Clear words from FC Bayern. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

“We will not be silenced.”

Following FC Bayern's harsh criticism of the referees after the top match in Leverkusen, which saw two players sent off and two goals disallowed, sporting director Christoph Freund defended Munich's behavior against criticism.

March 20, 2026

From: dpa/det

“We will always speak our minds as Bayern Munich. And we will not be silenced,” said Freund ahead of the Bundesliga leaders’ home game on Saturday (3:30 p.m.).

Union Berlin's managing director, Horst Heldt, now fears that the refereeing team will be under particular scrutiny. "They don't have it easy. Because, of course, every situation is closely observed and monitored. And that's not right," Heldt said in a Sky broadcast. Freund countered on Friday: "We don't share those concerns."

Christoph Freund, sporting director of FC Bayern. © ANSA / CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

Patrick Ittrich will be the referee at the Allianz Arena. The 47-year-old from Hamburg is a very experienced referee. He recently announced that he will end his refereeing career at the end of the season.

Following the 1-1 draw in Leverkusen, Bayern Munich officials complained in particular about the yellow-red card shown to striker Luis Díaz for an alleged dive in the penalty area, as well as the disallowed goal by Harry Kane for handball. Honorary president Uli Hoeneß even spoke of "the worst performance by a refereeing team I have ever witnessed in a Bundesliga match."

Friend: Other clubs also express their opinions

It was a game "with a lot of emotions, many controversial decisions," Freund said a week later: "There was a lot of discussion in general. We were annoyed after the game. We said so. I think it's our right to express an opinion. Other clubs do the same when they feel they've been treated unfairly. They also voice their opinions."

The sporting director added: "For us, the matter is settled." Looking ahead to Saturday, he added conciliatorily: "Referees are an important part of football. It's also important that they are protected and can perform their duties. Everyone knows that: clubs, players, officials, and coaches. There will always be matches with controversial situations, and there will always be better days and worse days."