Stanisic Camavinga red card controversy: Bayern defender criticises referee Slavko Vincic after Camavinga’s dismissal vs Real Madrid
Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic has criticised referee Slavko Vincic, insisting that Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga should not have been sent off during their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg on April 15, 2026, in a match that ended in a dramatic 4-3 victory for Bayern.
Stanisic Camavinga red card controversy followed a fiercely contested tie in which Bayern secured a 6-4 aggregate win over Los Blancos after a late surge in the closing stages of the encounter.
With Real Madrid leading 3-2 in the 62nd minute, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa introduced Eduardo Camavinga in a bid to stabilise proceedings and shift momentum in his side’s favour.
However, the midfielder’s impact was quickly overshadowed when he was first booked for a reckless tackle before later receiving a second yellow card in the 86th minute for time-wasting, after retaining possession following a free-kick decision against him.
The dismissal left Real Madrid with ten men at a crucial moment, allowing Bayern Munich to capitalise ruthlessly as Luis Díaz and Michael Olise both struck late to seal victory.
Stanisic expressed strong disagreement with the referee’s decision, suggesting the situation may have been mishandled.
“I don’t believe the referee was aware that he had already issued a yellow card to Camavinga,” Stanisic told MadridZone.
“If he had known, he would not have shown the second yellow. Referees seem to have lost their ability to manage significant matches somewhat,” he added.
The incident adds further scrutiny to Camavinga’s disciplinary record in European competition, following another red card in last season’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal.
Real Madrid were ultimately eliminated after a 5-1 aggregate loss in that previous campaign.
