Image Credits: Imago Images
The Champions League is unforgiving.
Every game matters, and every decision can shape a team’s season.
Bayern Munich know this too well, and their latest problem involves a familiar face to Liverpool fans.
Luis Diaz, who left Anfield for Germany with big expectations, is now at the centre of a major controversy.
His red card against PSG has left Bayern frustrated, confused, and forced to take steps they did not expect.
The German side are preparing an official move in response to his suspension.
They feel the punishment is harsher than usual for this stage of the competition.
They also know they need every key player available ahead of a crucial meeting against Arsenal. Bayern believe the decision does not match the incident.
They believe it has put them at a disadvantage in a tight Champions League race.
From a Liverpool point of view, it is strange to see Diaz, who was rarely involved in disciplinary drama at Anfield, become the focus of a debate about rough play.
But the tension around this case has pushed Bayern into action.
Bayern are preparing to appeal the three-match ban handed to Diaz, as per GOAL
The club say UEFA’s ruling does not reflect the challenge he made on Achraf Hakimi.
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “We’ve requested the written justification of the verdict from UEFA in order to lodge an appeal.”
“We will see if we can manage to reduce the ban.”
He added that the club were shocked by the decision after earlier communication from UEFA.
“We assumed it would only be one game after an initial letter from UEFA.”
“So the three-match ban surprised us just as much as everyone else; we couldn’t have expected it at all.”
Dreesen also defended Diaz’s intentions.
“It was obviously a serious foul, but it wasn’t an act of violence, nor was it directed at the referee, nor was there any further offence after the foul.”
Sporting director Max Eberl supported him, saying, “I’m not so naive as to say it will only be one match. If we reduce it to two matches, that would be fantastic.”
“Three matches, in my opinion, is very harsh.”
Even Toni Kroos backed Diaz.
On his podcast he said: “For me, it’s clear: it wasn’t a red card,” and argued that the referee “let Hakimi’s injury have too much of an influence on his assessment of the play.”
He insisted the challenge had no malice: “If Hakimi had gotten up after the challenge, nobody would have reviewed the play.”
Kroos then criticised the VAR process.
“In situations like these, the referee should judge the action itself, not the consequences,” he said.
From a Liverpool standpoint, this is familiar.
Diaz always played on the edge with intensity, not recklessness.
Bayern now feel the same way and are fighting to get him back for the games that matter most.
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