Sunday, 7 August 2022

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

Referee appointments for the third qualifying round of 2022/23 UEFA Champions League, second legs to be played on 9 August 2022.


Tuesday 9 August 2022

18:00 CET - Vilnius (LFF stadionas)
FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU) - FK Bodø/Glimt (NOR)
Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Bekim Zogaj (SUI)
Assistant Referee 2: Jonas Erni (SUI)
Fourth Official: Stefan Horisberger (SUI)
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San (SUI)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Lukas Fähndrich (SUI)
UEFA Referee Observer: Viktor Kassai (HUN)
UEFA Delegate: Lambriní Dimitríou (GRE)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Sergejus Slyva (LTU)

19:00 CET - Nicosia (Stádio GSP)
Apóllon Lemesoú (CYP) - Maccabi Haifa FC (ISR)
Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller (GER)
Fourth Official: Sven Jablonski (GER)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Markus Sinn (GER) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Levan Paniashvili (GEO)
UEFA Delegate: Paul Daniel Zaharia (ROU)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Chrístos Michailídis (CYP)

19:00 CET - Plzeň (Doosan Arena)
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) - FC Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)
Referee: Orel Grinfeld (ISR, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Roi Hassan (ISR)
Assistant Referee 2: Idan Yarkoni (ISR)
Fourth Official: Gal Leibovitz (ISR)
Video Assistant Referee: Roi Reinshreiber (ISR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: David Fuxman (ISR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stávros Tritsónis (GRE)
UEFA Delegate: Eduard Kindle (LIE)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Kryštof Mencl (CZE)

19:00 CET - Yerevan (Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht)
Pyunik FA (ARM) - FK Crvena zvezda (SRB)
Referee: William Collum (SCO, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: David McGeachie (SCO)
Assistant Referee 2: Francis Connor (SCO)
Fourth Official: Kevin Clancy (SCO)
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler (NED) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Edwin van de Graaf (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Andreas Schluchter (SUI)
UEFA Delegate: Johny Vanspauwen (BEL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Sona Grigoryan (ARM)

19:45 CET - Randers (MCH Arena)
FC Midtjylland (DEN) - SL Benfica (POR)
Referee: Srđan Jovanović (SRB, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Uroš Stojković (SRB)
Assistant Referee 2: Milan Mihajlović (SRB)
Fourth Official: Momčilo Marković (SRB)
Video Assistant Referee: François Letexier (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Neale Barry (ENG)
UEFA Delegate: Camelia Nicolae (ROU)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Jesper Petersen (DEN)

20:00 CET - Budapest (Groupama Aréna)
Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) - Qarabağ FK (AZE)
Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Gonzalo García González (ESP)
Fourth Official: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias (ESP)
Video Assistant Referee: Xavier Estrada Fernández (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Inacio Iglesias Villanueva (ESP) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Milorad Mažić (SRB)
UEFA Delegate: Dennis Cruise (IRL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Ádám Farkas (HUN)

20:00 CET - Zagreb (Stadion Maksimir)
GNK Dinamo (CRO) - PFK Ludogorets 1945 (BUL)
Referee: Benoît Bastien (FRA, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Erwan Finjean (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Philippe Jeanne (FRA)
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard (FRA)
Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millott (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Thomas Leonard (FRA) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Kóstas Kapitanís (CYP)
UEFA Delegate: Thura Win (ENG)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Ivica Modrić (CRO)

20:30 CET - Eindhoven (Philips Stadion)
PSV Eindhoven (NED) - AS Monaco FC (FRA)
Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Ángel Nevado Rodríguez (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Javier Martínez Nicolás (ESP)
Fourth Official: Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos (ESP)
Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: José Luis González González (ESP)
UEFA Referee Observer: Barış Şimşek (TUR)
UEFA Delegate: Georges Lüchinger (LIE)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Arie Brink (NED)

20:30 CET - Graz (Merkur Arena)
SK Sturm Graz (AUT) - FK Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
Referee: Ivan Kružliak (SVK, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Branislav Hancko (SVK)
Assistant Referee 2: Ján Pozor (SVK)
Fourth Official: Peter Kráľovič (SVK)
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dietz (GER) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Terje Hauge (NOR)
UEFA Delegate: Petr Fousek (CZE)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Johann Hechtl (AUT)

20:45 CET - Glasgow (Ibrox Stadium)
Rangers FC (SCO) - Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL)
Referee: Anastásios Sidirópoulos (GRE, Elite)
Assistant Referee 1: Polychrónis Kostarás (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Lázaros Dimitriádis (GRE)
Fourth Official: Aristotélis Diamandópoulos (GRE)
Video Assistant Referee: Aggelos Evangelou (GRE) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ioannis Papadopoulos (GRE) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Uno Tutk (EST)
UEFA Delegate: Eugène Westerink (NED)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Stewart Shearer (SCO)

177 comments:

  1. Sidiropoylos with the toughest job in my opinion .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the match in Budapest will be the hottest one (DCG). The level of attendance of their stadium is no joke and they are still draw in 1st leg.

      Delete
    2. Agree with a nuance. Scottish and Belgium teams are rather football-focused teams. The ridiculous Pk and YC in the first leg can put some extra pressure/attention on Sidiropoulos and his crew. But I agree that normally the game in Hungary is more challenging from a disciplinary and strategic perspective, the ambience in stadium, etc

      Delete
  2. Very harsh match in zagreb.
    And i dont think bastien solve it .

    ReplyDelete
  3. OT:
    How about FIFA regulation in general regarding the appointment of half-blood referees, for example Ismail Elfath. I think with the increasing number of immigrant populations in certain countries, wouldn't this case become a problem someday. Referees like Mohamed Al-Hakim (SWE) and Rohit Saggi (NOR) if assigned to the World Cup age group, could he officiate a match involving the Iraqi or Indian national teams? Also how about FIFA regulation for what if I'm not mistaken being protested by Colombia at WC 2018 because at that time England vs Colombia match was led by Mark Geiger from USA. England and USA or connection between countries "within" the United Kingdom itself (ENG, WAL, SCO, NIR + IRL) are not like the core of Soviet (RUS, BLR, UKR) or Kosovo and Serbia, but does anyone know about the concrete regulation for these matters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don’t think Aytekin or Gözübüyük have ever been assigned to a Turkish team, so they do take this into account

      Delete
    2. I must say, describing these people as 'half-blood referees' is quite offensive, at least from my point of view.

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    3. I don't think 'half blood' is the most accurate term for referees of foreign ancestry, but I get the point.

      I think UEFA has common sense in that matter and I don't think e.g. ethnic Hungarian Kovács has ever been appointed to an international game involving Hungary or Hungarian clubs, same with Aytekin/Gozubuyuk with Turkish clubs.

      IIRC, in the early 2000s, Dermot Gallagher (Premier League referee, but actually Irish) was appointed to a Republic of Ireland-Russia friendly, in which the Russians were given the chance to refuse the appointment (and they didn't care since it was a friendly)

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    4. I apologize for using term half-blood because my mother tongue is not English so I didn't know what the accurate term but I'm sure you know what I mean, maybe someone who is more expert can provide the right equivalent

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    5. Does anyone remember the Mark Geiger match in WC 2018, was it just Colombia teams biased or was there a mistake?

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    6. Deniz Aytekin once refereed a friendly between England-Turkey in 2016.

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    7. I only remember that Colombia v England match being yet another on the fairly long list of matches where he was in over his head and ended up with that Geiger'ish bewildered look on his face.

      Delete
  4. Clips from the Dynamo Kyiv - Sturm Graz handled by François Letexier:

    10' - Verbal warning:
    https://streamable.com/p3mcv6

    16' - YC for SPA:
    https://streamable.com/tb6inr

    20' - YC for SPA:
    https://streamable.com/fonyg5

    41' - YC for reckless step onfoul
    https://streamable.com/b8b3hm

    46' - YC for reckless stamp:
    https://streamable.com/k3jhuy

    47' - Penalty appeal:
    https://streamable.com/gljtea

    48' - YC for reckless challenge, SFP ?
    https://streamable.com/46d0q3

    55' - Possible YC for reckless tackle (no replays)
    https://streamable.com/560g6h

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I really like the style of Letexier because he seems always aware about every decision he takes. I think the only clear mistake is the missed YC in the last clip, quite sure it was reckless, late from behind, even without watching a replay.
      About the rest, we can support him for the penalty appeal, even more because he made gestures of play on so he took clearly a decision, of course in case of penalty VAR would have supported as well. The challenge in 48' could be RC VAR would support that choice, but maybe we can report as argument the fact that the fouled player made a backward movement with leg, so this contact was also a bit unlucky, in the meaning that it wasn't a full responsibility of the player going against opponent's leg with studs up. Let's say borderline, maybe more than reckless, especially for the point of contact.

      Delete
  5. István Kovács holds dual Hungarian/Romanian citizenship so he can't referee Hungary or any teams from there.

    ReplyDelete
  6. As this is a CL post - an elite referee Cuneyt Cakir has decided to retire and will start training new referees in Turkey. Thank you Cuneyt Cakir. You made us proud. Good luck...

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  7. Mr Stefanski should be more careful with his gesture :p

    https://streamable.com/haa9s6

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In the last Copa del Rey final, Hernández Hernández became a bit of a meme because of this :)

      https://twitter.com/pabloferrerga/status/1517968248897220609

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  8. What do you think about this VAR intervention?
    https://streamable.com/67kgnk

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    Replies
    1. Wrong IMO. The penalty was at least supportable, because it is a clear tripping offence and the attacker only starts falling after the contact. The attacker running a bit strangely and probably looking for the penalty can't deny that.

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    2. I like the intervention! The first contact (if any?) is glancing and the main contact is fabricated by the attacker, dragging his leg. Brave and correct VAR intervention IMO.

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    3. I'll sum it up this way. Watching it live, I immediately said, "that's a dive". After the replays, my initial thoughts are confirmed. Blatant dive!
      One of the replay angles clearly shows the attacking player blatantly looking for contact by hooking his right leg/foot on the defenders already planted right foot.

      To summarize, correct VAR decision. The defender did nothing wrong. Just because something is supportable, doesn't mean it's correct. And the VAR system should always bring the correct decision in the end. If not why even have the system?

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  9. Lindhout and the VAR: a terrible combo. Last season he refused to give a crystal clear penalty, now he does the same with a RC.

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    Replies
    1. Your comment is pretty useless without a video.

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    2. 1:10

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60vPramEmHA

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    3. IMO a wrong VAR-intervention. This is a typical air challenge where the attacker uses his elbow in a reckless manner and not as a weapon. In the end the correct decision, but the intervention was not correct.

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    4. Agree with Unknown.

      I watched Joey Kooij this weekend; he did very well. Not sure why he is critized so much in NL(?). Very mature for his age, good body language, already able to manage players with his personality instead of just issuing cards. If he improves his technical abilities, then I think, he has the tools to succeed in international games…

      Delete
  10. Key incidents from Manchester United vs. Brighton, referee Paul Tierney [VAR: John Brooks].

    Reckless vs. SFP?
    https://clip.dubz.co/v/18srrn

    Penalty (charging)?
    https://clip.dubz.co/v/zkk2q7

    Handball before goal?
    https://clip.dubz.co/v/6469fp

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hungarian VAR not appointed, Greek VAR appointed, is there any particular reason behind this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can only think it is a matter of time, VAR in Hungary is very young at moment, we will see the appointments in future.
      In past seasons, it was the same for countries like Russia, Israel, Switzerland and others. Only after a certain time after VAR introduction in their leagues, UEFA accepted the appointments.

      Delete
  12. Reading the discussion between Chefren and Mikael about Jorgji entering the Talent ,Mentor program and the appointment of mister Velasco as observer I was curious about Jorgji (never seen him before) and I saw his match to create a idea of him as referee. Below you fill find all the clips I cut it for this match. What I like it the most was his physical preparation and a very nice running style. In overall good performance of Albanian but still has to improve a lot to be a Elite stuff IMO

    1- https://files.fm/u/hhp2dw93y Correct first YC DUD reckless
    2- https://files.fm/u/qjhura85x Correct second DUD YC reckless
    3- https://files.fm/u/v445bzwx3 Penalty appeal MAL, penalty no card for me but still is a supportable non call. In a match with VAR no intervention
    4- https://files.fm/u/45czz42uw Warning GK for delay. GK didn’t show any interest on his warning and ignored him
    5- https://files.fm/u/8v8vmxrc3 Correct YC DUD protest after a delayed whistle
    6- https://files.fm/u/fx9pz2f42 missed foul and YC for reckless ?
    7- https://files.fm/u/bxamgjkaa good onside by AR1
    8- https://files.fm/u/hgdxq9cd2 correct penalty and YC for DOGSO attempting to play the ball. Did he waited for the advantage or it was AR2 who helped him ? during the shoot not the best position to stay
    9- https://files.fm/u/af682vx4c correct YC MAL reckless
    10- https://files.fm/u/2rnhpu2mn penalty appeal MAL, correct play on imo. Attacker is falling down to shoot the ball with his head not because of the forearm of defender
    11- https://files.fm/u/8yex43txu wrong advantage and missed YC reckless
    12- https://files.fm/u/4xr9a3ggt correct YC MAL SPA
    13- https://files.fm/u/tgwwsqdrv missed YC SPA ? Place of the wall in the line of the area not good, especially in a match with no VAR

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  13. Scotland implementing VAR in top division during the first half of season, and by January latest. ‘Test runs’ happening now, so Collum or Beaton or Walsh may well have countrymen VAR later in season

    ReplyDelete
  14. Surely quite remarkable scene in Bundesliga today, thoughts?

    https://clip.dubz.co/v/m72xns

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IMO crystal clear RC

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    2. too harsh I think because like what the commentator said he was aiming for the ball and IMO it's not enough for SFP that deserve a direct red card.. for me it was just missing YC from the ref.

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    3. Yellow card at best. You have to look at the result of the tackle, not just a replay and photo. Everyone was happy, the player didn't get hurt in any way and the play already started. Red card is completely against the spirit of the game.

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    4. Correct RC, well spotted by VAR.

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    5. I would favour a YC (hence no intervention) as well. I agree with Anonymous 22:55, the still picture doesn’t tell the entire story.
      Point of contact is an argument for RC, but the intensity of the contact is not excessive nor does this action endanger the safety of the opponent. A reckless action, with disregard to the consequences for the opponent —> YC.

      Delete
    6. In the same game the 2:0 goal - allowed by VAR after initial offside call - was also quite interesting regarding the new offside instructions. Maybe someone provides a video for that as well?
      Hint: #23 is the relevant player.

      Delete
    7. Crystal clear RC, well done by VAR

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    8. @Elliot Apparently not that crystal clear as opinions differ

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    9. I dont think it's a clear RC! A YC it's the best opptions.
      If the referee would have spoted the foul live and showed a YC to the player, i think there wouldn't be a VAR call.

      Delete
    10. Excellent spot by VAR! I guess nobody even noticed what exactly happened. The football refereeing already goes in the wrong direction of allowing rough and cynical play and I think that if we start to undermine such (excellent, imo) red cards it can be even worse in the future.

      Delete
    11. Excellent decision IMO, well done

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    12. I'm Pita falta....Clear RC for me, the blue player could have reached the ball with his leg, there is no high vigour but the intention to hit it seems obvious to me

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    13. Always Pita falta, sorry, could not reach the ball with his leg

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    14. If the incident was a clear and obvious error from the referee, I think the referee's reaction was completely opposite in the sense that he was very close to the incident, but impression of his reaction just thought it was just a "normal" foul and even he didn't react like he was about to give a warning or YC. Shouldn't he have had a bad mark in that match?

      Delete
    15. Solely based on The Laws of the Game. Red Card!
      There is no room in football for such irresponsible actions that endanger the safety of a fellow footballer.

      Though I'm surprised by the intervention and the Red Card decision. Because in "modern" football with its "modern" refereeing. The Laws of the Game are no longer used. Modern referees use the more aptly named "Suggestions to Manage the Game".

      Delete
  15. Just wanted to underline Elliot's excellent work (thank you!) in clipping up all the key scenes from Jorgji's game with Velasco, can be found by scrolling up or pasting in this link:

    http://law5-theref.blogspot.com/2022/08/202223-uefa-champions-league-third.html?showComment=1659902697522#c3938055713177226975

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks Mikael. I would also like to know your opinion about clips

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    2. I think Jorgji had a good match! The Malmo penalty appeal, in my oppinion, is a simple Penalty with YC for the GK.

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    3. his decision was right but his management can be improved again, it seems the whistle from him is not so clear (not loud and not long enough after unclear situation)

      Delete
  16. OT
    Umut Meler was injured in UEFA seminar testing and will be out for 6 weeks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the info, this explains why he was without appointments.

      Delete
  17. ÁRBITROS DE PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
    - Se incorporan a la categoría:
    - IGLESIAS VILLANUEVA, Javier
    - PULIDO SANTANA, Juan Luis
    - Suplentes:
    1. HERNÁNDEZ MAESO, Francisco José
    2. MILLA ALVÉNDIZ, Luis Mario
    - Causan baja en la categoría:
    - JAIME LATRE, Santiago
    - CORDERO VEGA, Adrián
    ÁRBITROS ASISTENTES DE PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
    - Se incorporan a la categoría:
    - BLANCO RODRÍGUEZ, Fabián
    - ESCUELA MELO, José Carlos
    - FERNÁNDEZ GONZÁLEZ, Eliana
    - GRANEL PEIRÓ, Álvaro
    - Suplentes:
    1. SANTIAGO SACRISTÁN, Guillermo
    2. PÉREZ DE COLOSÍA ALONSO, David
    - Causan baja en la categoría:
    - ALONSO FERNÁNDEZ, Roberto
    - CERDÁN AGUILAR, Marcos
    - GALLEGO GARCÍA, José
    - YUSTE JIMÉNEZ, Juan Carlos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ÁRBITROS ASISTENTES DE VÍDEO DE PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
      - Se incorpora a la categoría:
      - JAIME LATRE, Santiago

      Delete
    2. ÁRBITROS / ÁRBITRAS INTERNACIONALES FIFA
      De acuerdo al artículo 4.10 del “Reglamento sobre la inscripción en las listas de
      árbitros, árbitros asistentes, árbitros de futsal y árbitros de fútbol playa
      internacionales” de la FIFA, en función de los “resultados obtenidos en el ámbito
      nacional por los árbitros y árbitros asistentes durante la temporada 2020/21”, se
      relaciona la propuesta del Comité Técnico de Árbitros de la RFEF a la FIFA para
      ocupar las plazas internacionales en el año 2023:
      ÁRBITROS/AS FIFA
      1. ACEVEDO DUDLEY, Ainara Andrea
      2. CUADRA FERNÁNDEZ, Guillermo
      3. DE BURGOS BENGOETXEA, Ricardo
      4. DEL CERRO GRANDE, Carlos
      5. GIL MANZANO, Jesús
      6. GONZÁLEZ GONZÁLEZ, Zulema
      7. HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ, Alejandro
      8. HUERTA DE AZA, Marta
      9. MARTÍNEZ MADRONA, María Dolores
      10. MARTÍNEZ MUNUERA, Juan
      11. MATEU LAHOZ, Antonio Miguel
      12. MUNUERA MONTERO, José Luis
      13. RIVERA OLMEDO, Olatz
      14. SÁNCHEZ MARTÍNEZ, José María
      15. SOTO GRADO, César
      ÁRBITROS/AS ASISTENTES FIFA
      1. ANDRADA, Aloman
      2. BARBERO SEVILLA, Diego
      3. CABAÑERO MARTÍNEZ, Raúl
      4. CABAÑERO MOMPO, Rita

      Delete
    3. 5. CEBRIÁN DEVIS, Pau
      6. DE FRANCISCO GRIJALBA, Iker
      7. DÍAZ PÉREZ DEL PALOMAR, Roberto
      8. ESTEVES-GARCÍA BIAJUAKE, Matilde
      9. FERNÁNDEZ GONZÁLEZ, Eliana
      10. FERNÁNDEZ PÉREZ, Silvia
      11. MASSÓ GRANADO, Iván (N)
      12. NARANJO PÉREZ, José Enrique
      13. NEVADO RODRÍGUEZ, Ángel
      14. PORRAS AYUSO, Guadalupe
      15. PRIETO LÓPEZ DE CERAIN, Íñigo
      16. PUENTE PINO, Rocío
      17. SÁNCHEZ ROJO, Diego (N)

      ÁRBITROS ASISTENTES DE VÍDEO FIFA

      1. ESTRADA FERNÁNDEZ, Xavier
      2. GONZÁLEZ GONZÁLEZ, José Luis
      3. IGLESIAS VILLANUEVA, Ignacio
      4. MEDIÉ JIMÉNEZ, David

      Delete
    4. I'm still grieving Francisco José Hernández Maeso's non-promotion to LaLiga (to maje it worse, he was the 1st substitute for promotion)

      Delete
    5. So, no new FIFA referees (only ARs) in Spain because Del Cerro and Mateu will continue in 2023.

      Delete
  18. Pita Falta = Rade Obrenovic

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    Replies
    1. pita falta is a great expert, probably a UEFA man.

      Delete
    2. Unfortunately Pita Falta writes too little, it would be interesting to hear his views on so many topics. I invite Pita Falta to leave us his opinions more often

      Delete
    3. He is a uefa referee. You must be foolish to think it’s not him

      Delete
  19. Czechia: VAR referee banned until the end of autumn and referee banned until the end of September for not showing red card for this challenge: https://youtu.be/ncgJRiP-63E

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To be honest, I can't blame the referee and VAR much here. We all know that nowadays for the-powers-that-be SFP is almost only when there is a full (1) studs (2) contact (3) above the ankle (4). I am 100% sure that more VARs wouldn't intervene than the opposite. Some kind of draconian punishment by the Czech FA but we already have seen such cruel decisions made by them in the past.

      Delete
    2. What kind of punishment is that.. the referee's point of view is very clear, especially the VAR. The punishment is not enough, both the referee and the VMO should be banned until the end of the season. It was more than a fatal mistake, it could be the end for the player.

      Delete
    3. I agree with ESF. It's a RC in my book, but when we see the SFP bar being raised so high...

      Delete
    4. What's the solution with "banned for x or y, matchs/days"???
      First of all, UEFA doesn't legitimate bans against officials.
      Second, the VAR referee, should initiate a suggestion for OFR?
      About the comment of another anonymous "should be banned until the end of season", i think he/she has never officiate a match and had never make a mistake in whatever his/her job is.

      Delete
    5. why the VAR referee, should initiate a suggestion for OFR?*

      Delete
    6. I think you'd be happy if the player broke his opponent leg first and the referee/VMO change his mind to give him a straight red card. How is it possible that his close range and unobstructed view only give him a conclusion that was just a yellow card? How about protection to players? Look his intention, clear he failed to aiming for the ball and directly hit his opponent leg. For the people behind the scenes, the VMO, I have no more words for them.. really so bad

      Delete
    7. *clear he missed the ball

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    8. Is it necessary to wait for the case of a broken leg first, then everyone's attention will be directed to clear SFP due to "missing trajectory" which can have fatal consequences. My concern is protecting the player. I think if the foul was given straight red card, no player would arguing (on the contrary what happened was like in the video)

      Delete
    9. Hey, it's just a modern referee utilizing modern punishment in a modern football match. The type of football where referees are asked to no longer care about player safety. 22 start and 22 finish!

      Thankfully the higher-ups still seem to care more about player safety and not so much about covering and making excuses for their referees.

      Delete
    10. First of all, use usernames, so we can just make a difference beetween comments.
      Second, i'm not against a red card in that sittuation, but against banning referees. Beacuese it's not a solution ...and... this is sth completly different with "modern or ancient football".
      If the bann theory, it's sth that produce better "employers", why it's not used in other work's place?
      UEFA doesn't accept banning referees sectors inside members (federations)!
      Soo, who will decide to bann this referee???

      Delete
    11. No need to discuss about the issue of anonymity, just focus on the question or opinion. It will be a very long debate and out of focus of this blog (anonymous issue has also been discussed apparently some time ago).
      ..
      1. How can you "punish" the referee for his (fatal) "mistake"?
      2. Who says banning someone is banned or not used anywhere else? You can refer to the cases of Sergei Lapochkin and Fahad Al Mirdasi.
      3. What do you think is a wise solution to the problem?

      it can be said that banning someone is just a shortcut, especially for people who don't want to bother with everything. But on the other hand there is no perfect formulation to punish someone for their mistakes. Perhaps the problem here is the "image" of the Czech Republic which may have been tarnished by Pavel Kralovec. A world without punishment is just dreams and fairy tales.

      Delete
    12. for no. 2 also Mikhail Vilkov

      Delete
    13. Don't forget to add all the CAF & CONMEBOL Referees who have been suspended. So it's not something new or "shocking". I call it extra motivation.
      In any other line of work, if your higher-ups think you're continuously underperforming or if you have a truly terrible shift. You get punished, demoted, or in a worst-case scenario, even fired.
      Stop treating referees like police officers, constantly making excuses for them when they mess up.

      Delete
    14. Seems you don't understand the question about anonymous's comments!
      Let's make a simple example.
      "3 comments from 3 different anonymous persons"
      For someone who is reading the comments, i's not understable if i's the same person adding comments to the first one, or different persons discussing beetween them.
      Bacause is much different if you add comments to your first comment and if it is another persons dicussing the previous comment.

      Delete
    15. If referees can be ban, about the errors thay made in the field of play, can you name a referee in Europe (UEFA) who has been banned?
      This is sth very normal (not bannimg referees) because of 2 reasons:
      1. Who will ban a referee? The referee sector inside the federation? This can't be done because it's a conflict of interes and can be a ban solution for the ones who wants to favor some referees by bannin others.
      Ather sectors inside the federations can't ban the referees because it's a bad way to influence the referees about their decisions for some teams (from fear or how it's called in Italy "sudditanza").
      2. There is no way in Europe someone can ban a employer, because it's not the way things work.
      For example, a waitress made a mistake. The owner of the bar don't ban the waitress for 2 weeks because he is the first one to lose in this kind of punishment and second the employer it will not work better in this case (i think even worst because of unhappines).
      The solution should be a different approach, more soft and much more productive.
      To find the best way to approach the bad referee's decision's, is the duty of the head of referee sector (and this is the reason the head of referee sector get paid much more than every referee).

      Delete
    16. Fully agree B.L.

      Delete
    17. I told you to just focus on the topic, I don't know why everyone busy with anonymous topics lately? If you want to discuss it, you should discuss it with the admin of this blog alone. Time between anonymous comments are also different and that could indicate different people as well.

      Delete
    18. I am also not a fan of banning referees for mistakes, as long as they are not made delibaretly.
      In case of a very bad performance (which should be more than one crucial mistake IMO), you can simply not appoint the referee for the next one or two matchdays without classifying it as a "ban".
      I think, bans are maybe helpful to satisfy the public or the clubs after mistakes, but not for improving referee performances.
      In general, the evaluation of referees (with results for appointments and promotions/demotions) should be more based on the long-term performances than on recent incidents. I mean the main target should always be to maximize the likelihood that the appointed referees perform well.

      Delete
  20. What is the problem of using a nickname whilst posting anonymously? You are still pretty much ‘anonymous’ and can change the name whenever you want.

    I don’t get it. Some people have well-founded comments, but it’s awful to read conversations when you can’t distinguish the Anonymous people

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I disagree.
      - Anonymous

      Delete
    2. I sincerely hope @Chefren and @Mikael W think again about this issue. Having open anonymous comments increase participation, but at the cost of more trolls, making the debate more difficult (for the reasons stated by BD) and getting worse average quality in the comments.

      Delete
    3. Or maybe people who wish to usually comment cannot because they have to identify themselves. Only Rade Obrenovic is happy to be publically seen as pita felta and obviously has no concerns about upsetting uefa whereas many anonymous persons probably are elite uefa referees/observers.

      Delete
    4. @ Anonymous 13:06

      For me, privacy is also an important thing - and to be honest 'BD' are not my own initials :)
      Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think, as long as you choose a good (random) name, your identity is not "in danger" (?) and at the same time, conversations are more enjoyable to read for everybody

      Delete
  21. Deniz Aytekin retires as a referee in European competitions. He will continue to whistle in Bundesliga.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Womens U-20 World Championship - Costarica 2022
    Groups

    Germany vs Colombia

    Referee: Marianela Araya Cruz (CRC)
    Assistant Referee 1: Mijensa Rensch (SUR)
    Assistant Referee 2: Shirley Perello (HON)
    Fourth Official: Vincentia Amedome (TOG)
    Video Assistant Referee: Melissa Borjas (HON)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:

    New Zealand vs Mexico

    Referee: Kim Yu Jeong (KOR)
    Assistant Referee 1: Ramina Tsoi (KGZ)
    Assistant Referee 2: Park Mi Suk (KOR)
    Fourth Official: Marta Huertza de Aza (ESP)
    Video Assistant Referee: Salome Di Iorio (ARG)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:

    Spain vs Brazil

    Referee: Tori Penso (USA)
    Assistant Referee 1: Chantal Boudreau (CAN)
    Assistant Referee 2: Brooke Mayo (USA)
    Fourth Official: Anna-Marie Keighley (NZL)
    Video Assistant Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:

    Costa Rica vs Australia

    Referee: Tess Olofsson (SWE)
    Assistant Referee 1: Almira Spahic (SWE)
    Assistant Referee 2: Polyxeni Irotodou (CYP)
    Fourth Official: Emikar Calderas (VEN)
    Video Assistant Referee: Eszter Urban (HUN)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup - Costarica 2022
      Groups

      Delete
    2. Urban was not on the initial list.

      Delete
  23. OT:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZRMpCwJRrM
    What do you think about referee reaction for that collision?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would be interested to know more about the Dinamo-Auto team. I’ve checked their roster and spotted that 90% of the players are Africans, is the club has a social impact or strong links with clubs in Africa ? Or is it just sloppy business ?

      Delete
    2. Bastien issued a red card against the GK for something less than that in Young Boys - Cluj.

      Delete
  24. Wow,what a challenging first 20 minutes for Bastien.

    1st was YC for SPA,then same player got a 2nd YC for dangerous foul,then 2 quick bookings for Dinamo and some altercations.

    So far very challenging for him.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Carlos Del Cerro Grande lost the control in Budapest. It will be very challenging second half for the Spanish

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He is in full control... Very intense and nervy game but so far he is in on top of everything. Usual brilliant positioning, he is always there when something happens.
      Will be a challenging second half,that's true.

      Delete
    2. He has an important observer tonight. I guess Rosetti want understand how reliable is CdCG for big clashes this autumn given that he changed his ARs.

      Delete
    3. A goal after a clear offside (third for Karabah) and maybe a missed penalty at the end - with spanish VAR team. Full control, yeah 😃 And he blocked the ball movement twice.

      Delete
  26. I am seeing a very high-level job tonight by Zwayer in Nicosia and especially by AR2. Really impressed.
    Ioannis from Cyprus :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. the bar for a YC is shockingly low for Manzano tonight

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. two mandatory YC's foe SPA

      Delete
  28. Would like to see the clips of the 2 Collum penalties. One apparent given on field, invited for an OFR and stuck to his decision.
    2nd given following an ofr

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://streamja.com/leXvz
      This should be the one whistled directly without VAR, I think,

      Delete
    2. OFR penalty, clear handball, no doubts

      https://www.veed.io/view/63cfd7c0-f6fd-412a-9d80-5a88e42520be?sharingWidget=true

      Delete
    3. Both penalties were given after OFR! Second missed penalty is clear mistake by Collum - he had to see it by himself!

      Delete
  29. Bastien incidents:

    Second YC
    https://streamja.com/gwXmy

    Penalty
    https://streamja.com/N0V7e

    Second penalty
    https://streamja.com/leXqz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 2ndYC: Not a mistake, but a bit harsh given the context. More borderline between careless and reckless, I think.
      1st penalty: Probably correct
      2nd penalty: Rather wrong IMO, arm can be considered in a natural position (part of running movement) and is even moving away from the ball.

      Delete
    2. Another 2nd YC

      Delete
    3. And now direct RC after OFR, pk and yc whistled initially

      Delete
    4. Second YC:
      https://streamja.com/qL5A0

      Straight RC and penalty after OFR:
      https://streamja.com/PV505

      Delete
    5. I don’t see how 1st penalty is correct. Is there any contact? If so it is very low intenzitet. Second also - natural position of the arm. At the end he totally missed clear penalty and gave it only after OFR. Bad performance IMO.

      Delete
    6. First 2YC: harsh, but supportable.
      Second 2YC: correct
      First penalty: correct
      Second pen: wrong decision, arm in natural position
      Third pen: clear penalty, he missed live

      Delete
    7. Bastien might (or might not) be correct by the letter of the law, but he simply does not fit into the picture of UEFA refereeing (remember his extreme decisions in Young Boys-Cluj)...

      Delete
  30. Orel Grinfeeld

    Penalty
    https://streamja.com/11NG6

    Second YC
    https://streamja.com/v6qJp

    There is another penalty whistled in the game.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penalty: Hard to say, whether the hand to ball movement is part of the natural falling or not. I think, this has to remain subjective, therefore supportable.
      2ndYC: No card could be supported due to the running direction of the attacker, however a YC is more expected here, I think.

      Delete
    2. Orel is very bad. Who supports him at UEFA?!

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    4. Agree with both decisions by Grinfeeld.

      Delete
  31. So, three penalties and fourr red cards for Bastien… IMO all decision were correct.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Bastien two games into the season: Five penalties, five red cards. Must be some kind of record :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Bastien - I presume, very challenging game. Did he have the right approach and good management, or too reactive / passive?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sidirópoulos foul detection in Glasgow is a disgrace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now he is saved a wrong 2yc by his assistant

      Delete
  35. Ludogorets are fuming, but I think OK performance from Bastien, made few mistakes but not something big.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well it's understandle they got 2 penalties and 3 RCs given against ;)

      However, watching the clips I'm not sure that Bastien took always the best decisions in the KMIs. Very challenging game!

      Delete
  36. Ludogorets coach made handcuffs gesture, hope the delegate and 4th official saw this.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I must say, good performance so far by Gil Manzano in not an easy match. I'm happy that elite referees are appointed in this round.
    His card selection is a bit more strict than we're used to at UEFA level, but I like that. Why would we need to accept all the protesting and all the cynical fouls? For me, a good performance by him.
    Also, good to see the connection he made with the PSV coach after 2 YC's and some protesting from him, and it worked.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Many protest as the 2-2 for PSV being scored in 89e minute after a (too?) quick free kick by PSV. YC for player en RC for staff Monaco after furius protest. Interesting half our coming up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PSV made a sub and it seemed like the ref blew his whistle just after PSV had already taken the free-kick.

      Delete
  39. Correct (though too delayed, possible AR2 input) 2YC by Kruzliak in ET of Sturm-Dinamo Kiev.

    ReplyDelete
  40. And again, ridiculous added time management by Gil Manzano. 2 minutes of added time, shown when a player was injured on the pitch. Play was restarted at exactly 121:00, and the match ended at 122:00. How difficult can it be…?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. also caused by himself because of his weird free kick management

      Delete
    2. True, but then at least compensate for the this lost time

      Delete
  41. How was Kruzliak in Sturm - Kyiv?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Average,his player managament in 90+4 min. was weird.

      There were many players in confrontation and he opted to show 2 cards,there were definitely more players that needed to be booked,but whatever,I guess classic way is always classic.

      Delete
  42. When are going to be released the new Elite, Group 1 and 2 Lists?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think after the World Cup, in December.

      Delete
    2. After what we managed to know about new fees, one could even doubt that they will do that. We will see on December.

      Delete
  43. Interesting fixtures

    Qarabağ - Viktoria Plzeň
    Bodø/Glimt - Dinamo Zagreb
    Maccabi Haifa - Red Star Belgrade
    Copenhagen - Trabzonspor
    Dynamo Kyiv - Benfica
    Rangers - PSV Eindhoven

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Orsato and Makkelie can book their usual trips to Eastern Europe :D

      Letexier or Turpin for sth football-focused like Rangers-PSV

      Delete
    2. Almost all games are potentially very hot.
      All big names are needed, and I try to make the contrary reasoning, the least challenging, but only on paper and just as speculation, could be Bodo - Dinamo Zagreb.

      Delete
    3. The game in Zagreb can be pretty hot if the scoreline is tight.

      As as Dutch person, I think Rangers - PSV will be the least 'challenging' game from a management perspective: two teams that want to play, no unsportsmanlike conducts, however the atmosphere in Ibrox can be overwhelming...

      Delete
    4. Taylor will get a game as well. He is good in heated matches

      Delete
    5. The atmosphere of the matches in Baku, Haifa, Belgrade, Trabzonspor are the hottest because the stadiums will be full house. Besides that, the matches in Glasgow, Eindhoven, Plzen, and Zagreb of course can also be hot but with different variables.

      Prediction,
      Qarabağ - Viktoria Plzeň: Vincic/Oliver
      Bodø/Glimt - Dynamo Zagreb: Rumsas/Soares Dias
      Maccabi Haifa - Red Star Belgrade: Orsato/Kovacs
      Copenhagen - Trabzonspor: Taylor/Makkelie
      Dynamo Kyiv - Benfica: Marciniak/Lahoz
      Rangers - PSV Eindhoven: Siebert/Turpin

      Delete
    6. Yes, I tend to agree with your first statement.

      Few clues:
      -Taylor, Turpin and Marciniak have a game on Sunday, hence we can expect them in a return game
      -Makkelie and Gozubuyuk are both assigned on Saturday 13th…..

      Delete
    7. I think, it will be a Dutch ref in Bodø

      Delete
    8. My predictions
      Qarabağ - Viktoria Plzeň: Gözübüyük (van Boekel) / Turpin (Brisard)
      Bodø/Glimt - Dynamo Zagreb: del Cerro Grande (Hernandez) / Oliver (Kavanagh)
      Maccabi Haifa - Red Star Belgrade: Marciniak (Kwiatkowski) / Mateu (Martinez)
      Copenhagen - Trabzonspor: Schärer (Dankert) / Vincic (Irrati)
      Dynamo Kyiv - Benfica: Gil Manzano (Martinez) / Siebert (Fritz)
      Rangers - PSV Eindhoven: Jovanovic (Fritz) / Kovacs (Valeri)

      Delete
  44. Anyone who watched Sidiropoulos ? Any comments apart from the generic ones that his decision making was a disgrace ? Did he have control ?

    ReplyDelete
  45. Any predictions for the playoffs?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Elite refs who haven't been used yet.

      Delete
    2. Not used referees:
      -Orsato
      -Marciniak
      -Turpin
      -Taylor
      -Vincic
      -Oliver (depends on performance super cup?)
      -Gözübüyük (although Makkelie seems the more reliable choice)

      In addition, I can see Siebert, Mateu Lahoz and Kovacs as well, after they were randomly used in 3rd round Conference League

      Delete
  46. Cakir and Aytekin retired, even though the status of elite referees seems meaningless with the new policy, who are the names of referees who are currently interesting to follow this season (projection of promotion)? Treimanis, Rumsas, Kabakov, Ekberg/Nyberg, Peljto, Jorgji, Obrenovic?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Obrenovic? Is this a joke?

      Delete
    2. @ZRH Besides the ones you mentioned, I'd add Hernández Hernández (IMO he's ready for Elite and should be promoted in winter in case of good performances, since Mateu and Del Cerro are leaving in 2023) and Pinheiro.

      Delete
    3. And who is the German frontrunner to replace Aytekin?

      Delete
    4. RFEF announced that Mateu and Del Cerro will continue in 2023.

      Delete
    5. @Anonymous yes but by June 2023 they will quit, this is their last season.

      Delete
    6. Tbh with their current form, they are still very capable until Euro 2024 (similar to Bjorn Kuipers). I didn't know Lahoz and DCG retired due to age limit or personal reasons. It's a shame that Spain and UEFA lost 2 top elite referees at the same.

      Delete
  47. https://clip.dubz.co/v/04tn4r

    Does Sidiropoulos have compromising information on the committee members? At least this is the only rational explanation I have for his non-demotion in recent years (or try Rosetti needing to keep Vassaras onside, and now his best mate being the Italian's right-hand man ;)). I genuinely forgot how poor the Greek ref was - only watched the second half of his game last night, but I was pretty staggered at how deficient this performance was. The above scene was the worst moment (Rangers no.19 already cautioned), but there were so many mis-assessed foul duels and disciplinary incidents, completely isolated and way too hesistant as a leader. Sidiropoulos was on a level somewhere between out-of-form Cat.2, or rather at the old Cat.3 to be completely honest. The only positive I detected: a crystal-clear penalty given at the end of the 1H for blatant handball.

    Also - as the Nyon clownshow effectively ended the ≈20/25yrs category system now, there is actually no need to update the lists anymore. But, they still haven't published the new 'lists' with the revisions for this summer. There is still time! Sidiropoulos (with all respect) probably ought to be panickily refreshing his email inbox until it comes out, but in reality... :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I smell cynism here 🥶

      Delete
    2. OMG! Horrible decision. The AR saved Sidiropoulos here

      Delete
    3. Disaster, and clear result of no development in refereeing in Greece for last years.

      Delete
    4. That is a clear yellow card? I'm not sure how the AR saved him

      Delete
  48. Collum's two penalties/interventions after characteristic VAR work by Higler:

    1) handball - https://streamable.com/tgf38t
    2) holding - https://streamable.com/gakz0r

    ReplyDelete
  49. You see Collum and Sidiropoulos and you understand why UEFA wanted to change payments for referees. No demotion, then no elite salary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you mean to tell me that Greece's ill-conceived idea of importing referees for pretty much all of their league matches led to Greek referees becoming worse than they already were?
      Wow shocking! ; )

      Delete
  50. PSV Eindhoven - AS Monaco, Jesus Gil Manzano (ESP, Elite)

    KMIs:

    88' Fair tackle ? If not, DOGSO ?
    https://streamable.com/e24zv0

    89' Possible foul before 2-2 ?
    https://streamable.com/21a60w

    120' UB vs VC
    https://streamable.com/wzuds5

    Balance:
    The Spanish referee did overall a good work.
    The 1H was the best part of his performance, where -if not for a wrong FK in 41'- he got more or less all his call spot-on.
    His 2H was slightly weaker, where his foul detection was less consistent (a few missed calls in 52', 90', 90+2', the latter being the typical UEFA's policy with impeding offenses)
    ET wasn't challenging for JGM, thanks to the teams' fatigue.
    I think he will be backed for all KMIs, the 89' no call is the most doubtful to me (while there isn't a perfect replay, IMO its a quite clear foul), VAR was entitled to stay silent.

    MTG:
    The Spaniard succeeded in using his cards sparingly: mandatory SPA bookings in 7' and 23', good YC for reckless challenge in 35', one caution for PI in 77' (which could've been shown in 75' ), two for dissents in 84'/89' and one for UB in 120'(third clip). Two other incidents in 30'/43' might have been card worthy, although it was supportable not to reach the pocket.
    Besides the dissent cards to maintain his authority on the game, Gil Manzano wasn't forced to step in on a MtG level, UEFA appraoch was enough.

    Expected level performance.

    ReplyDelete
  51. FK Žalgiris Vilnius - FK Bodø/Glimt, Sandro Schärer (SUI, Elite)

    KMI:

    PK + YC for genuine DOGSO inside PA changed to DFK + RC after OFR: https://streamable.com/lsjycv

    Good performance from the Swiss in a normal difficulty game.

    In a match often cut with fouls due to the players carelessness, Schärer did well to let the game flow as much as he can, not blowing for cheap fouls (eg 22',45',59',79', another possible play on in 49', a situation in 69' was maybe worth a whistle), playing nice advantages in 25' and 87'.

    What I personally found refreshing was his attention towards "minor" LoTG infrigments: reverted throw-in in 45' (executed at the wrong place), IFK in 59' for not respecting the wall distance on a FK; this was the sign of an alert and thorough referee, I liked it !

    His friendly and confident presentation allowed him to be respected and trusted by the players through the entire game (eg final whistle with the eliminated team), he was always able to react accordingly with his facial expressions (smiles, strong looks, etc.) and clear gestures.

    Along with the RC clipped, he correclty issued four YCs for reckless challenges in 9' (excellent delayed whistle as a goal was scored a few seconds after the foul, allowing VAR to check the situation),26',61' and 77' (AR1 input). A strong disciplinary control.

    AR1 correctly disallowed a goal at the end of 1H, AR2 wrongly flagged before 1-1 (goal given after VAR intervention).

    Schärer can expect more at UEFA level from what I saw in this game, he is a natural and coolheaded talent in my book.

    ReplyDelete

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