Thursday, 8 September 2022

Europa League 2022/23 - Referee Appointments - Matchday 1

The following referees have been appointed to handle MD1 games of 2022/23 UEFA Europa League Group Stage.


Thursday 8 September 2022

18:45 CET - St. Gallen (Kybunpark)
Zürich (SUI) - Arsenal (ENG) | Group A
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim (SWE) 
Assistant Referee 1: Fredrik Klyver (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Max Robin Wilde (SWE) 
Fourth Official: Bojan Pandžić (SWE)
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Edwin Van De Graaf (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin (SVN)
UEFA Delegate: Borja Bilbao (ESP)

18:45 CET - Eindhoven (PSV Stadion) 
PSV (NED) - Bodø/Glimt,(NOR) | Group A
Referee: Georgi Kabakov (BUL) 
Assistant Referee 1: Martin Margaritov (BUL) 
Assistant Referee 2: Diyan Valkov (BUL)
Fourth Official: Radoslav Gidzhenov (BUL)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Mike Riley (ENG)
UEFA Delegate: Iain Blair (SCO)

18:45 CET - Larnaca (AEK Arena)
AEK Larnaca (CYP) - Rennes (FRA) | Group B
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili (GEO) 
Assistant Referee 1: Levan Varamishvili (GEO)
Assistant Referee 2: Zaza Pipia (GEO) 
Fourth Official: Davit Kharitonashvili (GEO)
Video Assistant Referee: Benjamin Brand (GER) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Achmüller (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Leslie Irvine (NIR) 
UEFA Delegate: Kejdi Tomorri (ALB)

18:45 CET - Istanbul (Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadyumu)
Fenerbahçe (TUR) - Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) | Group B
Referee: Tamás Bognár (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Balázs Buzás (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Péter Kóbor (HUN)
Fourth Official: Ádám Farkas (HUN)
Video Assistant Referee: Pascal Müller (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Markus Sinn (GER) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Boško Jovanetić (SRB)
UEFA Delegate: Michal Mertinyak (SVK)

18:45 CET - Razgrad (Ludogorets Arena) 
Ludogorets (BUL) - AS Roma (ITA) | Group C 
Referee: Craig Pawson (ENG) 
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Betts (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Ian Hussin (ENG) 
Fourth Official: Robert Jones (ENG)
Video Assistant Referee: Darren England (ENG) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes (ENG) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos (CRO)
UEFA Delegate: Sergiu Lisnic (MDA) 

18:45 CET - Helsinki (Helsinki Football Stadium) 
HJK Helsinki (FIN) - Real Betis (ESP) | Group C 
Referee: Roi Reinshreiber (ISR)
Assistant Referee 1: David Elias Biton (ISR)
Assistant Referee 2: Sagy Metzamberv (ISR)
Fourth Official: Eitan Shmuelevitz (ISR)
Video Assistant Referee: David Fuxman (ISR) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ziv Adler (ISR) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Stephen Lodge (ENG)
UEFA Delegate: Jaroslav Doležal (CZE)

18:45 CET - Malmö (Malmö New Stadium)
Malmö (SWE) - Braga (POR) | Group D
Referee: Duje Strukan (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica (CRO) 
Assistant Referee 2: Alen Jakšić (CRO)
Fourth Official: Ivan Bebek (CRO) 
Video Assistant Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (POL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
UEFA Referee Observer: Drago Kos (SVN)
UEFA Delegate: Tibor Vámos (HUN)

18:45 CET - Berlin (Alte Försterei)
Union Berlin (GER) - St. Gilloise (BEL)  |Group D 
Referee: Serhiy Boiko (UKR) 
Assistant Referee 1: Semen Shlonchak (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandr Zhukov (UKR)
Fourth Official: Vitaliy Romanov (UKR)
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Higler (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Erol Ersoy (TUR)
UEFA Delegate: Paul Tompkins (ENG)

21:00 CET - Manchester (Old Trafford) 
Manchester United (ENG) - Real Sociedad (ESP) | Group E
Referee: Marco Di Bello (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Fabiano Preti (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Giorgio Peretti (ITA)
Fourth Official: Giovanni Ayroldi (ITA) 
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Guida (ITA) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Alon Yefet (ISR) 
UEFA Delegate: Peter Oskam (NED) 

21:00 CET - Nicosia (GSP) 
Omonoia (CYP) - Sheriff (MDA) | Group E 
Referee: Rade Obrenović (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: Jure Praprotnik (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Grega Kordež (SVN)
Fourth Official: Alen Borošak (SVN)
Video Assistant Referee: Nejc Kajtazović (SVN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Asmir Sagrković (SVN)
UEFA Referee Observer: Marinus Koopman (NED) 
UEFA Delegate: Alin Cioban (ROU)

21:00 CET -Rome (Stadio Olimpico) 
SS Lazio (ITA) - Feyenoord (NED) | Group F 
Referee: Ricardo de Burgos (ESP) 
Assistant Referee 1: Roberto Del Palomar (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Iker De Francisco (ESP) 
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera (ESP) 
Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:  Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins (POR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Antonov (MDA) 
UEFA Delegate: Georges Lüchinger (LIE)

21:00 CET - Graz (Stadion Graz Liebenau)
Sturm Graz (AUT) - Midtjylland (DEN) | Group F
Referee: Aliyar Aghayev (AZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov (AZE) 
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Amirali (AZE)
Fourth Official: Ingilab Mammadov (AZE)
Video Assistant Referee: Abdulkadir Bitigen (TUR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Mete Kalkavan (TUR) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Iain Robertson Brines (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: George Fantaros (CYP)

21:00 CET - Nantes (Stade de la Beaujoire)
Nantes (FRA) - Olympiacos (GRE) | Group G 
Referee: Harald Lechner (AUT) 
Assistant Referee 1: Andreas Heidenreich (AUT)
Assistant Referee 2: Maximilian Kolbitsch (AUT)
Fourth Official: Markus Hameter (AUT)
Video Assistant Referee: Christian-Petru Ciochirca (AUT)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas (AUT)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefano Podeschi (SMR) 
UEFA Delegate: Robert Kispal (HUN)

21:00 CET - Freiburg (Schwarzwald-Stadion)
Freiburg (GER) - Qarabağ (AZE) | Group G
Referee: Erik Lambrechts (BEL) 
Assistant Referee 1: Jo de Weirdt (BEL)
Assistant Referee 2: Mathias Hillaert (BEL)
Fourth Official: Wim Smet (BEL)
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: David Fernández Borbalán (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Jonathan Leese (ENG)

21:00 CET - Belgrade (Stadion Rajko Mitić)
Crvena Zvezda (SRB) - AS Monaco (FRA) | Group H
Referee: Harm Osmers (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Robert Kempter (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Dominik Schaal (GER)
Fourth Official: Robert Schröder (GER)
Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rafael Foltyn (GER) 
UEFA Referee Observer: William Young (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: João Morais (POR)

21:00 CET - Budapest (Ferencváros Stadion)
Ferencváros (HUN) - Trabzonspor (TUR) |Group H
Referee: Fabio Maresca (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Giovanni Baccini (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Davide Imperiale (ITA) 
Fourth Official: Federico Dionisi (ITA)
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Fabbri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Doveri (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Robert Sedlacek (AUT) 
UEFA Delegate: Sergei Ilyich (BLR)

117 comments:

  1. With all the respect for Mr. Bognar, I was expecting a much more experienced (better, higher rated) referee in Fenerbahçe (TUR) - Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) | Group B. After the big problems in the Champions League game last month, this game could became a nightmare for a ref. After I saw that Lahoz skipped UCL MD1, I instantly thought at him for this game. I don't know if UEFA banned Fener's fans, but nevertheless, it will be a difficult game.
    Apart from that, any explications for Siebert's absence?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All the missing Elite will appear on MD2, there shouldn't be explanations, not enough games to appoint all on MD1.

      Delete
    2. Yes, of course, he is not the only Elite ref to skip MD1. It is only that I was expecting more games for Siebert in order to came back at his usual level after the poor ending last season.

      Delete
  2. Good game for Pawson. Nice to see England on VAR duty, he is the best VAR from England for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree the England comment. He is one of those without controversy this season. Think he can possibly be World cup material

      Delete
    2. He intervenes far less than the others and only when needed. My criticism of him is he takes too long sometimes.

      Delete
  3. The games covered from Nyon with VAR should be:
    PSV (NED) - Bodø/Glimt,(NOR) | Group A
    Malmö (SWE) - Braga (POR) | Group D
    Union Berlin (GER) - St. Gilloise (BEL) |Group D
    Manchester United (ENG) - Real Sociedad (ESP) | Group E
    SS Lazio (ITA) - Feyenoord (NED) | Group F
    Freiburg (GER) - Qarabağ (AZE) | Group G

    All the rest of VAR crews should be at stadium.
    Don't know whether there are particular criteria in selecting the games, but in my opinion it would be fair to have all the matches of a competition to be covered in the same way. Otherwise one can be allowed to think that there is an Elite of VAR and for the rest of games, committee is not interested. Covering only CL games from Nyon would be more logical, and then all EL from stadium. That's just my opinion, of course. I say that also because there is a big difference between a UEFA specialized VAR and a domestic VAR without even the FIFA badge as VMO...

    Having said that, we talked about Italian teams and the special treatment by committee, but to be honest as Italian I must admit that Italian referees get always big games. Take Di Bello, this is absolutely deserved, but who is in charge of the best game of the round, at least on paper (let's say very sonorous)? An Italian...
    I think that when Rosetti will leave UEFA this will end and I noticed this way of appointing even during Collina's times, but now it seems more evident, Collina made at least some technical choices. I must say I don't like that, not because Italian referees (excellent Di Bello) don't deserve that, but because we see a clear difference with referees from other countries..
    Maresca in Europa League is another good news for Italy, I have already said that he has recovered and this path has surely convinced AIA and UEFA to appoint him as Category 2 in EL GS, maybe too late, but he deserves that. Until the end of last season and even at the start of the current one, he is showing outstanding performances. About the last game, Mourinho didn't agree in Udinese - Roma, but we all know him, would be a too long story to write...
    The assignments for Italian teams in this round, Lazio and Roma, shows furthermore that there is always a special eye, with officials coming from Spain and England, major countries in refereeing. I don't like boh of them, but surely one must underline that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Surely the United game could be covered at Stockley Park (England's VAR hub)

      Delete
    2. No its because Irrati is on VAR duty in Nyon on the Wednesday

      Delete
  4. Big game for Bognar. Seems like “last minuted penalty” was accepted by the committee. I think he is expereienced to handle a high profiled match like this. Good luck

    ReplyDelete
  5. Isn't Yevhen Aranovsyi (UKR) a very experienced referee and already has a VAR license, there is also Mykola Balakin and even Kateryna Monzul who has had VAR license since 2021. Why Boiko isn't with his compatriots? Is there any particular reason behind this, isn't this a bit "discriminatory" considering that they have 2 cat.1/elite very experience referee with VAR license (as opposed to Hungarian VAR), why do they have a VAR license, if at the Europa League level they are not trusted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *discriminative

      Delete
    2. No, it isnt, it is completely normal

      Delete
  6. Here are some PK and RC (DOGSO) from YL MD1. I couldn’t find more clips. I’m not expressing the opinion for each one of them and you can share yours but overall, very good calls by referees. Well done!

    SSC Napoli (ITA) - Liverpool FC (ENG) Referee: Arda Kardeşler (TUR, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/g01rzm PK
    Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) - Juventus (ITA) Referee: Sven Jablonski (GER, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/zo1syy PK
    SL Benfica (POR) - Maccabi Haifa FC (ISR) Referee: Elçin Məsiyev (AZE, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/we83n5 RC
    Borussia Dortmund (GER) - FC København (DEN) Referee: Saıat Qarabaev (KAZ, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/598ugo RC
    AFC Ajax (NED) - Rangers FC (SCO) Referee: Miloš Milanović (SRB, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/jw3ksb PK
    FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) - FC Bayern München (GER) Referee: Luka Bilbija (BIH, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/i25gee PK
    Celtic FC (SCO) - Real Madrid CF (ESP) Referee: Thomas Gary Owen (WAL, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/0ldutl RC
    FC Salzburg (AUT) - AC Milan (ITA) Referee: Daniel Schlager (GER, 2nd Cat)
    https://streamable.com/19o94b PK

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The one at Dortmund seems wrong in Law, no? He's applied advantage to an OGSO. If you go back to the foul, it is only supposed to be a YC. Unless he is somehow arguing that it was SFP?

      Delete
  7. Good decision by AR in Edinburgh to spot the that the ball hadn’t crossed the line

    ReplyDelete
  8. https://streamable.com/tmpzba
    Helsinki - Real Betis
    Penalty given by Reinshreiber for a stamp on the foot after an OFR

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good delayed yellow card by Kabakov to Gakbo, after a good adventage. Well done by him.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Before the start of the second halves in both Zürich and Edinburgh a moment of silence was held after tonight’s passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Good to see this is still possible in European matches, Uefa usually acting rather inflexible.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Penalty on Manchester to Sociedad for handball. Took a deflection but his hand was away from his body. Not entirely convinced it should have been a penalty. May just be enough for no overturn though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought if the ball deflected off another part of the body it is no penalty? I prefer VAR intervention and no penalty

      Delete
    2. Not a penalty. Ref and VAR ref should not be used again.

      Delete
    3. Don’t worry Irrati the VAR is only going to the World Cup

      Delete
  12. I will never understand handball laws, different decisions every time, it comes of his leg. Perhaps not obvious enough for VAR but it just doesn’t seem like the right decision

    ReplyDelete
  13. That's never a penalty hand e by his side in a natural position unbelievable decision

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://dubz.co/v/xt25qa
      Clear penalty for Italian standards, despite of the deflection before. That's wy I will already repeat, handballs are the big problem of football. You can never expect a VAR intervention by an Italian in this kind of incident.
      But this is not the same for referees from otehr nationalities and that's the issue.

      Delete
    2. This is what annoys me about football. In Italy it’s a penalty with no overturn. In England that’s a very easy overturn.

      Delete
    3. Not only for Italian standarts Chefren. Even for UEFA. I don't remember the match but i know that it was Chiellini playing for Juventus in UECL who did almost the exact move and ball was deflected to the leg first then hit the hand and in Uefa Rap it was penalty the correct decision for making body bigger

      Delete
    4. Position is natural. Where dies Chefren expect his hands to be?

      Delete
    5. Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I don't like this penalty at all. Not only has the ball deflected off his leg onto the arm, but it hit the arm right above the elbow, which was not far away from the body (if I can see it clearly). What's more, this doesn't seem to be an unnatural position, but rather a consequence of his body movement. Not a penalty for me, sorry.

      I would like to take this opportunity to compare this penalty to the potential penalty not whistled by Mateu Lahoz in CL play off, second leg, between Dinamo Zagreb and Bodo/Glimt (26'/27' IIRC). Main question is: where is consistency in dealing with these situations?

      Delete
    6. I completely agree, not a handball for all the reasons you cite. If that is the way it is called in Italy maybe Italian refs should not be used outside of Italy.

      Delete
    7. Ok natural position, but not to play the ball. The defender don’t try to play the ball but only avoid shot on goal. Clear penalty

      Delete
    8. Natural position of the arm, ball takes a massive deflection off his leg. Yes he is trying to block the shot but with his legs which he does. Shocking decision from a hopeless VAR official that is Irrati.

      Similar situation occurred on West Ham vs Spurs with Stuart Attwell overturning a penalty for handball after a deflection. That was a lot more of a penalty than this.

      Delete
  14. In Nicosia, Obrenovic assistant referee has been hit by a bottle thrown by fans. Game has been stopped, I think it should be abandoned.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely disgraceful

      Delete
    2. The game is no canceled . Sorry ! What wrong with UEFA ?

      Delete
    3. In Germany we had that last season and the game was cancelled after that action

      Delete
  15. Ferencvaros - Trabzonspor
    https://streamable.com/qv8ib9
    Straight RC from Maresca after an OFR. It should be spotted live from Maresca this kind of foul. He was in perfect position. Chefren knows better than me his body language but my impression is that after he saw the replay in monitor he looks disappointed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you know whether he issued YC or nothing before VAR intervention? I think this is a clear mistake, with a perfect view, very disappointing for him, indeed. Sometimes we say that it is difficult to see the point of contact, that's not the case because it was under his eyes. More generally, Maresca in Atalanta - Milan missed another RC for SFP, and in that case VAR Valeri didn't help him, supporting the choice of YC. I must say that he has changed, in past he was known for issuing always cards, now he seems afraid to do that, but he improved in his skills, however this stays as evident mistake.

      Delete
    2. About YC I'm not sure. I will check later to not give a wrong info.

      Delete
    3. About your question. He whistled only foul no YC.
      At least at the end of 1H he well spotted a difficult handball.
      https://streamable.com/2s89vh

      Delete
    4. Actually he gave advantage and wanted to continue the game with a dropped ball. Only issued card after OFR.
      Extremely complex offiside situation and VAR intervention im 87-88th minute to cancel 3-3. (if someone can find video?)
      Lots of interesting situation and some weird AR work. Maresca overruled AR2 for a complete blackout in a throw in situstion. Ar1 used delayed flag when the ball left the field of play. Not the best team work impression.

      Delete
    5. That's a really poor miss, I'm very sorry for Maresca. Textbook example of SFP. How he managed to miss that, being in a perfect position to assess, is a mystery to me.

      Delete
  16. From Zürich vs. Arsenal: in case of onside, SPA or DOGSO?
    https://dubz.co/v/243qdg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ball with a certain speed, not sure attacker would have controlled it easily. RC in case not to be questioned, but I think expected decision by most of referees YC for SPA (very borderline).

      Delete
    2. DOGSO IMO. Attacker has all the possibilities to be in the control of the ball, than other criterias are clear

      Delete
    3. Probably yellow IMO, as the attacker is not sure to gain control from the pass

      Delete
    4. I am more confused by why this isn't a foul. We are taught that interfering with play doesn't occur until there is a touch or about to be a touch on the ball. The foul predates the offside offence. He is not challenging, so is not interfering with an opponent.

      Shouldn't this stay a DFK no matter what? Then, if the attacker was in an offside position, it could not be DOGSO (as he could not score legally). So foul and no card.

      Delete
    5. Expected decision is RC for DOGSO in my eyes because of the very promising situation and the central position. Attacker only has no contral of the ball because he is held back before.
      But I have the same questins as usaref: Is offside here before the foul? In offside position, it can neither be DOGSO or SPA, but freekick in very good position...

      Delete
  17. Wrong penalty given in Rome. Almost impossible for the referee to see the dive, while VAR did not intervene for mysterious reasons

    ReplyDelete
  18. Very questionable penalty by De Burgos I would say. VAR supported.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. More Spanish referees giving soft decisions.

      Delete
    2. Yes for sure that's somehing that has to do with Italian and Spanish refereeing culture, differently from England and Germany, with VAR officials not afraid of removing a soft penalty.

      Delete
    3. Guillermo Fernandez was probably sleeping

      Delete
  19. Game has been resumed in Nicosia.
    The show must go on, officials can be hit by fans, no problems.
    That's how it works today. Very sad to highlight that again.
    4 years ago...:
    http://law5-theref.blogspot.com/2018/08/swedish-assistant-referee-fredrik.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://twitter.com/i/status/1567971704684568576

      Delete
    2. Disgraceful scene. And the continuing trend of not abandoning such matches is another big disgrace for UEFA.

      Delete
  20. Di Bello rejected a penalty appeal by Cristiano Ronaldo with very clear gestures. Never a clear and obvious mistake, could have been whistled.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would have been soft.

      Delete
    2. For all the reader's who didn't have the possibility to watch it
      https://streamable.com/zpgfgb

      Delete
    3. If whistled, it would have been a wrong penalty for me. Ronaldo felt the contact and went down, there was no intensity to bring him down like that. Play on is a good decision.

      Delete
    4. Perfect decision not to whistle there. Attacker only wanted a penalty there and went down far (!) to easily.

      Delete
  21. Now OFR in Rome. Very poor De Burgos today, and it is not the first time, for me the worst Spanish FIFA (La Liga?) referee...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If Lahoz and CDG are what we are comparing too he must be absolutely dreadful

      Delete
    2. I was also unpleasantly surprised by his grimaces while going to the monitor. Knowing that at such moments all the cameras were focused on him, he had to refrain from doing so.

      Delete
  22. No penalty in Manchester to Real Socieded in last kick of the game. More of a penalty than given after an OFR in Naples last night.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hahaha after the conversations about 'treading-on-foot' penalties, watch the scene at the very end of Di Bello's game in Manchester. I wonder in Serie A if Irrati would have intervened?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For me, that was a clear penalty...

      Delete
    2. Clear penalty? What where you watching?

      Delete
    3. It’s not a penalty, but in the interest if consistency with other desicions it is.

      Delete
    4. He steps on the back of his foot and takes his shoe off!
      For me, that's a penalty, but not the handball.

      Delete
    5. He steps on the shoe, the shoe gets off. How much more clear contact do you want? How should a player go on without a shoe?

      Delete
  24. Clips from Di Bello's game:

    https://dubz.co/v/3d11xq
    https://dubz.co/v/b2yy0q
    https://dubz.co/v/4k0bw7
    https://dubz.co/v/qdkw94

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. About the last incident, committee has not to work on consistency. However, I still see Napoli - Liverpool incident as something more than that. Without the call by Hernandez Hernandez in Napoli, all would have agreed that this in Manchester was not worthy of an OFR.

      Delete
  25. Thought on Pawson

    ReplyDelete
  26. Poor Osmers in Belgrade, as expected. Very soft and suspicious penalty for Monaco. Supported by VAR, but would be the same if he didn’t whistle. Afterwards missed PK for Red Star, again ni VAR stuff. More pk than given one. At the end wrong PK for Monaco, called for an OFR and he overturned it. This kind of refs do not deserve to whistle European games. Their poor decisions decide the winner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1SSyxrE1pS4&feature=emb_logo Minute 1;45. You can’t see much there but I think it’s a clear penalty- clear holding

      Delete
    2. Clear penalty for Monaco. What are you talking about? We can discuss about penalty for Red Star and the wrong one in the end.

      Delete
  27. What happened in Freiburg - Qarabag ?

    ReplyDelete
  28. How's Kruashvilli? Any thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
  29. I can report about Maresca's performance in Budapest. Key situations is correct: 16' red card for SFP after OFR 45' penalty for handball wit a little bit delay. Btw he had some problems with foul detection in 10' DOGSO situation, he rejtected, no foul, no OFR, for me it is a grey area but red card is supportable. IMO he was not the best choosen for this hot game, but he did it well while not enough good for Category1 yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think there was also a clear foul before Trabzon's first goal (#10 on #19).

      Delete
    2. Thx for this report! Clips of mentioned scenes below.

      DOGSO question: https://send.cm/d/EhUV
      SFP after VAR intv: https://send.cm/d/EhUW
      Handball penalty call: https://send.cm/d/EhUn

      Delete
    3. @Peterszky - I agree, didactically clear case of 'impeding the progress of an opponent'. Interesting that Maresca made advantage signal - different way to say 'play on' maybe, or for him was it foul ON Trabzonspor player for holding bit (well...).

      Video: https://send.cm/d/EhUr

      Delete
    4. Mikael do you have video of the cancelled equaliser after VAR intervention for offside? It was a very rare and complex offsidd situation, I was wondering if I have ever seen a situation like that.

      Delete
    5. Hahahaha I just now deleted the M4 file! :D

      Sure - just lmk the minute and I'll upload it shortly :)

      Delete
    6. Sorry! :D
      I think it's just rare that a goalkeeper does the save then hit the ball on the defender and then the ball bouncing to the attacker. Surely difficult to detect on the field. But it can happen that this was only exceptional case for me :D

      Delete
    7. Penalty clearly called by AR1.
      For me, absolutely OK to play on in the potential DOGSO situation, this would be my choice, not enough to whistle.
      Possible foul before goal: morer to be whistled than play on, in this case clear intention to block opponent by Turkish player, but never VAR stuff.
      BTW looking through the incidents, not the Maresca we know, too anxious, even in this case, looking immediately for communication with VAR. I think he is in a moment of radical change regarding his style, that's more than clear...

      Delete
    8. @Theref - https://we.tl/t-XlUzSVbZgj

      Delete
    9. Oh, let's start with the shot by Trabzonspor player with thhe two teammates in offside, then all what happens later is not important, the offside is still punishable because there isn't any deliberate play by Hungarian defender. Even in case of deliberate play in that circumstance, one could have talked about a possible save, so offside.

      Delete
    10. But why not OFR? It's not factual, it's interpretation (deliberate / deflected / save).

      Delete
    11. Thx Peterszky. Having re-downloaded the game :D, here is the full sequence:

      https://send.cm/d/EhZ0

      Delete
    12. Anonymous - if the 'famous' RUSBEL scene is enough to be deflection, then it should be without really much doubt that the Ferencváros defender did not commit a deliberate play after the ball was saved by the goalkeeper. I take your point and in Maresca's stead I'd maybe like to see it myself at the RRA to be SURE about such a key call in the match, but I think think no OFR is okay this time.

      Delete
    13. Clear case of deflection for me as well, good VAR intervention, but I agree with Anonymous @12:47 regarding the need for the OFR: it IS a case of interpretation and maybe would be better for acceptance. Although, in this particular situation, it would have meant losing additional time for quite a clear case, so the lack of OFR probably won't bother anyone.

      @Mikael W: the exact reasons why IFAB deemed that RUS-BEL scene a deflection still make me puzzled, I have to admit.

      Delete
  30. https://youtu.be/JoeF9fKkKRs
    Penalty for Red Star?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can't see the video outside Serbia, I think.

      Delete
  31. Thanks to a Serbian text commentary, see below key scenes (all PAIs) from the Crvena Zvezda vs. Monaco game, handled by Cat.1 German Harm Osmers [VAR: Fritz].

    65' - https://send.cm/d/EhWQ
    Correct play on, no handling offence committed.

    72' - https://send.cm/d/EhWR
    VERY good decision, penalty to Monaco, clear careless trip by the defender, well-spotted by the referee, nothing more to say!

    78' - https://send.cm/d/EhWS
    Hmmmm. Upon seeing the defender is making a tackling motion for the ball (rather blocking the shot than classic tackle-on-the-ball), the attacker hits the ball deliberately too far in front of him and then falls of his own accord to try and win a penalty. Perhaps the best solution in terms of interpreting the laws as a text would be IFK to Crvena Zvezda for impeding the progress of an opponent without contact, as he was prevented from running forward by the defender’s actions (that would leave us in a big mess about deciding SPA vs. DOGSO sanction, because the original action *was* targeted at playing the ball, but surely impeding ipso facto cannot be a 'playing the ball offence', also interpreting the heavy touch of the attacker; though I'm sure nobody cares about this besides me :D). Anyway, for reasons stated I strongly prefer play on to penalty, but given the complexity of the scene, Osmers really ought to have made clear gestures here to better 'sell' his call here (more on this below).

    89' - https://send.cm/d/EhWT
    A very German (and English) intervention to revoke what would have been a second penalty kick to the visitors. Even the initial decision itself is a hairline one - is the touch on the ball by CRV no.15 enough to negate the clear standing leg contact on MON no.36? While on the one hand, the defender's play on the ball is 'controlled', on the other, he barely prods the ball much further away from Embolo, and the possession is surely still pretty easily in the attacker's reach. For this reason I am actually more pro-penalty than play on. In any case, this is NOT a c&o error, and the decision should have stood. This is the second time already this season where I saw a 'helping a mate' intervention for self-preservation (Ludogorets handball, Bastien/Millot) in UEFA this season. 72' is an excellent spot but not the 'clearest' penalty to the audience, 78' is scene where probably penalty is more expected call by 'fans', and then this scene where the defender plays the ball - Fritz decided that all three of those calls going against the hosts was too much and hence called Osmers, also with GER/ENG understanding of 'playing the ball' too (I’m sure that ESP/ITA VARs would have supported, and they'd have been right too). VAR *should not* work like this!(!!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. —> As a more general remark on Osmers, he is quite an interesting case for UEFA atm. We know that Rosetti doesn't really care and politics - not least with ultra-strong DFB - will prevail anyway, but the young German's candidacy for the Elite category is pretty fascinating IMO. I guess we all remember his U21 disaster in Spain vs. Italy, but to his credit, Osmers decided to modify his style, and gained credit in UEFA for it - eg. sound performance in Atlético vs. Real Madrid derby under Velasco's eyes in YL, which won him the final appmnt last season. He decided to focus more closely on each-singe-call, and aim for as consistency/soundness as far as possible.

      That being said, one must acknowledge that even with high technical accuracy, there are quite serious limits to this referee - on an athletic profile and leadership level. These are the sorts of things that even with the best attitude in the world, one can only improve so much in (and mostly by compensating for other things, such as technical accuracy as Osmers has). I think these deficiencies are quite visible in 78' and also 89', where he faces a furious dissent where even direct RC would be theoretically possible.

      So, idk. Being honest, Osmers' limit in meritocracy should really be at the first category, but on the other hand, that feels a bit harsh against a ref who clearly worked hard and DID improve himself quite drastically in a short time. I'm sure Rosetti doesn't actually care and will take him up anyway (at some point), but it is a fascinating story to follow in current UEFA refereeing for me.

      Do you think this game was a final assessment for CL GS debut? (and do you think he passed it based on these clips if so? :)).

      Delete
    2. @89': The DFB argument probably would be that it was a missed incident in the form of the referee not perceiving the contact with the ball. This lowers the bar for VAR intervention in the DFB interpretation.

      @CL debut: If we look at the EL play-offs, there were 4 referees without CL experience: Mariani, Nyberg, Osmers and Pinheiro. So one could assume, that they are on the shortlist for a CL debut.
      However I think, it's too early for Osmers (same opinion on Pinheiro's debut) and it would be more sensible to give him a full EL season first - including a KO match there, if things go well.
      Also in case of a final test, maybe a "bigger" observer would have been appointed?

      Delete
    3. Regarding 89' scene: watching the replay of this game, I have to admit I was quite confused by the fact that Fritz decided to intervene here. I agree with you, there is definitely a standing leg contact on the attacker and the ball was not cleared away fully, I am even sure the attacker could have easily controlled it. Although not being an absolutely clear decision, IMO it's more penalty than play on. You are probably right about the reasoning behind this intervention, but it makes me disappointed because, as you clearly stated, this is not a clear and obvious mistake and definitely not the way VAR should work.

      One more thing regarding this scene: if the penalty had stood, is this a case of DOGSO with playing the ball? It seems to me the attacker would have regained possession easily and before the keeper and then he would have been in a perfect OGSO. If deemed a YC offence, that would have been the player's second IIRC. Maybe I'm overstretching it a bit, I would like to hear different opinions.

      P.S.: agree with you on the 78' scene fully.

      Delete
    4. Great analysis as always Mikael, we can easily conclude that for those who are not so much inside refereeing, the play on looks like a more than evident penalty if compared to the called one. This is because the latter is very rarely whistled, mostly missed by officials, but it is indeed a careless action without doubt and a good spot. About the management by VAR when he was "busy" with the third case at the end and decided to call referee, well, my wish is always that both referee and VAR try always to decide isolating themselves, but... in this particular incident one could say that basically this call could have been confirmed because not a 100% fair action on the ball. TO me, rather a mistake by VAR to call referee, but I can understand point of view and the context.
      More generally, I would like to reapeat again a thing: looking for consistency with VAR is impossible, even more regarding penalty area incidents, and when you have referees from all different countries. Then, in this scenario, if committee decides to cover some games with their regular VARs and show to be not so much interested in the rest, by just appointing a VAR, well, that's not good. Something to improve the situation is possible, but at the same time the big problem is that there are too many realities in football nowadays...
      Osmers: terrible performance at Under 21 in Italy - Spain indeed, but I think quite good in recent times and maybe, as you said, he changed a bit his style, knowing that teams from Italy, Spain, Serbia etc. can be totally different from Bundesliga.

      Delete
  32. All Premier League Matches postponed this weekend. Sounds like the same fate might be coming for next weekend as well. English teams still expected to play in Europe next week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The right decision. Of course if they thought it was even partly feasible on a PR level, the PL would have played the games (fixture congestion due to winter WC), but still. It is nice to see that STH, unlike eg. a linesman being hurt by a spectator, remains too sacrosanct for the football business/money machine to say "the show must go on".

      Rest in peace, Ma’am.

      Delete
    2. Personally I think it's wrong. Why should I have to go to work but not be allowed to watch football? I agree that the game should have been called off after the linesman was hit.

      Actually the Premier league was allowed to carry on but opted not to

      Delete
    3. Don't go to work and say that you want to mourn the queen!

      Delete
  33. Italian referee Di Bello made a nice advertisement for himself yesterday. Even the referees who sat behind the video. Such penalties are probably taught to whistle in the Italian League or Rosetti teaches them. Such idiots are whistled in cup matches.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Craig Pawson in Ludogorets - Roma (thank to Italian newspapers reports, I didn't watch game):

    3' - No handball, correct decision
    https://streamable.com/yh6pam

    7' - Penalty appeal by AS Roma, VAR supported
    https://streamable.com/t9phso

    31' - Penalty area incident and maybe possible reckless challenge on the player who crossed the bal in the box
    https://streamable.com/rdhyhf

    37' - YC for reckless use of arm
    https://streamable.com/323gow

    83' - Penalty appeal for handball (no closer replays, one must turst VAR)
    https://streamable.com/od8dkd

    90'+3 - Penalty appeal by AS Roma
    https://streamable.com/t67iwt

    I agree with Darren England on both situations, not enough for an OFR, but you can easily guess that those situations were perceived as clear penalties missed by referee by some people. However, I must admit definitely less than other occasions, I think also due to the context of the game (no so much interest), but for example La Gazzetta dello Sport wrote about two clear penalties and a terrible officiating by Pawson. Of course that's just under a certain point of view... just to explain youi how things work in Italy about refereeing, but maybe you are already aware. Mourinho didn't say too much this time and this is very particular. Absolutely unexpected loss against the Bulgarian side...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot to specify the situation in focus by Italian media are 7' and 90'+3.

      Delete
    2. 7' - Agree with Pawson and VAR, not a penalty for me, but definitely nothing for the VAR.

      90'+3 - Again agree with you, not a clear and obvious error for the VAR, however more penalty than the situation in 7' IMO, to be upheld if given by the referee.

      Never ending story with Italian media and refereeing... It's pretty much the same here in Croatia, especially in Dalmatia region (believe me, our mentality is the same like the Italian one).

      Delete
  35. Bognar in Istanbul?

    ReplyDelete
  36. https://streamja.com/XWjdy

    The position of the referee Serhiy Boiko (Union Berlin-St Gilloise) is very far from the center of the field, but he seems to have read Union Berlin's game (the ball goes to the area where he is standing). As I recall Oliver's position at kick-off is often deep in the circle, is there any arrangement on this?

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ricardo De Burgos, Lazio - Feyenoord

    8' - YC for SPA, stopping counterattack, some arguments for a possible reckless challenge as well.
    https://streamable.com/zmfb06

    33' - Penalty appeal
    https://streamable.com/zmfb06
    Lazio claimed a possible foul before, about the incident in penalty area, I think it was rather chest / body and not arms, because in that position with a clear touch, it could have been punishable.

    67' - Penalty
    https://streamable.com/jpbx6s
    I think VAR didn't remove it because he couldn't find a video with clear evidence that there wasn't any touch, as it seems, but only "seems". Limits of VAR.

    78' - YC for holding / SPA
    https://streamable.com/pm28z2

    90' - Penalty cancelled after OFR
    https://streamable.com/x5mbjb
    To be honest, one can have some doubts in this case, was there a full fair play on the ball? Maybe similar to Crvena Zvezda - Monaco? And I had missed what De Burgos did before arriving to monitor, definitely a poor image to spectators on TV, he should have avoided that.

    This game can show us how much difficult is, once again, to use VAR in penalty area incidents, definitely you can see either everything or nothing about what you can expect after a call... and the question it's impossible to be solved.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 33', sorry, wrong link https://streamable.com/ymh07s

      Delete

Thank you for writing a comment on our blog!