Kim Min-jae’s first-half header secured Bayern Munich a 1-0 victory over 10-man Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League clash on Tuesday, leaving PSG in serious jeopardy of being knocked out before the knockout rounds.
Kim’s goal in the 38th minute marked Bayern’s third win in five Champions League matches this season, while PSG’s defeat was compounded by Ousmane Dembele’s red card.
With the result, the French side remains outside the qualifying spots for the next stage.
During the match, Bayern Munich fans voiced their opposition to Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, staging protests against the Qatari businessman.
Several banners were displayed, expressing their discontent with Al-Khelaifi’s influence on European football.
One banner featured a crossed-out image of his face, while others accused him of being “plutocratic” with an expletive.
Additional banners questioned his multiple roles, “Minister, club owner, TV rights holder, UEFA ExCo member & ECA chairman all in one?”
Al-Khelaifi, 51, is disliked by Bayern fans due to his significant influence in European football, as he serves as chairman of the European Club Association, leads Qatar Sports Investments, the owner of PSG, and is involved with the state-owned BeIN media group.
Bayern fans have long protested their club’s connections to Qatar, particularly its sponsorship deals, due to the country’s alleged human rights violations before hosting the 2022 World Cup.
The protests reached a peak last year when Bayern opted not to renew its longstanding partnership with Qatar Airways. According to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the decision was influenced by Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was reportedly upset by the ongoing criticism from Bayern supporters and the club’s failure to distance itself from the protests.
