UCL / PSG - Bayern: The referee is already causing controversy before the match | OneFootball

Bayern – PSG: Controversy erupts before kickoff

UCL / PSG - Bayern: The referee is already causing controversy before the match

The Parc des Princes is gearing up for one of the biggest showdowns of this Champions League phase: Paris Saint-Germain hosts Bayern Munich in what promises to be an electrifying clash. While the action on the pitch is expected to deliver fireworks, the pre-match build-up is already dominated by another story… that of the appointed referee, Maurizio Mariani, whose presence is already causing a stir.

An eagerly awaited clash, a controversial appointment

Still unbeaten this season, Bayern arrives in Paris riding a 15-match winning streak, the hallmark of a perfectly tuned machine under Vincent Kompany’s leadership. Confidence is sky-high in Germany: the local media and legends like Lothar Matthäus see the Bavarians as favorites, believing that PSG, despite being the reigning champions, are not at full strength.But it’s another issue that’s fueling debate: the appointment of Italian referee Maurizio Mariani, who was recently suspended in Serie A after a controversial penalty decision in Inter vs. Napoli. UEFA’s choice, seen as a risky move, is raising eyebrows even in the pages of Bild and Sport1, with concerns that officiating could become one of the night’s biggest talking points.

Mariani under pressure at the Parc des Princes

At 43, Mariani is no stranger to controversy. His previous calls in the Champions League, notably during last year’s PSG–Aston Villa quarter-final, already sparked heated discussions. After his recent suspension, he only returned to officiate in Serie B the previous weekend.His selection for such a high-profile clash is raising both intrigue and concern, including in Germany. On Bayern’s side, Max Eberl has tried to cool tempers, refusing to stoke any controversy ahead of kickoff. But the stage is set: with Bayern’s red-hot form, Parisian expectations, and all eyes on the officiating team, this PSG–Bayern showdown is shaping up to be explosive, both on and off the pitch.