In a dramatic conclusion to Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan, defender Josip Stanisic found himself at the center of controversy after an altercation with a ball boy during stoppage time.
The match, held at San Siro, ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing Inter to progress to the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
As Bayern pushed for a late goal to force extra time, tensions escalated when the ball went out of play. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi retrieved the ball and handed it to a ball boy, who then tossed it away from Stanisic. In a moment of frustration, Stanisic shoved the ball boy off his stool, prompting immediate reactions from the Inter bench. Despite the commotion, referee Slavko Vincic did not issue any disciplinary action against the defender.
Reflecting on the incident, Stanisic admitted his actions were misguided. "It was a bit stupid of me to push him there," he told German newspaper Abendzeitung. "Every team in the world wastes time when they're leading." His acknowledgment highlights the pressure players face in high-stakes matches and the importance of maintaining composure.
The incident has sparked discussions about the role of ball boys in professional football, particularly regarding time-wasting tactics. In response, there are considerations within the Bundesliga to implement measures similar to those in the Premier League, where ball boys place balls on cones rather than handing them directly to players.
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