Luis Enrique Calls Gonçalo Ramos Red Card 'A Joke' Days Before Bayern Munich Semi-Final

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has publicly criticized the referee's decision to send off Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos during the club's 3-0 victory over Angers in Ligue 1 on Saturday. Speaking to French sports daily L'Équipe, Luis Enrique called the dismissal "a joke," questioning how an attacker could be expelled without malicious intent. The timing is critical—PSG faces Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes.

"It's a joke. It's the first time I've seen a forward sent off without the intention of committing a foul," the Spanish tactician stated, suggesting the second yellow card was unwarranted given the nature of the contact.

The Red Card Incident

Gonçalo Ramos collected his first yellow card after just 10 minutes of play at the Stade Raymond Kopa in western France. The second booking came in the 74th minute following a challenge on Angers goalkeeper Hervé Koffi—by which point PSG had already established a commanding 3-0 lead, making the dismissal inconsequential to the final outcome.

The dismissal represents a setback for Ramos as he battles for a regular starting role under Luis Enrique's rotating attacking system.

Why This Matters for Portugal

For Portuguese residents following their national players abroad, the incident carries particular significance. PSG features a strong Portuguese contingent, including Gonçalo Ramos, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, and the injured Vitinha. Luis Enrique's rare public defense of Ramos underscores the forward's importance to PSG's Champions League ambitions.

The red card suspension applies only to domestic competition—Ramos will be available for Tuesday's match against Bayern Munich. However, Luis Enrique's willingness to publicly challenge the referee reflects his confidence in the Portuguese striker's role in the club's push toward the final.

Looking Ahead to Bayern Munich

PSG turns full attention to the Champions League semi-final, with the first leg scheduled for 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at the Parc des Princes. The clash with Bayern Munich represents a critical test for Luis Enrique's project and PSG's ambitions to win their first Champions League title.

"I have incredible players, a very high-level team, a highly competitive club, the fans always supporting us," Luis Enrique declared. "We are going to contest this semi-final against the best team in Europe, but we are the current champions and we want to continue to be so."

The second leg is set for May 6 at the Allianz Arena, with the aggregate winner advancing to face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the final.

Squad Rotation and Preparations

Despite the numerical disadvantage against Angers, PSG controlled proceedings throughout the match. Luis Enrique praised his squad's ability to maintain focus and intensity, emphasizing the importance of avoiding complacency in midweek fixtures ahead of major European commitments.

"We managed to gain two more points over Lens, and above all, we demonstrated our ability to perform well," the manager explained in his post-match briefing. "The sun, the upcoming Bayern match—this is the type of game where we can have issues. But there were none, and that shows we are ready to compete in the semi-final."

João Neves and Nuno Mendes both entered as second-half substitutes, gaining valuable minutes while preserving energy for the midweek clash. Meanwhile, midfielder Vitinha remains sidelined with an injury and is doubtful for the Bayern tie.