sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Granit Xhaka calls out Michael Oliver in post-match interview after controversial penalty during Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
Home>Football>Football News>Champions League
Published 08:41 6 Mar 2025 GMT

Granit Xhaka calls out Michael Oliver in post-match interview after controversial penalty during Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

Harry Kane converted from the spot to make it 3-0.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka has publicly questioned Michael Oliver's decision to award Bayern Munich a penalty during their Champions League last 16 clash.

Bayern Munich head into next week's second leg at the BayArena with a three goal advantage after goals from Harry Kane [2] and Jamal Musiala sealed a 3-0 win.

It was a relatively straightforward evening for Vincent Kompany's side, who will expect to progress to the quarter-final stage of this season's competition following the result on Wednesday night.

But whether they should be three goals ahead is up for debate. With 15 minutes of normal time remaining, referee Michael Oliver pointed to spot after Edmond Tapsoba dragged Kane to the ground.

Advert

It was a decision that sparked a furious reaction from several Leverkusen players, including former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who threw his arms up in anger before a VAR check upheld the call.

After the penalty was awarded and defender Jonathan Tah was booked for his protests, Kane cooly slotted past Matej Kovar to make it 3-0.

In his post-match media duties, a frustrated Xhaka suggested Michael Oliver would have waved away the same incident in England as it happens on a regular basis in the Premier League.

"In the Premier League, he doesn't give that. I spent seven years there and know Michael. I'm convinced he wouldn't whistle it in the Premier League,' Xhaka told reporters, as per the Daily Mail.

"There are so many blocks in the Premier League that today it was nothing. It's a bit disappointing from him to whistle such a penalty at this level and probably decide the game. If you give a penalty for every block, there would be so many penalties every game."

Oliver has hit headlines of late following a number of incidents, including his decision to dismiss Liverpool manager Arne Slot after last month's Merseyside derby.

Bayern were awarded a penalty after Tapsoba brought down Kane. Image credit: X/@RedCardGiven
Bayern were awarded a penalty after Tapsoba brought down Kane. Image credit: X/@RedCardGiven

Slot was handed a two-match ban and fined £70,000 by an Independent Football Association commission for acting in an improper manner and using insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the referee and an assistant referee.

While shaking the official's hand, Oliver claims Slot said: "If we don't win the league, I'll f****** blame you."

Featured Image Credit: Sport1/YouTube

Topics: Granit Xhaka, Liverpool, Michael Oliver, Premier League, Champions League, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is the Senior Journalist for SPORTbible, one of the world’s biggest social publishers. He specialises in long-form feature writing and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day. He has a BA (Hons) in Journalism and News Practice.

X

@jackkenmare_

Recommended reads

Thierry Henry picks player who will surprise everyone at World Cup – ‘There’s a guy people don’t know about...’GettyRonnie O’Sullivan says snooker star can win 'multiple world titles' and gives update on futureGetty'The only thing he can do is now is tar his career...' - Arnold Allen gives damning verdict on Conor McGregor's comebackGetty ImagesGareth Barry on Thomas Tuchel advice, England squad picks and World Cup: 'He’ll be fighting'Getty

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    'Such a massive club...' - Player publicly confirms interest in signing for Man Utd this summer

    United are heavily linked with two midfielders but a third transfer target has spoken out.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Six players who could play their final Man Utd game vs Brighton

    Man Utd take on Brighton in their final match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

    Football
  • MouradDiop92 X
    5 hours ago

    Two PSG players 'refuse to shake hands' during inter-squad friendly before Champions League final

    Paris Saint-Germain's preparation for the Champions League final against Arsenal turned up an unusual flashpoint

    Football
  • Getty
    6 hours ago

    Harry Kane linked with stunning summer transfer that would make team unbeatable

    England captain Kane is attracting lusty looks from overseas after another prolific season with Bayern Munich

    Football
  • Bayern Munich plotting stunning move for £68m Premier League star after being snubbed by Florian Wirtz
  • Arne Slot convinced Florian Wirtz to choose Liverpool over Bayern Munich with one major promise that he must keep
  • Bayer Leverkusen Set To Make Move For Granit Xhaka
  • Jeremie Frimpong aims Arsenal dig at Granit Xhaka after winning Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen