Bayern München has reacted furiously to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper caused Jamal Musiala to suffer a severe ankle injury at the Club World Cup and is expected to be out for months.
Just before halftime, Musiala tried to intercept the ball. He was brought down by the onrushing Donnarumma and was seriously injured. He immediately grabbed his ankle, which appeared to be crooked.
Donnarumma then looked at Musiala, who was writhing in pain on the ground, and burst into tears. Several players walked off the field in disbelief after the halftime signal.
“I have rarely been so angry at halftime,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said about the incident. “There are many things in life that are important, much more important than this. But in the end, it’s their life for these guys.”
“It’s not the result that still makes my blood boil,” Kompany continued after the 2-0 defeat. “I understand that this is football. But it’s the fact that it happens to someone who enjoys the game enormously, but is also very important to us.”
Neuer critical of colleague
Manuel Neuer, the Bayern goalkeeper, was critical of his colleague’s actions. “This was a moment when you didn’t necessarily have to come out like that. It was a risky action, where you know you can injure the opponent or a teammate,” said the German goalkeeper, who advised Donnarumma to show his sympathy.
“I went to him to ask if he wanted to go to Jamal for a moment. He was just lying there and would probably have to go to the hospital. It was clear that he was seriously injured. It is then a matter of respect to go there for a moment, wish him all the best and apologize. I would have reacted differently in any case.”
After the match, Donnarumma posted a photo on Instagram. “I pray for Jamal Musiala and wish him all the best,” he wrote.