Monday, 1 August 2022

2022/23 UEFA Champions League - Third Qualifying Round (I)

Referee appointments for the third qualifying round of 2022/23 UEFA Champions League, first legs to be played on 2 and 3 August 2022.



Tuesday 2 August 2022

19:00 CET - Chișinău (Stadionul Zimbru)
FC Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) - FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries (NED)
Fourth Official: Jeroen Manschot (NED)
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Clay Ruperti (NED) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Elmir Pilav (BIH)
UEFA Delegate: Andrew Shaw (ENG)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Roman Jitari (MDA)

19:45 CET - Razgrad (Huvepharma Arena)
PFK Ludogorets 1945 (BUL) - GNK Dinamo (CRO)
Referee: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Kerem Ersoy (TUR)
Assistant Referee 2: Alpaslan Dedeş (TUR)
Fourth Official: Yaşar Kemal Uğurlu (TUR)
Video Assistant Referee: Abdulkadir Bitigen (TUR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Mert Güzenge (TUR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Marián Ružbarský (SVK)
UEFA Delegate: Mirosław Ryszka (POL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer
: Veselin Dobriyanov (BUL)

20:00 CET - Monaco (Stade Louis II)
AS Monaco FC (FRA) - PSV Eindhoven (NED)
Referee: Davide Massa (ITA, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Filippo Meli (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mauro Vivenzi (ITA)
Fourth Official: Davide Ghersini (ITA)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Guida (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ciro Carbone (ITA) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Volodymyr Petrov (UKR)
UEFA Delegate: Luca Zorzi (SUI)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Faouzi Benchabane (FRA)

20:45 CET - Leuven (King Power at Den Dreef Stadion)
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL) - Rangers FC (SCO)
Referee: Irfan Peljto (BIH, 1st Cat)
Assistant Referee 1: Davor Beljo (BIH)
Assistant Referee 2: Senad Ibrišimbegović (BIH)
Fourth Official: Miloš Gigović (BIH)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Markus Sinn (GER) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Vítor Manuel de Melo Pereira (POR)
UEFA Delegate: Christian Mutschler (SUI)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Stijn Hutsebaut (BEL)

21:00 CET - Lisbon (Estádio do SL Benfica)
SL Benfica (POR) - FC Midtjylland (DEN)
Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (ESP, 1st Cat)
Assistant Referee 1: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Diego Sánchez Rojo (ESP)
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera Montero (ESP)
Video Assistant Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (ESP) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: César Soto Grado (ESP) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Nobs (SUI)
UEFA Delegate: Kieran O’Connor (WAL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Hugo Marcelino Guerreiro (POR)

Wednesday 3 August 2022

18:00 CET - Bodø (Aspmyra stadion)
FK Bodø/Glimt (NOR) - FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU)
Referee: István Vad (HUN, 1st Cat)
Assistant Referee 1: Vencel Tóth (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: István Albert (HUN)
Fourth Official: Sándor Andó-Szabó (HUN)
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Mark Borsch (GER) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Ichko Lozev (BUL)
UEFA Delegate: Þórir Þormar Hákonarson (ISL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Øystein Havig (NOR)

19:00 CET - Haifa (Itztadion Sammy Ofer)
Maccabi Haifa FC (ISR) - Apóllon Lemesoú (CYP)
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA, 1st Cat)
Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Lo Cicero (ITA)
Fourth Official: Matteo Marchetti (ITA)
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Matteo Passeri (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Tomasz Mikulski (POL)
UEFA Delegate: Philippe Prudhon (FRA)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Edan Elmalem (ISR)

20:00 CET  
18:00 CET- Baku (Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu)
Qarabağ FK (AZE) - Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)
Referee: Andreas Ekberg (SWE, 1st Cat)
Assistant Referee 1: Mehmet Culum (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Niklas Nyberg (SWE)
Fourth Official: Adam Ladebäck (SWE)
Video Assistant Referee: Jochem Kamphuis (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Bertrand Layec (FRA)  Miroslav Tulinger (CZE)
UEFA Delegate: Aurel Mihail Ionescu (ROU)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Ömər Paşayev (AZE)

20:00 CET - Łódź, Poland (Stadion Miejski im. Władysława Króla)
FK Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) - SK Sturm Graz (AUT)
Referee: François Letexier (FRA, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni (FRA)
Fourth Official: Jérémy Stinat (FRA)
Video Assistant Referee: Pierre Gaillouste (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Eric Wattellier (FRA) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Aleksandra Ana Raspopović (MNE)
UEFA Referee Liaison Of
ficer: Konrad Sapela (POL)

20:45 CET - Belgrade (Stadion Rajko Mitić)
FK Crvena zvezda (SRB) - Pyunik FA (ARM)
Referee: Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias (POR, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Rui Licínio Barbosa Tavares (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Paulo Alexandre dos Santos Soares (POR)
Fourth Official: Fábio José da Costa Veríssimo (POR)
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins (POR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Hugo Filipe Ferreira de Campos Moreira Miguel (POR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Edgar Steinborn (GER)
UEFA Delegate: Eduard Kindle (LIE)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Vladimir Šegrt (SRB)

107 comments:

  1. Makkelie returning to Sheriff Tiraspol :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gözübüyük was before planned as referee between Sheriff against Plzen.

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  2. Well, the fact that Makkelie is a replacement and the only WC referee in 3rd round tells us that committee didn't want to risk any WC refs without VAR(?). If I remember correctly, last year there were more top Elites appointed in the third round.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://law5-theref.blogspot.com/2021/08/202122-uefa-champions-league-third.html?m=0

      Yes, last year there were more Elite referee in third round, but the average level of the matches was higher too.

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    2. be careful with the use of the word "higher or average level". You have to watch how Malmo was lose their temper againts Zalgiris and how Olympiacos was humiliated by Maccabi Haifa at home, which mean don't underestimate a team that you don't know how good their performance so far. The absence of big names doesn't mean you can assume the level of the game is low. The large number of Eastern and Southern European teams including Israel should cause circumspection as the atmosphere can be very hot.

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    3. True anonymous. That is why I expected more WC referees in this round, but committee decided differently.

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    4. after reading the comments below, it quite makes sense not to use the top names considering there is VAR in this round.

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  3. Despite Makkelie only being a substitute for some reason if I remember correctly maybe he is the most frequently elite referees assigned to a "small" country. How many countries in Eastern and Southern Europe has he visited as a top referees? Moldova (Chișinău and Tiraspol), Greece (Thessaloniki and Piraeus), Romania (Cluj), Croatia (Split), North Macedonia (Skopje), Albania (Elbasan), Serbia (Belgrade), Kosovo (Pristina), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Zenica). Other topics I still can't understand why Vad was assigned to Bodø, if he's just a substitute I think it's a bit huh. I mean is there no other referee from category 1 who is more "safe" or not standing out in the spotlight that can be assigned. Has Vad now got the "trust" again from UEFA to be like Stavrev at least.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes that is particular, considering that there are no direct flights from Amsterdam to many of these small eastern Europe countries.

      Vad's appointment is also particular - especially when looking at the other blogpost (Europa League) where many Cat.1 refs are assigned.

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  4. What about VAR referees?

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  5. Var starts from play-off round

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    Replies
    1. this year from Q3

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    2. @Anonymous, I don't see any VAR appointment on UEFA site for this round.

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    3. But you are right, indeed, sorry :D
      https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0277-15bd55398d5d-5781e609df94-1000--var-for-third-qualifying-round/

      Delete
    4. it’s possible that VAR appointments will be published on the 31st of July, 2 days before matches. It happened like for the Nations League: referees 3 days before and VARs 2.

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    5. You are right, it is possible, we will see on that date.

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    6. It is possible as VAR w'll used on play-off EL ?

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  6. Cakir continues. But there are no assistants Tarik and Bahattin. I wonder if cakir will continue until the end of December like felix brych?

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  7. Some key moments from Fenerbahçe - Dynamo Kyiv game on previous round, handled by Irrati.

    45'+2 - Confrontation between players, could AR2 have prevented that by showing more alertness? To add, this was a very big game for Domenico Rocca, no FIFA assistant referee, his local AIA department celebrated this appointment and I can fully understand why.
    https://streamable.com/ruoqw8

    53' - Second YC for reckless challenge
    https://streamable.com/kryug9
    I think an absolutely correct decision, even in case of slightly touching the ball.

    57' - Management of 0-1 goal, celebration and agitated moments
    https://streamable.com/5lf3t7
    We can argue that Irrati punished the behavior of player who went to celebrate right in front of Turkish fans with blatant gestures. What happened later not clear.

    68' - Penalty and YC for DOGSO, genuine attempt
    https://streamable.com/ufymoh
    A closer replay shows us that decision is fully correct.

    Still, I haven't watched full game (if you know crucial / important situations in the game, just report), but regarding crucial situations it looks a very good performance, as some people reported here. Irrati is a referee with a very strict approach, issuing always YCA when mandatory by book and without managing the game. I would have liked so see him more on the pitch, but then in the recent years, as you know, he has mostly worked as VAR.

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    Replies
    1. Irrati was superb. The other controversial situation was a 'disallowed' goal in the ninth minute (see link below), but the Italian whistled instantly and to be honest the foul seems extremely clear to me. In terms tactical approach, manner, (mostly) technical accuracy: I saw a referee at the TOP of even Elite category, tbh. Big respect, Mr Irrati!

      https://twitter.com/i/status/1552618413377425409

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    2. 57` - "What happened later not clear"

      I'm surprised you didn't find out what happened. After Dynamo Kyiv scored their goal, some of Fenerbahce`s fans started chanting Vladimir Putin`s name, you can hear it clearly in video around 1:03. According to Fenerbahce president, the fans were provoked by Dynamo Kyiv`s substitute goalkeeper Boyko, the guy from 0:58 in the video I guess, who apparently played in the past for Besiktas and the fans did not forget him. But it sound rather like a cheap excuse. Irrati correctly gave that yellow card.

      https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/29/football/fenerbahce-fans-vladimir-putins-dynamo-kyiv-spt-intl/index.html

      https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/disciplinary/0277-15bb6d9edb0f-547ff8d46296-1000/

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  8. Why isn't the referee from Sturm Graz against Dynano Kyiv known?

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    Replies
    1. I also asked myself the same question, also because it is the only return match where the referee is not known

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    2. Since more than a week is missing, is rather normal, it happened in past as well for preliminary rounds, it can be for various reasons, maybe referee originally appointed said he was not available, or committee changed idea, but now I also realized that referees with VAR experience are needed, so the choice is not 100% full among the FIFA listed for UEFA and that's can be aniother motivation. We are still talking about CL.

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    3. @Chefren Thank you for the explanation :D

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  9. I really don't understand why Benfica so many times has Spanish referees......in European football in general so many times Portugees teams coupled with Spanish referees or Spanish teams coupled with Portugeese referees, why!!! so many other options, then Hernandez are possible,it feels like nothing else is possible! really annoying!

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    Replies
    1. Not a problem for me, but indeed it is true that Benfica gets many Spanish referees,I remember Gil Manzano, Mateu Lahoz and Del Cerro Grande frequently appointed. I think that in some cases, with Benfica at home, it has been even made for geographical reasons, even more during COVID times.

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    2. It’s crazy. England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland referees are not allowed to officiate in neighbouring countries for competitive matches but in every other uefa country, these boundaries do not exist

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  10. Confirmed that VAR are published by UEFA two days before the games, like confidential appointments. The set for Tuesday's matches is ready.

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  11. Busy times for VAR v. Boekel. From England straight to Moldova

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  12. I dont understand why german VARs( Dankert and Borsch) with István Vad, whil in Hungary this is the second season to use VAR system…

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    Replies
    1. It is indeed particular that committee has no trust in Hungarian VAR since in this roundthere are also choices made by the same federations, like Gaillouste for France, this should indeed mean that there are some countries in which committee has a full trust about VAR, but not the same for the others.

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    2. While in WC qualifiers used two times Hungarian VARs…

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  13. Where do you guys can find the Referees Observer and Delegates?

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  14. Any News about new match fees?

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  15. Short analysis about Super Cup without opening a new discussion with predictions.
    Ruling out all the Elite referees who have CL games in these days, the ones from Spain and Germany and who already got this assignment, we have: Oliver (ENG), Orsato (ITA), Gözübüyük (NED), Kovacs (ROU), Kružliak (SVK), Vinčič (SVN), Umut Meler (TUR).
    I would then exclude Vinčič and Kovacs for having officiated the finals a few months ago, Kružliak because very unlikely (maybe chances for being FO), and Umut Meler as well (possible as FO).
    Orsato could be a candidate but I don't expect him in this game because, we can easily say, he would be too much.
    Now, unless Gözübüyük has been removed for officiating Super Cup (but I think very unlikely), all the bets are on Oliver.
    He has a game in Premier League MD1 on Sunday 7.
    My prediction is: Oliver referee, Umut Meler fourth official.

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    Replies
    1. I want to add, in case of Oliver, very curious about VAR choice. If you ask me, impossible to see an English working in that role... after all we saw.

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    2. I agree with you. For me it will be Oliver with Meler FO. At the VAR I think we will see Kwiatkowski and Frankowski. They did very well at Women’s EURO, in fact they were rewarded with a Semifinal. No problem with language, i will say: they have worked with Foster, and English mother tongue speaker.
      So:
      Referee: Oliver
      Assistant Referees: Burt and Bennett
      Fourth Official: Halil Umut Meler
      VAR: Kwiatkowski, Frankowski

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    3. Unfortunately, no clues from Dutch FA yet. They are a bit late with announcing the MD1 appointments.
      If Gozubuyuk is not assigned in MD1, we can be sure he has other issues. If he is in: perhaps a role on the 10th (SC). Perhaps as FO

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    4. IMO the race is between Oliver and Kovacs. Especially for the latter it would be a nice reward, also considering he had a good season with some top clashes. So my prediction is:
      Referee: Kovacs (ROU)
      FO: Schärer (SUI)
      VAR: Kwiatkowski (POL), Brisard (FRA), Millot (FRA)

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    5. Simon Bennett has been appointed to an English Cup game on Tuesday 9th

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    6. Oliver always works with Bennett?

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    7. Surprise incoming…

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    8. I also think that Oliver is big favorite. But the fact that Bennett is appointed domestically already raise some doubts.

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    9. @Anonymous: Speaking of surprises, I immediately think there might be a female referee?

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    10. Bennett could be removed from the efl cup game. Or Oliver may be appointed with someone else

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    11. Kovacs appointed in Levski-Hamrun, august 11th.
      Monzul and Frappart appointed in UECL 3rd round, 2nd leg too.
      Other Elite referees in this round: Siebert, Lahoz,

      Delete
    12. Kovacs`s appointment makes no sense! For Siebert, I understand - it is the so called "recovery" game. Turpin and Vincic are not appointed yet but of course we can`t see them in SuperCup. So it all comes down to Oliver. Or Orsato, do not exclude this option.

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    13. Hell yes. What is Kovacs doing in Conference league? Is it a potentially problematic one? Otherwise I'm clueless

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    14. As I Dutch person, I must say, I'm very very enthousiastic to read the name Mateu Lahoz in Alkmaar (AZ). What an honour to have him there! I wish I could watch him live...

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    15. Gozubuyuk has a match on Saturday

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    16. I heard that Mr. Meler was injured

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  16. OT:

    Sidiropoulous appointed for potential title deciding match in Egypt,Zamalek vs Pyramids.

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    Replies
    1. So Sidiropoulos is good enough for top games / title-deciding games, just not in his home country?

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    2. Obviously.

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    3. Similar to one month ago when he (and Del Cerro) handled the championship title deciding games in last MD of Saudi league.

      So Clattenburg didn't see him good enough to handle a game between two 'big 5' teams in Greece but later he appoints him for a title decider in Egypt ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    4. Sidiropoylos deserves a better set of appointments in champions league this year

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    5. He was protecting him. A big mistake in Greece and his career is over, clubs have big power.

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    6. As I recall, the foreign appointments were/are not necessarily made due to the lack of quality of the Greek officials, but rather the fact that Greek teams do not trust local referees to be impartial.

      Whether one should listen to these clubs is a different discussion, but at least this would make Sidiropoulos' appointment in Egypt more understandable.

      Delete
    7. Sidiropoulos was excellent in Egypt . Good match control, a correct penalty call on a fairly easy going match

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    8. Surprinsingly easy match for him.
      It almost looked like they were playing friendly and not championship deciding match.

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    9. The penalty on the 1st minute was a very good call

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  17. Sturm Graz - Dynamo kyiv: Ivan Kruzliak

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  18. Maybe, Makkelie didn't show a second YC to the goalkeeper of Sheriff because he attempted to play the ball?!?!?!

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    Replies
    1. I didn't have any chance to watch this game, but it seems as Makkelie had a quite challenging first half with early bookings (strict approach?) and two penalties... I don't even find any video.

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    2. Even though it's still the qualifying phase, it's still UCL and there's VAR there. For some reason it's very difficult to access certain matches, Sheriff Tiraspol - Viktoria Plzen is broadcast on Moldova 1 channel but on my device I think the website is too heavy so unfortunately I can't watch it due to lag. VAR called Makkelie for penalty to Viktoria Plzen, right? Why didn't UEFA try to share broadcasting rights (they only did it from the playoffs)?

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    3. There's a live stream from the Czech public broadcaster availablle on YT.

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    4. Unfortunately I'm in Asia and maybe limited by geo-blocking

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    5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0n4PTJSVrM
      First penalty very good decision by Makkelie, punishable handball.
      Second penalty OFR: I disagree with van Boekel and to be honest this call looks quite strange if you ask me.
      One can't say that this was a clear foul by keeper because also attacker makes a movement and even if you think it was not attacker's foul, there are arguments for normal collision.
      No matter that it was an off the ball incident, but never a clear and obvious mistake for me, UEFA should assess this invitation to OFR as wrong. I think van Boekel thought it was a clear challenge by keeper on attacker, but this I think doesn't make all people agree.

      Delete
    6. The goalie has no eye for the ball though… just the player. Maybe referees finally stop ignoring the body impeding contacts? (Mikael should agree :D)
      Btw, indeed strict disciplinary line by Makkelie which I think, is the best approach for games like this

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    7. IMO both penalties are correct. I like VAR's decision here.

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    8. Wrong intervention from my point of view. Other defender can easily clear the ball and attacker and goalkeeper just collide, nothing more, nothing less. No foul play by the goalkeeper, and play on is the correct decision Imo.

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    9. The goalkeeper is not looking at the ball at all, hence it can’t be “accidental” or just a simple collision. Rather intentional in my book

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  19. Very good decision no penalty Massa after VAR call. Brave!

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  20. Excellent decision by Massa to ignore Guida and to not give a ridiculous penalty to Monaco.

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  21. To be honest I'm shocked by the OFR called by Guida, I don't even understand why, with the arm in that natural position and only one replay shown that doesn't help at all...

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    Replies
    1. For me, the only matter of this OFR, is to sell this decision for the players. Maybe that's was the reason...

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    2. Indeed, big protests by player, this can be an argument but UEFA would never recommend that.

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  22. And now Guida misses a foul before the 1-1…

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    Replies
    1. Foul, what foul? There is no foul whatsoever… Clear equalizer.

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  23. And now Guida misses a foul before the 1-1…

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  24. Penalty to saint gilloise after OFR. Have to say I think it's very harsh

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    Replies
    1. Maybe Fritz wanted to send a message to UEFA about the deflection from a teammate criteria ;)

      Agree - wrong for me, Peljto assessed it right with clear gestures on the FoP.

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    2. https://streamable.com/4l4l1h

      Good by Peljto.

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    3. How is this a punishable handball with a yellow card as a sanction!! I am dazed!! IFAB should just make ball striking the arm an offense!!

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    4. Full sequence:
      https://vk.com/video-21620613_456241059?t=1h34m54s

      According to UEFA's Chelsea vs. Rennes RefNetwork solution, the correct decision should be a penalty + no sanction. So the YC is an incorrect automatism (no (longer) a shot on goal), but the big call is right. In my personal opinion, Peljto (well-positioned) had it right on the FoP.

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    5. Shocking decision that shouldn’t be a penalty in a million years. Rubbish from VAR and the referee

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    6. Definitely wrong decision by VAR Fritz as it went against the LOTG handball rule exceptions.

      "Exceptions e.g. the player's arm is already extended when there is no expectation of the ball coming at, or near, the player from a team mate."

      Irfan Peljto's FoP decision was correct.

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    7. Never a penalty to Union in a million years. VAR should have had a quick check and got on with the game. Referee was disappointing on the whole.

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    8. This season starts with a big problem called "handball".
      It will be never solved... I can understand the point of view of Frtiz here in calling referee, but definitely many people disagree, and indeed. We can do nothing for that, even more, it seems that in case of guidelines, it is impossible to find consistency by applying them, every situation is totally different and particular from another one.

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    9. Shocking decision from Union v rangers referee... Penalty never ...he made a lot of strange decisions favouring home team

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    10. @Anonymous - Stupid comment from yourself. Maybe a Ranger's supporter ? The decision is not popular but supportable. If you read IFAB's law, the final decision is correct.

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  25. AS Monaco FC - PSV Eindhoven, Davide Massa

    The Elite referee from Italy had a good evening overall in Monaco.
    Massa faced a normal difficulty game, which was played in a fair and football-focused manner.

    KMI:

    33': OFR,potential penalty for handball
    https://streamable.com/6y68yj
    Massa confirmed his initial decision and didn't whistle for a spot-kick, and I think he was right to do so, I'd argue this was the only correct outcome.
    The defender put his arms behind his back, maintaining this position while turning himself: no enlargement of the body surface, not punishable.
    I was very surprised that Guida initiated an OFR, besides Massa completely missing the incident, this is never VAR stuff IMO.
    We have to praise referee for his bravery here ,it's never easy to stick to his guns after an OFR, it showed serenity and courage.

    80' Possible foul before 1-1
    https://streamable.com/r9fjov
    An interesting situation if you ask me, when you look at the replays there is a push from the attacker, but given the intensity, I'm perfectly fine with the assessment of the Italian, correct/supportable decision not to whistle, Guida correctly stayed silent.

    Managing the game:

    Massa adopted a lenient approach with fouls, this choice was a wise one and didn't put his control in danger: potential dangerous play offenses denied in 8' and 90', chargings in 45', 66' and 88' ignored. Besides one missed holding in 19' and a wrong FK(clean tackle) in 72', his foul recognition was fine throughout the match.
    He correctly rejected a penalty appeal in 66'

    He was quite sharp in his disciplinary control, he credibly issued 4YCs (reckless tackles in 3' and 67', SPA holding in 87', dissent in 88'). Others could've been shown in 25' for reckless challenge and in 66' for simulation, no card was fine in both cases.

    His positioning was unsatisfactory though, too often in the center of the FoP (not using the diagonal running path enough for my taste), interfering with the play in 17' and getting hit by ball twice in 55' and 82'.

    What I miss from the Italian is his main problem in the games he whistles: charisma. While he savoured a good level of acceptance from the players overall, he has a lack of personality (player management before the OFR in 33' comes to my mind) which will most certainly prevent him for reaching more in UEFA.

    Massa displayed an expected level performance, he controlled the game well and got his KMI spot-on. 8.3 should be his mark.
    Both assistants did a good job, especially AR1 (correct offsides in 35',41',48' and 57', good FK shout in 84').
    Well done to the Italian crew.

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  26. Off-topic

    Not sure this is available in other countries, but I found two interesting red card compilations (2021-2022). Unbelievable that some are not seen ‘Live’.

    https://youtu.be/TYPZz8wGMqo (Premier League)

    https://youtu.be/IkV9-XkXqbM (Eredivisie)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I noticed that a couple of clear RC by Higler only been given after VAR intervention despite clear view. Also sarterday Ajax-PSV he must have sent Alverez off. Patron

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  27. In peljo's PK - why a YC??? the shot is not towards the goal - #6 is on the right side of the PK area and the deflection towards the ball is done by #26!?

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    Replies
    1. Never YC in that case, it was also confirmed by UEFA when they analyzed the famous incident of Zwayer in Chelsea game.

      Delete
  28. How was Cuneyt Cakir yesterday?

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  29. OFR in FK Bodø/Glimt (NOR) - FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU).
    To be honest, I think it is not a clear situation.
    Referee should have been invited to watch better footage.
    We are seeing some strange OFR in UEFA games...
    https://streamff.com/v/e9128a

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    Replies
    1. What happened with many trusted VAR officials in the last few days, is this the Valeri and Millot effects? :) I don't think so.. after van Boekel with Makkelie, Fritz with Peljto and now Dankert with Vad. 3 VAR officials in Qatar (5 in total with Valeri and Millot), all became trending topics for refereeing world in less than 1 week.

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    2. Apart from the striking end result, I think the VAR incident could have a significant impact on Zalgiris because the 2nd goal gap was also quite close.

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  30. Good display by François Letexier in Dynamo Kyiv - Sturm Graz.

    He succeeded especially in disciplinary control, where he consequently punish misconducts with five cautions (SPA offenses in 16' and 20', reckless challenges in 41',46' and 48'). Good prevention towards DtR and throw-ins(correct emplacements, no stealing meters). A correct no penalty call in 47' (fair body challenge).

    Except a few mistakes in foul detection (missed FK in 39', wrong FK in 89'), he performed efficiently under the eyes of Undiano Mallenco.
    8.4 level in my book.

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    1. Sorry, I disagree completely.
      His rather erratic card policy in the first half - especially the first two YC were kind of ridiculous, the first one followed a clear non-foul - took a lot of good intensity out of the game. Furthermore - his foul detection would have been ok for a boys under-12 match or for a lady's indoor chess game. Football still is a contact sport - but it was not for Letexier who "whistled down" the game tonight.

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  31. Anybody seen the double yellow for a home team player in Belgrade tonight? The 2nd one seemed to have followed the 1st one with a minute, home team already on a 5-0 lead…

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    Replies
    1. https://streamja.com/o7o1k
      Two fouls in a very short time, looks like a very correct decision.

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    2. Very correct indeed. Looks like the player wasn't excited for a trip to Armenia next week

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