Could Kimmich and Olise face trouble over alleged deliberate bookings?

After Bayern Munich raced to a clear lead in their 6-1 Champions League round of 16 first-leg victory over Atalanta, both Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise picked up yellow cards.

As a result, both will be suspended for the second leg in Munich, but would be available again for a potential quarter-final against Manchester City or Real Madrid.

This would be convenient for Bayern, and it has been suggested that the duo may have deliberately picked up the yellow cards to serve their suspension before a potential quarter-final

When asked by the German Press Agency (DPA), UEFA neither confirmed nor denied whether an investigation would be launched.

“Whenever incidents are reported, proceedings are initiated. Should these lead to disciplinary measures, they will be published on the UEFA disciplinary website,” the association said in a statement.

According to Sport1, Kimmich and Olise are unlikely to face further sanctions, as UEFA’s disciplinary regulations state that punishments can only be issued for a “clearly deliberate acquisition of a yellow or red card.”

Back in 2019, Sergio Ramos received a two-game suspension after publicly admitting he had deliberately picked up a yellow card in game for Real Madrid.

Unlike Ramos, however, Kimmich provided a reasonable explanation for his caution after the game. 

“It was unnecessary,” he said. 

“I was looking for a passing option and wanted to play the ball out. The yellow card is annoying.”