Bayern Munich found themselves involved in a Champions League controversy after the expulsion of Michael Olise in the 3-3 draw against Viking of Norway. The Frenchman received his second yellow card, and with it the expulsion, for throwing a ball at the head of Norwegian winger Zlatko Tripic on the second day of the group stage. The decision sparked reactions from both Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and striker Harry Kane, who criticized Olise's performance and the way the team was reduced to ten players.
The incident occurred in the 74th minute, when Bayern had already come back from 0‑2 to 2‑3. Olise, who had never been sent off before, threw the ball at the head of Tripic, who had been trying to provoke the Frenchman throughout the match. Tripic, Viking's 33-year-old captain, stated that the objective was to provoke Olise and that the final result was a draw that allowed the club to climb the table. The player also revealed that, at the end of the match, several Vikings went to the Bayern locker room to request shirts, which generated tension between both teams.
Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane expressed their displeasure with Olise's behavior. Kompany noted that the player lost his composure and that the team was forced to play with ten, which affected the performance. Kane, for his part, recalled the importance of maintaining discipline in Champions League matches and criticized Olise's lack of control. Both leaders stressed that the expulsion was a mistake that could have cost Bayern the victory.
For his part, Bayern's sporting director, Marx Eberl, was outraged by Tripic's performance. Eberl described Tripic as a “scoundrel” who sought to win the game at any cost and, although Viking did not win, they achieved a draw that benefited them in the standings. The leader also highlighted that Bayern lost their cool and that Olise's expulsion was a critical point that the club will have to analyze to avoid repeating it in future matches.
The 3-3 draw left Viking with a valuable point in the group stage, while Bayern, despite having won with ten players, did not achieve the victory they needed to advance safely. The incident has sparked debate about discipline in the Champions League and the need for players to maintain emotional control in high-pressure matches. Bayern's next match will be crucial to consolidate their position in the table and prevent the Olise controversy from continuing to affect their European campaign.