Ribéry’s Controversial Slap on Carvajal Raises Eyebrows in Champions League Semi-Final
Munich, Germany — 29 April
Franck Ribéry’s frustration boiled over during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final second-leg defeat to Real Madrid, as the French winger was caught on camera slapping Dani Carvajal in a moment of aggression.
With Bayern trailing 3-0 at the Allianz Arena, the German side’s hopes of a comeback were quickly fading. As the pressure mounted, Ribéry lost control during a collision with Carvajal. In a brief but visible altercation, the 31-year-old slapped the Spanish full-back, a gesture that went unnoticed by the referee but was captured by multiple cameras.
The incident occurred in the second half of the match, as Bayern found themselves down 4-0 on aggregate, facing an almost insurmountable task. As tempers flared on the pitch, Ribéry’s frustration was palpable, and his actions caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
While the referee did not penalise Ribéry at the time, the footage of the slap is certain to attract attention from UEFA’s disciplinary bodies. Given the nature of the incident, it seems likely that Ribéry will face further scrutiny and potential sanctions for his behaviour.
The Frenchman, known for his fiery personality on the field, has often been involved in controversial moments throughout his career. This latest incident could tarnish what was otherwise a difficult night for Bayern, as they failed to mount any real challenge to Madrid’s dominance.
The actions of Ribéry will undoubtedly be discussed in the aftermath of the match, and UEFA will likely use the images of the slap to determine whether further action is warranted.
