Kimmich: "Diaz Didn't Intend to Harm Hakimi, Didn't Deserve Red Card"

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich asserted that his teammate Luis Diaz did not intend to injure Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back, recalling a similar incident involving goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jamal Musiala.

Speaking to the media about Diaz's tackle on Hakimi, Kimmich said: "I don't think it should have been a red card. I believe the player's (Hakimi's) injury played a role in the decision. If he had gotten up and continued playing, I don't think the referee would have sent Diaz off."

He added: "Diaz just wanted to give his all in that moment, but his action was a bit ill-judged. When you see the replay and the way he tackled him, you can understand the red card decision, but it wasn't a violent tackle of the kind where a player deliberately stamps on an opponent's leg with the sole of their boot."

Kimmich concluded: "I honestly believe that Diaz did not intend to harm or injure Hakimi. It was a tackle similar to what Donnarumma did against Jamal (Musiala). It was a strong challenge, but without malicious intent. Unfortunately, these things happen in football."