cup final on 23/5.

By Vy Anh