UEFA decide Kimmich, Olise faith over speculative yellow card

Bayern Munich superstars Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise have been accused of intentionally getting a yellow card during their match against Atalanta.

With the score at 6-0, both players picked up their third yellow cards in the final quarter of an hour for time-wasting when taking set pieces. They wanted to avoid a suspension for a likely quarter-final against Real Madrid or Manchester City.

After the match, it was speculated that Kimmich and Olise could face longer suspensions.

Referee shows the yellow card to Joshua Kimmich during the match against Atalanta (Photo by F. Noever/FC Bayern via Getty Images)

However, both players have been cleared of any wrongdoings. According to reports by Sport 1 and L’Equipe, UEFA have looked into the incident and both players will not be handed lengthy suspensions.

There will be no further investigations against the two key players of FC Bayern following the incidents in the first leg of the round of 16 against Atalanta Bergamo (6-1). A suspension beyond the standard penalty for a third yellow card in the current competition is therefore off the table.

While Olise was as taciturn as usual after the match, Kimmich at least provided an explanation for his yellow card that UEFA apparently found acceptable.

In all TV and mixed zone interviews, he pointed out that he had no passing options when taking a free kick in his own half and did not want to play into the opposition’s pressing. He also said he was annoyed about the caution because he is the type of player who wants to “play every game”.