Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic apologized after his angry comments to a ball boy went viral. This took place in the quarter ever UEFA Champions League, versus Inter Milan on 16 April 2025. The game, held in Milan’s legendary San Siro stadium, ended in a breathtaking 2-2 tie. This set the stage for Inter Milan to advance to the semi-finals, 4-3 on aggregate.
With the game winding down, Bayern Munich started looking for a late winner. In a fit of pique, Stanisic knocked a ball boy to the floor. This was the second time that this occurred, after the young lad deliberately threw the ball away from him. A joint judgement from the Inter bench came out within days indicating just how dire the crisis had become. Players and staff immediately took to the field to chase down Stanisic. The referee decided not to send him off for it.
Stanisic’s Reflection on the Incident
After the game, Stanisic gave an interview to the German paper Abenzeitung discussing the fight. He admitted what he did and called it “stupid.”
“It was a bit stupid of me to push him there.” – Josip Stanisic
Stanisic explained that he was trying to expedite the game by retrieving the ball quickly, a common tactic employed by teams when they are trailing or aiming for a last-minute goal. He remarked on the broader context of time-wasting in football, stating, “Every team in the world wastes time when they’re leading.”
This event has sparked a national discussion about sportsmanship and player behavior during competitive, high-pressure competitions. As critics point out, this means that players need to stay levelheaded, even when faced with the greatest of pressures.
Match Highlights and Aftermath
The return leg of the Champions League quarter-final was electric with anticipation. Both teams fought tooth-and-nail for a prized place in the last four. Even though Bayern Munich did everything possible to win the match, they were unable to do enough to move on.
The draw ensures that Inter Milan will advance, owing to their aggregate score over both legs. Whatever the intentions, Stanisic’s actions were absolutely incendiary. The match’s historical importance is sure to overshadow those included in this replay, thanks to its ramifications on this World Cup.
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