Thursday 18 April 2019

Europa League 2018/19 - Quarterfinals - Referee Appointments (II)

UEFA Referees Committee has chosen the following officials to handle the second leg games to be played for Quarterfinals of 2018/19 Europa League.
18 April 2019, 21:00 CET - Naples (Stadio San Paolo)
SSC Napoli (ITA) - Arsenal FC (ENG)
Referee: Ovidiu Alin Hațegan (ROU)
Assistant Referee 1: Octavian Șovre (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Sebastian Eugen Gheorghe (ROU)
Fourth Official: Radu Adrian Ștefan Ghinguleac (ROU)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Radu Marian Petrescu (ROU)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Sebastian Constantin Colțescu (ROU)
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Nobs (SUI)
UEFA Delegate: Radenko Mijatovič (SVN)

18 April 2019, 21:00 CET - València (Mestalla, camp del València)
Valencia CF (ESP) - Villarreal CF (ESP)
Referee: William Collum (SCO)
Assistant Referee 1: David McGeachie (SCO)
Assistant Referee 2: Francis Connor (SCO)
Fourth Official: Graeme Stewart (SCO)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Robert Madden (SCO)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Nicolas Walsh (SCO)
UEFA Referee Observer: Vítor Manuel Melo Pereira (POR)
UEFA Delegate: Jozef Kliment (SVK)

18 April 2019, 21:00 CET - Frankfurt am Main (Commerzbank-Arena)
Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) - SL Benfica (POR)
Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Lorenzo Manganelli (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Costanzo (ITA)
Fourth Official: Fabiano Preti (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Marco Di Bello (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Daniele Doveri (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Hans Reijgwart (NED)
UEFA Delegate: Michael Foster (ENG)

18 April 2019, 21:00 CET - London (Stamford Bridge)
Chelsea FC (ENG) - SK Slavia Praha (CZE)
Referee: Damir Skomina (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: Jure Praprotnik (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Robert Vukan (SVN)
Fourth Official: Tomaž Klančnik (SVN)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Slavko Vinčič (SVN)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Matej Jug (SVN)
UEFA Referee Observer: Manuel Díaz Vega (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Roland Tis (BEL)

154 comments:

  1. This shows skomina has a real chance of officiating the champions league final.. I would say he is being saved

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  2. Collum and Skomina given a priori the "safest" 2nd leg matches. Keeping the former for UCL Final, maybe?

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  3. We have the name of CL final referee...

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    1. I think after today's results, Rocchi is definite for the final. I bet Brych, Orsato, Kuipers and Skomina for the semifinals. Turpin will probably get the EL final. Makelie, Cakir, Hategan, Lahoj, Manjano for EL Semis.

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  4. Do You think Skomina have the same situation as Mazic last year?

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  5. Great appointment but why kassai didn't officte the QF match this year
    - I guess oraato named for uel final this year if napoli didn't qualify to final

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    1. You should consider in all cases Rocchi before Orsato for a CL / EL Final assignment.

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  6. Why is Skomina the top candidate for UCL final?

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    1. Because he deserves that.

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    2. "Deserves"?
      Based on longevity and multiple disappointments?
      Surely not based on current form and/or performances.

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  7. Finally, CL Final Referee👏👏👏

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  8. Also particular to note, is the swap of Vinčič and Jug as AAR1 and AAR2 in Skomina's team. This clearly suggests that Vinčič is now the higher rated referee in UEFA between those two.

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  9. Here it was said that high likely many good refs wouldn't receive appointments in the CL knockout stage because they lack the VAR experience in their domestic competitions. It seems to me that in Slovenian premier league there is no VAR. So, why Skomina doesn't lack the VAR experience and other refs like Oliver, Karasev and a lot more, who attended recent UEFA VAR seminars still lack the VAR experience (they have it cup competitions)? Do you understand Rossetti's vision?

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    1. Not necessarily in domestic competition but VAR experience at large as a referee which Skomina and Mazic have in FIFA tournaments such as the world cup which is one of the best experience one could have which the likes of Oliver, hategan so not have. And the cup competitions is not enough experience as per say and in England they do not follow the protocol set by IFAB

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    2. => Skomina participated at 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup and has been intensively trained with the system in preparation for these tournaments.
      => Karasev doesn't appear for two reasons in KO matches: first of all, it was reported that he was injured. Secondly: performance principle. With all respect, but Karasev's performances have been disappointing ever since Bayern-Celtic in October 2017 (three crucial mistakes inside the first 10 minutes under the eyes of Jaap Uilenberg) and he has had only one CL group stage match (JUV-YB), where he also missed a penalty. Having been quite promising at Euro 2016 (SUI-ROM was a match where he has shown his potential), I think the Russian might be in serious danger concerning demotion from Elite Group. Karasev has actually good attributes to be a top Elite referee (fitness, body language, personality) but he simply makes too many mistakes and lacks consistency.
      => Oliver: well, Oliver's case is a bit different, for sure RMA-JUV has had an impact on his appointments in this season (his group stage matches as an Elite referee in 2018-19 were on paper more low-profile than his group stage matches in 2017, where he was still in First Group). Oliver performed (very) well in RMA-JUV, got IMO all the crucial decisions right (including the penalty + RC to Buffon). Oliver must not be rushed to the top of Europe, he's still very young and has got plenty of time, therefore I can understand why UEFA currently push Anthony Taylor. Furthermore, England doesn't have VAR (yet) in PL and what might also go against an English referee crew in CL KO matches this season is the way that VAR is currently applied in their cup competitions (cf. VAR overturned Atkinson's initial RC decision in Wolves-ManU in FA Cup, without recommending an OFR).

      On the rest, I have already stated previously that I liked the generation change that Rosetti introduced during group stage with many young referees from many different horizons making their CL debuts (I can't remember a Latvian referee handling a match in CL group stage prior to Treimanis, who has good chances to enter Elite quite soon).
      However, I don't like the policy applied during KO stage to only let referees handle matches that have previous VAR experience. That goes completely against performance principle. A few examples: Orsato, despite only being a replacement for Mazic, shouldn't have had BAY-LIV after MNU-PSG). Or, as often mentioned enough, Hategan: he is considered as a referee with little VAR experience (although he has handled quite a number of matches with the system in Saudi Arabia) and doesn't get CL KO matches, despite having made the biggest progress among all referees. He therefore gets "only" the big matches in Europa League and Euro qualifiers as a consolation (today's assignment to Napoli-Arsenal only confirms this). At the same time, this policy favours the rise of referees like Carlos Del Cerro (who despite his age is absolutely justified to be in Elite) and Danny Makkelie (who IMO is an excellent manager, take the RC situation in BIH-GRE, that was world-class management). However again, over-appointing the same referees could lead to "burn-outs" (à la Çakir in 2016).

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    3. Thank you very much for your answer! But, for example, Cakir and Skomina also had some games with awful performance. Speaking about Cakir it's not only about last season's matches, but the current one, too. So, there is a question, why some referees recieve as many chances as they need and some don't?

      Karasev had one CL game this season. He made mistake in a very difficult moment. Cakir and his assistants had several big mistakes in simple cases this season. And what we see: another chance to Cakir and nothing to Karasev (and to many other referees)... hard to understand...

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    4. Gianluca Rocchi will be the referee of the CL final this year...

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    5. I think Turpin deserves EL final and he will get it unless Spanish team is not involved. In that case I can clearly see Spanish ref. Mateou Lahoj. My final predictions:
      Cl final: Rocchi
      El final: Mateu Lahoh
      Cl semi finals: Kuipers, Skomina, Cakir, Orsato
      EL Semi finals: Hategan, Makelie, Brych, Turpin

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    6. UEFA informed me that Mateou Lahoj and Mateu Lahoh won't be appointed any more - I have also some doubts concerning Makelie.

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    7. Cakir and Kuipers for Barcelona-Liverpool, Orsato and Brych for Ajax-Spurs. Rocchi for the final..

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  10. Turpin did 5 UCL and Makkelie 6 UCL matches this season. Both showed 18 yellow cards, Turpin 2 red cards and Makkelie 0.

    Turpin has a good season, but has never been seen as a BIG referee/personality. I remember that many people here were speaking about demotion a few years ago.

    I agree with Rocchi for the UCL final. Much better referee than Skomina. And the age difference can be decisive.

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  11. Rocchi is better than Skomina ? hm...
    Skomina has 2 EUROs, 1 WC, 1 Confed Cup, UEFA Super cup and Europa league final !!! Really better?

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  12. If Skomina won`t get UCL final this year, he will be completely disappointed in football and refereeing and i think, he maybe won`t be choosen for EURO 2020 next year:((

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  13. I think all Elite referees will get games at Euro 2020, enough matches to share around

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    1. Skomina has not shined in the last two years. On the other hand he deserves a final as a credit to his long successful career. He has been on the top for more than 10 years, along with Cakir the most experienced refs now in Europe. Rocchi was in the shadow of Rosetti and then Rizzoli. He will probably retire in the next couple of years therefore he is a well deserved candidate for the final. I would like to see a surprise name for EL semis and final. I remember the surprise we all felt in Greece years ago when Vassaras got his first EL semi final Porto-Lazio. EL should act as a development competition for young refs to make the step further. I would like to see a new name this year in a semi final.

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  14. If Ajax reaches the final, will that change the chances of Skomina? He was the ref in the EL final Man Un -Ajax 2 years ago..... Two finals with Ajax???

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  15. Rocchi was unlucky to be in the shadows of Rizzoli until 2016. IMO he is way better than Skomina. The Slovenian gives me the impression of being unmotivated in many games. We will see tonight his condition

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  16. So what if he gets 2 Ajax finals games? Not his fault if Ajax will get in final. LMAO

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  17. And again...

    Szymon Marciniak
    18/04 REF in Saudi Arabia
    20/04 REF in Poland
    22/04 VAR in Poland

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    1. This management is really surprising...

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    2. At least Mazic did something very clear: goodbye UEFA.
      Marciniak, if he is so interested in Saudi Arabia and money, should do the same. At a so high level you need to be focused and concentrated. The particular thing (it was reported by some readers here on the blog) is that committee doesn't want to see a referee officiating in Asia a few days before an international appointment, but then at the same time, Marciniak is able to keep everything and he gets also international games for UEFA. Just looking at that, you can see that he is going against the guidelines. At a certain time, one should make a choice. Marciniak can officiate in Saudi Arabia, let me be clear, we have also other Elite referees doing that, but so many assignments? Travels, travels, and then still travels?
      Not good, if he goes on in this way, his future in UEFA is even in danger. I think you agree.

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    3. The biggest problem is that he referees similar amount of games in Poland and in Saudi Arabia, often two games as REF in one weekend + VAR. How could he be relaxed and fresh in order to handle any game, especially CL... I can't understand how the powers that be accept that.

      You can even find on Twitter how one of his travels looked like:

      https://twitter.com/kibic_sukcesu/status/1116736510957584391

      12-13 April
      19:45 REF in Saudi Arabia -> 00:40 departure from Jiddah -> 04:30 arrival to Istanbul -> 06:25 departure from Istanbul -> 08:55 arrival to Warsaw -> 18:00 VAR in Warsaw

      No comment...

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    4. I am sorry but how the referee committee in Poland can accept such appointments?

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    5. Soares Dias has also been very busy this year:
      16 matches as referee
      some like VAR in portugal and saudi arabia...
      (since January)

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    6. https://football-lineups.com/referee/368/

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    7. Nathan, it's like that when one person who is not referee (ZB) controls everything and rejects any criticism.

      In Poland we have fourteen referees regularly handling the games in Ekstraklasa. As most of them are full-time refs, they are not responsible for mistakes (similar system as in England). You can make two very obvious mistakes and have no control over the game and you get another (good) game on next matchday. It's wrong, imo.

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    8. Why is it wrong Vlad? One bad match should not have an impact in forthcoming appointments. The system in Poland is good. 14 refs are well trusted and at the end of the year necessary judgements are made. Refs needs trust, security and time.

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    9. I think you don't know the problems Polish refereeing faces last years. Very unclear and subjective criteria for promotion, etc. I can't say about all the things, but surely the whole management here is not good. I would like to know how much to say has Przesmycki (head of referees) and how much is decided by Boniek (with the 'supervisoring' of one assistant referee who is appointed either for biggest games or 'to observe' young refs...).

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    10. Who is that supervisor, Vlad?

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    11. As you are from Poland, you should know :)

      But it's easy to guess knowing all relations.

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  18. Replies
    1. Not deserved if you ask me, but possible.

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    2. Neither Skomina nor Orsato were needed today. I would have liked to have seen fresh blood instead, even Vincic or Treimanis or Kruzliak or even Stieler. I do believe Rosseti is doing a great job but not enough rotation in Europa League. Big appointment for Hategan. A candidate for a semi final this year. Expected appointment for Collum despite his bad performance in Germany.

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  19. Something more about the VAR Course in Nyon (15-17 April):
    https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/protecting-the-game/refereeing/news/newsid=2600177.html

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  20. Mads Kristoffer Kristoffersen with a solid first half in Danish top match FC Kopenhagen against FC Midtjyland (an important game for Championship). At 2' a correct delayed foul whistled but in my opinion a missed YC because of a reckless arm challenge. This yellow card would be a perfect warning for everyone at the pitch and to say I am the boss here and I will punish this reckless changelles immediatly. But he has choosen a different approch/sytle for this important game: He was especially in the first 20 minutes very lenient and sometimes a bit too passive. Normal fouls were not been whistled but the players know how to act and react for this style of refeering (so they changed their playing). Especially two players from FC Kopenhagen made very much dissent and I would have liked to see a CLEAR and STRONG verbal warning like Cakir or Makkelie yesterday. In minute 31 an excellent YC given for FCK after an advantage. At 36' another excellent decision now from AR2 (great offside call) and only one minute later another great onside call by AR1. At the end of the first half a correct play-on decision because the ball was not over the line (good call by AAR2).

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    1. Thank you so much for this report!!

      If you would be interested to have highlights cut for you from your notes, then you can reach me at mikaelthereferee[at]gmail.com

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    2. I watched some Kristoffersen's games and unfortunately, with all the respect, he is close to be another Moen. Too passive, too lenient, often keeping both eyes closed. Without changing this style it will be very difficult to reach the UEFA top.

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    3. Interesting to hear that Vlad. He was quite the opposite in the Nations League clash between Slovenia and Cyprus (3 sending offs, 2x Y/R-Cs, 1 RC and a YC for a stamp in minute 1). However, it seems like an overly lenient style is a general Nordic problem these days...

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    4. You are absolutely right with your words Vlad. He is too passive and lenient always again.

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  21. What an awful advantage by Collum (3')

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  22. Possible foul prior to Valencia's goal, but play-on is not wrong, IMO.

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    1. For me there’s no room for a play on. It was a blatant push in the back and in my opinion a mistake not to whistle it.

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  23. Very good Hategan so far in full control. Fair game.
    Now a quite blatant mistake by AR1, clearly ONSIDE (no tight situation).

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  24. Now correct YC to Raba for persistent infringement after a warning.

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  25. 24' another offside call by AR1 disallowing a goal. This time tight situation, possible that attacker was ONSIDE due to defender's leg. In any case very difficult but I see a trend by Romanian assistant referees to raise always the flag in doubtful situations.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  26. It looks like Skomina has just a training in London, nothing more...

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  27. missed offside with 1:0 for Frankfurt by AR2

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  28. Offside goal in Frankfurt for the home team

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  29. Very clear offside in Frankfurt but at the same time one must say very difficult situation, shot on goal and then some players in offside others were ONSIDE, there was a lack in concentration...
    Without VAR one realizes how much difficult is refereeing nowadays.

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  30. Collum with a good performance in Mestalla. Two YC which are correct (although the second one might be a bit soft), but a possible foul before Valencia's goal.

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  31. I think Orsato AR2 is unphased. Now wrong offside for Kostic, but he raised the flag when the bal was out, and should be a corner kick. He think that he work with VAR. I don't like this to put referee who used this new sistem in the games without VAR.

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  32. A rather easy first half for Hațegan, the Arsenal goal all but decided the tie. Some doubts about AR1 who cancelled a Napoli goal earlier though. Only YC given was for kicking the ball away (dissent). He had to deal with angry protests of Napoli players after the half-time whistle for a no foul call immediately before that.

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  33. Some moments of tension between Hategan and Napoli players when he whistled for half time. Home team protested because they wanted a foul to be whistled a few seconds before the end. Callejon was challenged by opponent at the edge of penalty area and then he fell down (no ball possession). However, in case of whistle, this would have been at maximum YC. A few minutes before there was a penalty appeal for handball but Hategan correctly rejected it.
    Hategan did well but AR1 below expected level (one clear mistake + one doubtful situation).

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  34. Goal from offside in Frankfurt - Benfica

    https://streamable.com/1bl5g

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  36. Another very tigh offside call by AR2 in Napoli vs. Arsenal.

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    1. Now a missed offside by the same AR... both assistant referees far from satisfying performance.

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    2. And now a clear offside missded by AR2... The assistents with many problems here in Italy...

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    3. Hategan might need a new set of assistants. He deserves more top clash appointments though.

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  37. 62' - 63' penalty appeal by Napoli for a deliberate handball in penalty area. Arsenal player touched ball by arm while lying on ground, classic situation in which it is up to referee, grey area, never a mistake.

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  38. Collum with an expected level performance. However, apart from the possible foul before 1-0, he made also a mistake which is very significant for the home team. Coquelin's YC comes from a handball in which the ball touches his leg first and has no time to react, so it is not punishable. That YC means he will miss the first leg of the semifinal, so the mistake is very relevant for Valencia, who don't have another player available in his position.

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    1. Video: https://twitter.com/vcf_arg/status/1118980355778805771

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  39. Expected level by Hațegan in a match that was - like Makkelie's - nearly done for early. Both ARs gave reason to worry though with more than one wrong or very tight decision.

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    1. Hategan's assistant referees should improve. It is not the first time that they are involved in controversial decisions, we remember the crucial mistake committed a few games ago, however committee supported the trio and this was for sure understandable. Now, if you take a look at the calls in Napoli - Arsenal, you should be again a bit worried.
      With VAR to be introduced in all competitions, there will be a solution for that, but first of all officials should improve their skills in any case, because they are at very high level.
      Considering that Hategan can officiate only without VAR, I think that it will be difficult to see him again this season due to assistant referees performance.

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  40. Ovidiu Hațegan was not much respected by the playes. In my humble opinion, Romanian's biggest problem is the lack of ability to sell the call in a firm and convincing way.

    He just whistles and looks nervous when someone contests his decision instead of calmly and firmly explain the call. Body language and mimics are the points he should focus on in next months. He needs to look like "I'm here because I'm in the Elite and I deserve that. What do you want? I saw the incident like that and I can check it in the half-time / after the game, but let me referee now!" instead of "well, did I do something wrong? why the hell are the players protesting?".

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  41. Orsato's team did'nt give the level that is necessary in this fase of competition. The offside in first goal is so clear that is no aceptable. In second half he plays in favor of Benfica. Poor officiating.

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  42. A nightmare night for Daniele Orsato and his team.Eintracht Frankfurt is now in the semifinales but with this blatant wrong decision. European season for Orsato definitely ended today. But these mistakes are in my opinion a clear result of the chaos in this UEFA/FIFA season. Some matches are with VAR's, some with AAR'S, some with fourth officals from different countries and in every match the assistent referees have to change their flag technique (UEFA Champions League from Round of 16 with VAR, EL only in final, Nations League only in Final,no more AAR's, European Qualifikation no VAR but in their domestic leagues...) Cheer up Orsato!!

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  43. Not a good evening for Rosetti and committee, with a special focus on too many mistakes by assistant referees. This is refereeing without VAR, but the situation in Frankfurt should have never happened.

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  44. Too many ARs with disappointing performances.

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  45. It already seemed that there would be no scandal this season, but ...

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  46. This is what i want to see but it won't happen :D

    Tottenham v Ajax : Rocchi/Cakir
    Barcelona v Liverpool : Kuipers/Turpin

    CL Final: Skomina

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    1. spurs-ajax: Skomina,Orsato
      barcelona-liverpool: cakir, kuipers
      arsenal-valencia: turpin, brych
      frankfurt-chelsea: makelie, Del cherro
      Cl final: Rocchi
      EL final: ?

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    2. Referees are humans. Mistakes should be part of games. Players and referees will make mistakes. Some of them might affect results. That is why football is interesting. Var will reduce clear mistakes indeed. We need to be more compassionate and positive towards refs and assistant refs and not to blame them after one or two mistakes. As far as I concerned I believe that a good ref is the one who can be trusted by players and sell his decisions even when they are wrong. I think Kuipers and Cakir are perfect examples.

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    3. My prediction is
      Spurs-Ajax: Mateu, Rocchi
      Barcelona-Liverpool: Kuipers, Turpin
      Arsenal-Valencia: Marciniak, Makkelie
      Frankfurt-Chelsea: del Cerro, Cakir
      Cl final: Skomina
      EL final: Rocchi

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    4. Dangerous words John, there are some here who don't seem to like that point of view. As i have found out before.

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    5. Season for Orsato is over after last night.

      CL final : Skomina
      EL final : Rocchi/Turpin

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  47. Any words about Skomina perfomance in Chelsea - Slavia? Did somebody watch this match? Any chances for UCL Final?

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    1. Well done job. All YC correct, plus both AR did a really good job. Many closed offside or onside detected just perfect. It looks like that the team is in a good form.

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    2. Thanks for your answer, Izo.

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  48. Spurs-Ajax: Rocchi, Cakir
    Barcelona-Liverpool: Kuipers, Turpin
    Arsenal-Valencia: Brych, Kuipers
    Frankfurt-Chelsea: Mateu Lahoz, Marciniak
    Cl final: Skomina
    EL final: Makkelie

    I found it very hard to make this appointments... Some are very much forced appointments.

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  49. At moment my idea is that for the finals this will be the choice: Skomina CL, Rocchi EL.
    Names we should / could see in semifinals of both competitions: Turpin, Mateu, del Cerro, Makkelie, Cakir, Brych, Kuipers...
    So I almost fully agree with Philipp, but I wouldn't appoint Marciniak again and I'm in trouble to find another name.
    Maybe possible to see Rocchi in both a CL semifinal and then EL final.

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    1. Difficult choices indeed. May be we can see a double semi-final appointment again for one of them.

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    2. I am also not completely happy with my Marciniak choice...
      Maybe Brych can indeed get Arsenal-Valencia in spite of his GS match with the Spanish team.
      I would also not exclude Orsato completely - with no Italian teams left, there might still be room for him somewhere.
      When we look (for alternatives) at referees, who did not have CL KO stage and no EL QF: There are e.g. Aytekin, Kassai, Kralovec, Sidiropolous, Soares Dias. All would be rather surprising in an EL SF, but maybe a chance for the Portuguese?

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  50. In cooperation with Mikael W, the refereeing highlights of Ovidiu Alin Hațegan's performance in Napoli v Arsenal

    First Half: https://streamable.com/s0t7y
    Second Half: https://streamable.com/ftvjc

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  51. CL final Rocci/Lahoz if Barca is not in the final

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  52. OT

    Anastasios Papapetrou (UEFA, 2nd) has been appointed to the final tournament of the UEFA U19 in Yerevan (14-27 July).

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  53. A convincing first half performance by Javier Estrada Ferandez in Deportivo Alaves against Valladolid. After his participation at the U21 European Championship 2015 and his final match at the U19 European Championship 2014 a really convincing development. Solid fitness conditions, positining and clever advantages given. In Minute 4 a correct goal awarded for the home team (the same scene as in the CL Final 2018 with Benzema and his "block-goal" against Loris Karius). 26' a very tight offside call by AR2 but the replays were not clear. He is until now very motivated and active with an excpected foul detecion. But in my opinion two missed yellow cards in the first half: 23' foul by Valladolid (no clear and strong verbal warning for a normal foul but it would be a signal to all players at the pitch), at 28' it would be the perfect chance for balancing the cards (YC to Alaves.) But his approch (no YC until now) is acceptable for me, because the game is fair and full under control.

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    1. * Javier Estrada Fernandez

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    2. What an exhausting and challenging second half by Javier Estrada Fernandez. He lost the controll of this challenging game. Since he did not use the chances to pronounce a warning in the first half, he had to show several cards and gradually lost the game sovereignty. In my opinion his approche at the beginning of the game was too lenient. He would have had to make a sign in the first half, who is in charge of the game. The second half was very spectacular with many interruptions. At 48' a clear YC missed (Valladolid) for a tactical foul 40 meters before the penalty area. After that a very weak scene from him in this game. A correct YC (Alaves) given for an unsporting behaviour but he gave the card very unmotivated and bored and not with a clear gesture or a dynamic run to the scene.Subsequently a correct no penalty call (56'). At 63' a correct YC (Alaves) and than a very difficult situation: maybe a missed penalty for Valladolid but in my opinion correct to play-on because the replays were not clear, so in conclusion no VAR intervention. Minute 69 another correct YC (Valladolid). After that situation an excellent YC (Valladoild) given after an advantage (73'). Two minutes after this excellent decision a correct penalty awarded for Valladolid but a missed YC for Alaves. Minute 80,82 and 85 fully deserved YC's for VLL and in 80' a YC for an Alaves player on the bench for dissent, I think.
      In the end the added time (3 minutes) was clearly too low.
      Overall, a controversal performance tonight. The problems were the missed YC's in the first half because they would be clear signal for potential "problem players".

      Delete
  54. In cooperation with Mikael W, the refereeing highlights of Daniele Orsato in Eintrach Frankfurt v Benfica

    First half: https://streamable.com/7fb30
    Second half: https://streamable.com/xyonl

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    Replies
    1. One of the worst performances of 0rsato this year. I do not think he will be appointed to ref a semi final.

      Delete
  55. OT

    UEFA Women's Champions League Semi-finals first leg appointments:

    21 April 2019, 17:00 - Lyon (OL Stadium)
    Olympique Lyon - Chelsea
    Referee: Katalin Kulcsár (HUN)
    Assistant Referee 1: Katalin Török (HUN)
    Assistant Referee 2: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
    Fourth Offical: Riem Hussein (GER)

    21 April 2019, 18:00 , Munich (FC Bayern Campus)
    Bayern - Barcelona
    Referee: Jana Adámková (CZE)
    Assistant Referee 1: Lucie Ratajová (CZE)
    Assistant Referee 2: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)
    Fourth Offical: Ivana Martinčić (CRO)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Michael Oliver and assistant with the black socks with the same kit from both teams and it looks good . I do not know why UEFA complicates thus issue

    ReplyDelete
  57. OT:

    Can somebody explain me the rules of age limits in UEFA/FIFA for Referees and Assitant Referees?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No difference between UEFA and FIFA, once you are a FIFA referee the rules are valid for all confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, UEFA). Since a few years ago, there aren't age limits anymore. A referee can become FIFA referee even if 46 years old (just as example). However, there are the minimum requirements, every year published by FIFA in a circular.
      The one for 2019:
      https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/1648-2019-fifa-refereeing-international-lists.pdf?cloudid=ocgzql0f2b1hqhy871jn
      The minimum requirements are 26 years old for referees, 24 years old for assistant referees.
      All about that is related to FIFA officials, then you have the domestic age limits (they are different based on the federation), so you can have referees who have to retire because or their own national rules also from FIFA.
      For example, in Italy and Spain 45 is still the age limit, but in many countries they have been abolished as well.

      Delete
    2. Thank you very much for your answer Chefren!

      Delete
    3. I think the age limit should be 50 as it was in 90s. Referees above the age of 50 would become a joke as for example Mike Dean.

      Delete
  58. Interesting situation at Newcastle vs Southampton. Anthony Taylor issued a YC. SPA or DOGSO?

    https://streamja.com/2Ay3

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    Replies
    1. It should have been a red card but I can see why Taylor showed yellow instead. Not a clear mistake in my opinion..

      Delete
    2. DOGSO. No arguments for a YC in this situation, as the distance is easily overturned by the fact that it is 2 vs 1 (the goalkeeper) and the defender has already been eliminated if it was not for the foul.

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    3. For me never a red. The distance matters and here the foul was about 60 meters away from goal

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    4. For me it is the perfect exemple of a clear DOGSO. The defender clearly know what he is doing. 2 players vs 1 goalkeeper = clear goal scoring opportunity.

      Delete
    5. Never a RC. It's a DOGSO but out of DOGSO zone.

      Delete
    6. All of the criteria of DOGSO are not met, hence a YC for me.

      Delete
    7. Quilava: You say it's a DOGSO but not a DOGSO zone? Very weird statement.

      Robbe1: All criterias don't need to be met. The laws of the game clearly says ''They must be considered'' not met.

      My opinion. Defender is 8 meters behind, attacker has a clear free path and a teammate beside him. Easy red card and nothing to even hesitate about.

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  59. A challenging but excellent performance by Marco Guida in Inter Mailand against AS Roma.Solid fitness and positining,strong personality and body language,adequate communication with the players and an excellent card management.Only some minor mistakes in foul detection but three correct no penalty calls.It is a very good season for Guida: always top matches in Serie A,the first and second leg of Milano derby handled and two matches in UEL Groupstage.

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  60. Let me wish you - Chefren and all readers - Happy Easter!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, the same to you and all readers!

      Delete
  61. Video about Alberola Rojas-Morata affaire yesterday in Eibar-Atlético. Morata was booked at the end and got very angry, as well as Simeone (reminding himself that in 2014 he was banned for 4 matches for "doing exactly the same thing" to a 4th official). Surely, Alberola Rojas could have avoided that, but honestly I don't get why is this treated as a 'scandal' e.g. asking for a 4 match ban for Alberola Rojas and all that stuff.

    https://twitter.com/lparbitrofutbol/status/1119887491232931840

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    Replies
    1. We do not know what words have been said to each other, Morata's reaction seems to me hysterical and disproportionate. Up to that moment Alberola had an excellent relationship with all the players, as always in each of his games. Indeed, one of Alberola's qualities is precisely that of establishing a relationship of collaboration and dialogue with the players. We don't know Morata's words about Alberola. Surely the behavior of Morata seems to me out of the chorus

      Delete
  62. Very challenging match for Mateu Lahoz so far. VAR intervention was correct, although that handball was very difficult to spot live!

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    Replies
    1. Second OFR for handball and another PK (+ 2nd YC for Sevilla defender). Your thoughts? Did the ball hit his head first or went straight to the arm?

      Delete
    2. Well, what a first half. 2 VAR interventions for handballs, both of which Mateu decided were worth YC (shot on goal, I guess). That, added to the other 3 YC previously shown to Sevilla players, means a 2nd YC for Escudero.

      The first penalty was difficult to see live. I have doubts about the second: Mateu explained that the ball first touched the head and then the hand. However, VAR replays didn't clearly show that head touch, so they invited him for a review. I still have doubts about the head touch.

      The second half will be very difficult.

      Delete
    3. Just looking at stats,some would say that Mateu is too soft and easy on giving bookings,but to be fair all of them were correct.

      Delete
    4. Third OFR... and red card issued. Correct decision, but 3 OFRs in a match is not something to be proud of.

      Delete
    5. And now 3rd OFR. RC for SFP to Getafe defender after review.

      Delete
    6. Wow what an Easter game for Mateu Lahoz :)
      I will check all the situations later and I will give my opinion!

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  63. An excellent first half by Eduardo Prieto Iglesias in Villarreal against Leganes. Amazing fitness conditions and clever positining all over the pitch. His extremely strong understanding of the game creates complete control and acceptance by the players.Due to his strong body language and clear announcements, the game is above average fair and his performance is in no way in doubt.In the third minute an excellent offside decision of AR1 (super eagle eye). He followed the VAR protocol and kept on playing.After Villarreal scored the goal, he disallowed the goal and the VAR confirmed his excellent decision.23' correct no penalty call.He is extremely fresh and motivated and is fully accepted (like Cakir) WOW! WELL DONE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very good performance in a very challenging match. I'm glad for him, his season has not been that good, but tonight he showed he deserves to continue in Primera. In the end, correct YC (no way that's a red) and good management of the confrontation caused by VIL players.
      Congratulations!

      Delete
    2. Another solid half by Iglesias in Villarreal against Leganés. Some minor mistakes in foul detecion (false handball, 70') but overall no dissent and full acceptance. Maybe at 54' a missed YC but the player played the ball too.
      85' a correct penalty awarded for Leganés after a clear foul. At the end of the game some bad scenes: YC tackle by Leganés player and then a fight. YC for VIL player for dissent and also for their goalkeeper. In my opinion Iglesias was too alone in this scene: I would like the help of AR's. Overall a very good performance by a solid and communicative referee.

      Delete
    3. Glad to hear that, it was very likely a decisive match for him.

      Delete
  64. About Mateu Lahoz in Getafe - Sevilla.
    First handball was not easy to detect, however Mateu had a very good positioning and a frontal view there, he could have spotted it.
    If you ask me, it was not a 100% clear deliberate handball, but I can accept OFR there, as we know handballs are very "special topic".
    Second handball (end of first half): for me more punishable than previous one, due to arm position.
    RC for SFP: very difficult to spot live, here VAR intervention was fully correct. Maybe AR2 could have helped Mateu? He was close.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First penalty: https://streamable.com/m41yf
      Second penalty: https://streamable.com/6mi0a
      Red card for SFP: https://streamable.com/a1afv

      - - - - -

      My views:

      1) penalty and yellow card for SPA (shot on goal)

      2) hands are above head and it seems that's enough for a handball to be 'deliberate' nowadays, however the ball bounces from defender's head at first and that's not intentional for me, I wouldn't recommend an OFR

      3) it's not full contact, just a top of the boot; character of the foul is also not so serious (no brutality, intention to hurt an opponent, etc.), I wouldn't recommend an OFR again

      Delete
    2. I mostly agree with you, Vlad. However, for me the second PK is right and with CTA guidelines regarding unnatural position of the arms even after a touch, it is a penalty. In fact, I think Mateu spotted live both things, the handball and the head contact, but considered the arms in an acceptable position. VAR considered he was wrong and invited him for an OFR.

      This video also shows a possible SFP in the foul that leads to the PK. Why didn't VAR intervene there but they did on the second half? Not much difference, IMO. Intervention on the third incident is not wrong for me, but inconsistent w.r.t. the previous incident.

      Delete
  65. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/04/14/red-card-kaku-kicks-ball-toward-stands-gets-sent?autoplay=true

    Thoughts...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Violent conduct against other person (brutal kick with the ball).

      Delete
  66. Solid and unspectacular first half by Mr.Turpin in PSG - Monaco.Solid foul detecion,good advantages given, solid fitness and good communication with assistants (as we know him).One correct YC (30') for Monaco.In my opinion a missed YC (6') against Monaco.Easy first half with an expected Turpin!

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    Replies
    1. An easy second half by Clement Turpin! Solid and expected performance in a very unspectacular and sometimes very low game.

      Delete
  67. UEFA made brave selections for after group stages young and new teams like Lithuanian teams took part and I think it was a great move to recruit new elite referees. Most of the valuable staff of UEFA is going to change in three or four years. However when it comes to the finals My opinion is for the Barça Liverpool games Kuipers and Çakir is the best choices for two games and EL finals should be given to Çakir who has one UCL final and lot lot lots of semi finals. I think he well deserved a EL final for this year. Kuipers on the other hand If he had not been given a EL final, would have been the strongest candidate for EL final.

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  68. My predictions for half-finals and finals of EL and CL are clear now...
    EL: ARS - VAL Cakir/ Brych
    FRA - CHE Del Cerro Grande/ Makkelie

    CL: TOT - AJAX Mateu Lahoz / Rocchi
    BAR - LIV Orsato/ Kuipers

    Finals... EL: Turpin
    CL: Skomina

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  69. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete

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