Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel SLAMS ‘Grade E’ Referee after Champions League exit vs Man City

Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has labelled Clement Turpin a ‘grade E’ referee after the German side’s Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side reached the semi finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory after they drew 1-1 in Bavaria in the second leg, with Erling Haaland and Joshua Kimmich on the scoresheet.

Always an animated figure on the touchline, Tuchel was especially irate on a number of occasions on Wednesday and was eventually sent off for his behaviour.

The manager said he was ‘very satisfied’ with his side’s performance despite their failure to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg, but did have some grievances with the game as a whole.

He felt there were: ‘Two things couldn’t keep up with the level: the pitch wasn’t in a good condition and also the referee unfortunately was grade E.’

Thomas Tuchel was sent off in Bayern Munich’s clash with Manchester City on Wednesday

He later labelled referee Clement Turpin ‘Grade E’ for his performance in the game

There were a number of odd refereeing moments in the game, which inspired the antics from Tuchel which eventually saw him sent to the stands.

In the first half, Turpin gave out five yellow cards, and showed a straight red to Dayot Upamecano for a last man challenge on Erling Haaland. It was then rescinded as the striker was offside.

He also delayed the start of the game due to a faulty earpiece, and even Rio Ferdinand admitted the official was ‘not his cup of tea’  on BT Sport at half time.

Aside from the refereeing issue, Tuchel was happy with his side’s performance, as he continued: ‘We can play at this level, but we can also play at a different level, which we unfortunately saw recently.’

‘The willingness that we need to show, improve and support the team positively and to show this greed and hunger to reach our targets that we have here at FC Bayern. This is what you agree when you sign for this club – but we need more support.

‘I think everybody gives their best, it might not seem like that — but I believe with more confidence and calmness we’ll get there to show some consistency. It takes time, but we want to be ready for Saturday and show our character on the pitch.’

Bayern have been inconsistent in the former Chelsea boss’ six games in charge. 

Since beating title rivals Borussia Dortmund in his first game in charge, they have won once in three domestic games as well as the UCL defeat to City.

Turpin handed out five yellow cards in the first half and sent off Dayot Upamecano at one point, but rescinded the decision as the player he had fouled was offside

Bayern Munich are now out of the Champions League and have won just once in their last five games

Erling Haaland’s 48th goal of the season meant City are still on course for an unlikely treble

They remain two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after an equally patchy set of results for Dortmund, but will hope for a more convincing performance when they travel to Mainz on Saturday.

As for Man City, they appear to have hit form at the perfect time as they eye an unlikely treble.

Before Wednesday’s draw, they had won 10 on the bounce across all competitions, and now trail Arsenal by just four points in the Premier League with a game in hand.

They are also still fighting in the FA Cup, where their next game comes against Sheffield United in the semi finals.