Bayern Munich explain substitution mix-up saw them briefly play with 12 men

Posted Sunday, April 03, 2022 by ESPN

A mix-up involving Bayern Munich substitutes that saw the champions play with 12 men for a few seconds late in Saturday's 4-1 win over Freiburg was down to a wrong number displayed on the board, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann said.

The incident came in the 86th minute when Corentin Tolisso and Kingsley Coman were to be taken off for Marcel Sabitzer and Niklas Sule.

But the fourth official's displayed a wrong number for Coman and the France winger played on for a few seconds, according to the champions and referee Christian Dingert.

"The fourth official showed the wrong number," Nagelsmann told a news conference. "King [Coman] did not know he had to come off. It was eight or nine seconds I think that we played like that. It was not a game-deciding incident but still a bit weird.

"It is normal for fans to be discussing it," Nagelsmann said. "I know who is to blame but I will not name them and do you this favour. I am happy we won."

Freiburg coach Christian Streich said his team was not planning to appeal.

"I expect that we will not have to appeal anything," Streich said.

"We abide by these rules and that is all I will say about it."

Match referee Christian Dingert speaks with Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic during their win over Freiburg on Saturday.

It was unclear if there would be any consequences for the Bavarians, with referee Dingert saying he had noted the incident in the match report.

"The wrong number was shown so the player Coman did not feel it was referring him. While clearing up the situation between team and the official it was neglected to take the player off. That is very annoying," Dingert said.

"We interrupted the game. It took a bit longer to clear it up. That is why we had eight minutes of stoppage time. We have noted that in the match report that this is what occurred.

"In the 16 seconds [Coman played on] not much happened and it is now up to the colleagues at the German Football Association."

Bayern's win put them nine points clear at the top of the table with six matches left.