Referee appointments for the third qualifying round of 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, first legs.
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| István Kovács (ROU) to referee the most sonorous clash of the round |
Tuesday 8 August 2023
20:00 CET - Częstochowa (Miejski Stadion Piłkarski “Raków”)
RKS Raków Częstochowa (POL) - Áris Lemesoú (CYP)
Referee: Duje Strukan (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica (CRO)
Assistant Referee 2: Alen Jakšić (CRO)
Fourth Official: Igor Pajač (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek (CRO)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Mario Zebec (CRO)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Johannesson (SWE)
UEFA Delegate: Edy Kindle (LIE)
20:00 CET - Copenhagen (Parken)
FC København (DEN) - AC Sparta Praha (CZE)
Referee: Benoît Bastien (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu (FRA)
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard (FRA)
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Antonov (MDA)
UEFA Delegate: René Siegrist (SUI)
20:30 CET - Eindhoven (Philips Stadion)
PSV (NED) - SK Sturm Graz (AUT)
Referee: Radu Marian Petrescu (ROU)
Assistant Referee 1: Radu Adrian Ștefan Ghinguleac (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mircea Mihail Grigoriu (ROU)
Fourth Official: Iulian Dima (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Sorin Popa (ROU)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sebastian Constantin Colțescu (ROU)
UEFA Referee Observer: Herbert Fandel (GER)
UEFA Delegate: Fívos Konstandinídis (CYP)
20:45 CET - Athens (OPAP Arena)
AEK (GRE) - GNK Dinamo (CRO)
Referee: Espen Andreas Eskås (NOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan (NOR)
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Skjeseth Bashevkin (NOR)
Fourth Official: Rohit Saggi (NOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: David Coote (ENG)
UEFA Referee Observer: Jan Willem Wegereef (NED)
UEFA Delegate: Thibault De Gendt (BEL)
20:45 CET - Tórshavn (Tórsvøllur)
KÍ Klaksvík (FRO) - Molde FK (NOR)
Referee: Əliyar Ağayev (AZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov (AZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Əmirəli (AZE)
Fourth Official: Elçin Məsiyev (AZE)
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Paweł Malec (POL)
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Nobs (SUI)
UEFA Delegate: Mihail Kasabov (BUL)
21:00 CET - Ljubljana (Stadion Stožice)
NK Olimpija Ljubljana (SVN) - Galatasaray (TUR)
Referee: Andreas Ekberg (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1:
Assistant Referee 2: Niklas Nyberg (SWE)
Fourth Official: Granit Maqedonci (SWE)
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stéphane Lannoy (FRA)
UEFA Delegate: Johny Vanspauwen (BEL)
21:00 CET - Braga (Estádio Municipal de Braga)
SC Braga (POR) - FK TSC Bačka Topola (SRB)
Referee: Harald Lechner (AUT)
Assistant Referee 1: Andreas Heidenreich (AUT)
Assistant Referee 2: Maximilian Kolbitsch (AUT)
Fourth Official: Christian-Petru Ciochirca (AUT)
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas (AUT)
UEFA Referee Observer: Laurent Duhamel (FRA)
UEFA Delegate: Michal Mertinyák (SVK)
Wednesday 9 August 2023
20:00 CET - Athens (Stádio Apóstolos Nikolaḯdis)
Panathinaïkós AO (GRE) - Olympique de Marseille (FRA)
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
Assistant Referee 1: Vasile Florin Marinescu (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mihai Ovidiu Artene (ROU)
Fourth Official: Marcel Bîrsan (ROU)
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Juan Antonio Fernández Marín (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Mark Blackbourne (ENG)
20:30 CET - Bratislava (Národný futbalový štadión)
ŠK Slovan Bratislava (SVK) - Maccabi Haifa FC (ISR)
Referee: Andris Treimanis (LVA)
Assistant Referee 1: Haralds Gudermanis (LVA)
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksejs Spasjonņikovs (LVA)
Fourth Official: Aleksandrs Golubevs (LVA)
Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: César Soto Grado (ESP)
UEFA Referee Observer: Peter Sippel (GER)
UEFA Delegate: Mark Evans (WAL)
20:45 CET - Glasgow (Ibrox Park)
Rangers FC (SCO) - Servette FC (SUI)
Referee: Donatas Rumšas (LTU)
Assistant Referee 1: Aleksandr Radiuš (LTU)
Assistant Referee 2: Dovydas Sužiedėlis (LTU)
Fourth Official: Manfredas Lukjančukas (LTU)
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benjamin Brand (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Hansson (SWE)
UEFA Delegate: Paolo Rondelli (SMR)
Second Legs
ReplyDeleteÁris Lemesoú - RKS Raków Częstochowa
Matej Jug (Jon Eilif Skjervold)
Maccabi Haifa FC - ŠK Slovan Bratislava
Craig Pawson (Cyril Zimmermann)
GNK Dinamo - AEK
João Pinheiro (Martin Ingvarsson)
Galatasaray - NK Olimpija Ljubljana
Marco Guida (Milorad Mažić)
AC Sparta Praha - FC København
Serdar Gözübüyük (Michael Riley)
Molde FK - KÍ Klaksvík
Nikola Dabanović (Marián Ružbarský)
FK TSC Bačka Topola - SC Braga
Jakob Kehlet (Darko Čeferin)
Servette FC - Rangers FC
Maurizio Mariani (Karen Nalbandyan)
Olympique de Marseille - Panathinaïkós AO
Michael Oliver (João Ferreira)
SK Sturm Graz - PSV
Srđan Jovanović (Hugh Dallas)
My Super Cup predictions: Letexier or Dias
ReplyDeleteHaving an Azeri referee travel to the Faroe Islands seems a bit odd to me
ReplyDeleteI agree, I don’t know why this happened again and again, this season similar appoinment for Higler to Astana, Levy to Torshavn, Lardot to Kutaisi, in the past memorable Nyberg in Astana, and outstanding Makkelie in Chisinau and Elbasan.
DeleteAlso Mohamed Al Hakim to Tiraspol, why u not appoint Istvan Vad/Tamas Bognar or the Pole, Slovenian, or even Kulbakow (geopolitics factor of Tiraspol).
DeleteI think the appoinments already were made and they expected that BK Häcken from Sweden would Qin against Klaksvik.
DeleteBecause we buy fish from Faroes, good to travel, that's why...)
DeleteReferees for the 3rd qualifying round of Europa League
ReplyDeleteGame - referee first leg/referee second leg
Žalgiris-BK Häcken - Mykola Balakin/Tamás Bognár
Qarabağ-HJK - Roi Reinshreiber/Willy Delajod
Zrinjski Mostar-Breiðablik - Nick Walsh/Anastasios Papapetrou
Sheriff Tiraspol-BATE Borisov - Mohammed Al-Hakim/António Nobre
Astana-Ludogorets Razgrad - Horațiu Feșnic/Chris Kavanagh
Olympiacos-Genk - Glenn Nyberg/Tobias Stieler
Slavia Prague-Dnipro-1 - Lawrence Visser/Jésus Gil Mazano
Lol, Nyberg and Gil Manzano in UEL, whereas e.g. Jug has a UCL game :D
ReplyDeleteWho is going to referee Dutch Super Cup final between PSV and Feyenoord next friday ?
ReplyDeleteAllard Lindhout
DeleteThe referee is Allard Lindhout, the assistant referees are Rens Bluemink and Patrick Inia. The fourth official is Rob Dieperink. The VAR is Clay Ruperti with AVAR Johan Balder.
Deletehttps://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/scheidsrechters/aanstellingen/67974/johan-cruijff-schaal-xxvii-lindhout-arbiter-bij-feyenoord?date=1691064943
At least Dutch FA do not ‘punish’ him for a very challenging (and controversial) game involving Italy without a VAR. Rosetti’s treatment will be different 😓
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWe’ve played without VAR for years and years, Lindhout just did a bad job (in an ordinary game, not beyond average difficulty).
Delete@20:06: fair enough, but one bad game doesn’t mean that UEFA/Rosetti have to leave him out from the international appointments for a while (which I’m afraid will happen)……
DeleteScottish FA now with some refs stepping back from on-field duties to focus on being dedicated VAR/AVARs:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/first-dedicated-var-match-officials-appointed-for-new-season/
Is something similar done in other countries? I know England had Lee Mason and Mike Dean last season but both have fully retired now after some high profile mistakes.
Germany had it at the start. It was quickly abolished.
DeleteWhat do you mean, Anonymous? In Germany there are quite many VAR/AVAR-only officials, including mostly former referees who stepped back due to age limit or specialisation. Quite the contrary, there is a clear development towards specialisation in the VAR role.
DeleteSpain has some specialized VMOs, while MLS has many specialized VARs and AVARs.
DeleteItaly also has some specialized VMOs. Not sure about France or Portugal?
DeleteAre A. Dallas and G. Aitken still on duty on the pitch or they will be only VAR ?
Delete@Anonymous 16:54 Both France and Portugal also has specialized VMOs
Delete@f - it says they will "step back from their on-field duties" which presumably means they will be VAR only.
DeleteI was under the impression that Romanian referees can't whistle Greek teams.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Kovacs is a very good choice for the 1st leg of Panathinaikos - OM. Hot stadium, Greek fans are always difficult.
Not so thrilled about the 2nd leg referee.
I think the rule was abolished last season, because CFR Cluj had Ioannis Papadopoulos in Conference League when they played with Sahtior Soligorsk.
Deleteand again there are no football referees from Poland on the list, a huge gap between Szymon and the rest
ReplyDeleteO zaman Süper cup referee Umut Meler
ReplyDeleteBalakin for elite :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteRemarkable appointment for Espen Eskas, on paper 100% challenging match, “Balkan derby”, I think if the match become hot and he could handle it well, main referee for Euro 2024 it’s not impossible for him (similar path with Ekberg in Euro 2020).
ReplyDeleteSo, confirmed that Kovacs and Hategan don't work together, the former still with VARs from other countries.
ReplyDeleteI think the game Panathinaïkós AO (GRE) - Olympique de Marseille (FRA) was too risky anyway to give Hațegan debut as VAR in UCL but indeed the we can't rule out what Chefren wrote above. However, I am expecting to see Hațegan on the pitch in European competitions soon. He had already 2 domestic games this season in Liga1 and did very good.
DeleteIt is remarkable that all 7 FIFA referees from Romania are on duty these 3 days. Plus 4 no-FIFA as 4th officials or in VAR room. Good times... :)
I read on social media that AEK - Dinamo might have been postponed due to a brawl between ultras of both clubs yesterday, a Greek fan has been stabbed to death.
ReplyDeleteUefa published that match is postponed.
DeleteI have nothing against Eksas and Pinheiro, two very good referees but after this ehatbhappened AEK-Dinamo will be very difficult to handle and two very experienced elite would be much more appropriate. Two category 1 referees who are developing and expect to become elite in the following six or twelve months have so much to lose in the matches like this.
Deletehttps://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/news/0284-18af7f742586-87cde98a7089-1000--uefa-statement-on-aek-athens-fc-vs-gnk-dinamo-match/
DeleteUefa's statement:
DeleteUEFA deplores in the strongest possible terms the appalling incidents that took place in Athens last night and resulted in the loss of a life. While expressing our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim, to AEK Athens FC and its fans, we would like to reiterate that violence has no place in our sport and we expect that those responsible for this terrible act be arrested and consigned to justice in the shortest delay.
Following yesterday’s violence and in consultation with the local authorities, UEFA has decided that the conditions for the match between AEK Athens FC and GNK Dinamo to go ahead tonight are not met.
In line with article 26.01 of the Regulations of the UEFA Champions League 2023/24, the match planned to be played tonight at Agia Sofia Stadium in Athens is hereby postponed.
The match GNK Dinamo (CRO) vs AEK Athens FC (GRE) in Zagreb will be played on Tuesday 15 August 2023 (20:00 CET) as scheduled.
UEFA is in contact with both clubs to confirm the date for the rescheduled match between AEK Athens FC (GRE) and GNK Dinamo (CRO) i.e. either on Friday 18 August 2023 or on Saturday 19 August 2023.
The previously communicated decision regarding no away supporters for both matches is maintained and all necessary measures shall be implemented.
Can I know this is still under investigation, or likely failure security or maybe we have the one who can we blame?
Delete15.08 DINAMO ZAGREB - AEK ATHENS: Espen Eskås (before change: Pinheiro)
ReplyDelete19.08 AEK ATHENS - DINAMO ZAGREB: João Pinheiro (before change: Eskås)
Indeed. As the venues of 1st/2nd leg have been swapped, the referee appointments too.
DeleteIn the official uefa site there is no change
DeleteNot the best match for Bastien, no game-changing mistakes but his foul detection looked weird. There was one episode in the first half, a very clear shirt pull on Elyounoussi who was running away on the left flank and he didn't give a foul. Of course the player and the crowd got mad after that)
ReplyDeleteVery safe refeerering in general - too safe. A lot of fouls whistled that were not penalisable. Management of players appeared relatively weak. No crucial mistakes - mediocre performance overall.
DeleteGood performance by Duje Strukan in Raków - Aris Limassol.
ReplyDeleteTwo key match incidents: possible foul on GK at 1:0 (7' - the foul / collision occurs split second before the ball crossed the goalline and it had no impact on the goalkeeper; commonsensical call to allow the goal, imo) and penalty awarded against Aris (61' - soft but clear at the same time, correct decision). All mandatory cards issued. Excellent management of PI vs mobbing scene in 42'! One can discuss about some (non-)FK calls but those were minor things. He is extremely agile and fit given his height. And he really reminds Orsato ;)
07' - https://streamable.com/f6ioqi
Delete61' - https://streamable.com/zbq824
Thanks for this report, in my opinion penalty is indeed soft but it must be accepted due to clear defender's action. Attacker was very clever and making the most of it... but we saw definitely worse situations inside the box!
DeleteOk to allow the call in the first case, calling foul on keeper would be out of context, but the foul indeed exists.
Out of topic but it's interesting see the final score in Klaksvik, the fairytale continue. If they would end their story in UECL it's quite sour but if they could end their story at least in UEL, it will be quite interesting to see possibility of a match with elite referee in Klaksvik.
ReplyDeleteThat's very incredibile, regardless of how it will end, history has been written by the Faroese team. They will play at least in Conference League grup stage. The most incredibile result was the win with that score at Hungary's champions home.
Deletecalling foul on keeper would be out of context, but the foul indeed exists.
DeleteWhat exactly do you mean?
OT: Mateu Lahoz found his first post-retirement job, he will be the refereeing pundit commentator for CL games in Movistar+ (Spanish TV that holds the broadcasting rights for UCL/UEL/UECL)
ReplyDeleteInteresting, so it seems like he rejected the supposed Saudi offer. Good luck for him on this new path.
DeletePSV (NED) - SK Sturm Graz (AUT)
ReplyDeleteKMIs
4', 32' - good onside calls from AR1 at 1-0 and 3-0 goals, long VAR check in the first case as the attacking play phase lasted long and the onside was really marginal
42' - [4]:1 goal disallowed after VAR intervention due to offside initially missed by AR1
72' - [4]:1 goal scored after a disputable FK signalled by AR2; no replay available
Disciplinary
No single yellow card shown by Petrescu in this easy-going game and indeed there was no need to caution any player. Sturm players warned twice immediately after they started to foul their opponents in a harder way (49', 67'). On the other hand, DtR (39') and tactical tripping offence (57') by PSV players were ignored by the referee - perhaps a balancing warning would be optimal there.
Others:
77' - interesting throw-in incident, possession was changed by the referee after Sturm player deliberately (but without significant force) threw the ball at his opponent's back (wrong execution?)
Some soft FKs that irritated PSV players (we discussed this topic yesterday after I posted highlights from the Dutch Supercup) and two missed FKs for PSV (51' charging, 66' holding).
General:
Good, expected level performance in a not challenging game. AR1 with two good onsides at goals and one 'crucial' but understandable mistake.
Highlights
Deletehttps://we.tl/t-1H2JWg2tgL
Kovacs with ridiculous and authoritarious management with 2 YC against Marseille in first quarter. No psychology, excessive decisions here for an Elite ref…
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely one-sided refereeing by Romanian crew. 33 ‘ = foul forgotten away from ball for Marseille and 39’ = again excessive challenge against Aubameyang not whistled…and cut by an phantom offside after…
ReplyDeleteInfluenced by home crowd?
DeleteVery harsh disciplinary Line with 4 YC (2 can be easily avoided with charisma). Perharps crown influence with 2 clear and dangerous FK forgotten for away team. On the contrary, 2/3 fouls very soft givre to greek team.
DeleteMaybe first 2 could have been prevented with some talking.
DeleteAnd now clear 2nd Yac for Kondogbia...
Agree. At first minute, first contact : Please talk and prevent !
Delete@Anonymous 20:52 you said everything. Can be avoided “with charisma”. Kovacs has no charisma.
Deletei think some Anonymous from this blog doesn't like Kovacs, after what they wrote about him. The @Anonymous 20:52, I think he hate the romanian referee, because he said that Kovacs has no charisma.
DeleteExcellent Kovacs tonight
ReplyDelete40' good VAR intervention in Glasgow, penalty after OFR for handball, hard to spot live.
ReplyDeleteThere was a correct PK for Rangers earlier.
DeletePlease for video
DeleteMaybe Kovacs' and Atwell's recent performances are indicating to us that from this season there will be much stricter policies in regards to book players.
ReplyDeleteWe saw today very strict approach,some other day Atwell dished 2 YC's in 1st half for kicking the ball away.
I know,that's UEFA and that England,but still,it would be no surprise if we see this season style of refereeing that refs had in the opening games of the WC22.
Looks like not cause Treimanis continues with his leniency and his not showing cards policy.
ReplyDeleteWont be surprised if match slips out of his hands like usual in the last 10 minutes.
Still not watched the clips from today's game, but I will always prefer a strict approach.
ReplyDeleteAfter the famous Milan - Napoli, I'm sure Kovacs learned a lesson.
In such hot games, he will start with cards without thinking too much. This should be good thing, in my opinion.
Interesting 2YC for SER28, IMO correct/supportable.
ReplyDeleteBoth yellows were very soft. Reacting to the crowd
DeleteCity x Sevilha
ReplyDeleteArtur Dias
Paulo Soares
Pedro Ribeiro
VAR Tiago Martins
That’s a prediction, do not post it as a confirmed appointment…
DeleteWhat a tough match for Godinho,Benfica vs Porto.
ReplyDeleteDirty challenges,simulations,typical latin match but I think that he did good job.
What a bizzare scene at the end.
DeletePorto cosch gets RC but he wont leave!
Godinho even asked Porto's captain to talk to his own coach.
Jeez.
Such a shame cause Godinho is a good ref,but after tonight and whole Porto's team not being happy and blaming ref for their defeat,I dont think that we will see him in near future handling these type of matches.
DeleteI like Conceicao,but what he did can't be acceptable and tolerated....
He behaved like little kid and even Godinho had to take unusual approach when he asked Porto's captain to have a chat with him.
Plenty bookings,12 yc's,1 rc,all of the imo justified,especially var intervention for pepe's elbow.
Very tough and challenging match for Godinho and altough I think he did good,that last couple of minutes of Porto coach behaving like a kid will leave negative mark on this match.
Ot: Libertadores (Palmeiras x Atlético Mineiro) assistant referee of Rapallini was substituted before the game started. Look like blood pressure was down. Juan Belatti (ARG) is the assistant. 4 ref assumed the place.
ReplyDeleteJust watched the two YCs by Kovacs to Marseille player: second one fully correct for a reckless challenge, but the first one is a mistake. No more than a careless challenge in the first minute of the game, but Panathinaikos player deceived referee using the situation to put pressure on him. He exaggerated the contact, making him perceive something like a step on foot, that didn't happen. In addition of course Kovacs immediately booked, afraif of losing control of the game and you have this result. I think this was a very challenging situation to be read for all referees, but expected decision is NO CARD.
ReplyDeleteI like Kovacs and his style a lot, however these small details are what still separates him from the top Elites imo
DeleteI disagree. A reckless challenge. He knows that his action is stupid and tries to say to Kovacs that he played the ball.
DeleteCompletely agree Chefren and second YC after resulted of a phantom foul whistled to easily. Not a good start for him in first half and consequently a very huge consequence with the RC…
DeleteThis is exactly why UEFA wants referees to punish “ultra clear offenses” only, cause right now we are discussing a player being sent off after two questionable YC’s. And the referee is in the picture (again).
DeleteKovacs needs to work on his disciplinary control.
@Anonymous 12:46
DeleteAre you really suggesting that Kovacs played any part on the final result? Do you question his integrity?
Panathinaikos scored after the Marseille were down to 10 men. So you can argue that Ref influenced the end result here (or his over-all management just wasn’t great) if we are discussing both YC’s.
DeleteFC København (DEN) - AC Sparta Praha (CZE)
ReplyDeleteKMIs
45+1' - Penalty incident: charging. Well, not the most fair behaviour of the defending player but with the ball being lost for the attacking player, you can't expect a penalty being given.
78' - Yellow card to 30SPP for reckless tackle. Although being very late there is no factor pointing at potential SFP. Correct disciplinary sanction.
83' - Penalty incident: holding. Most controversial incident with quite blatant impeding but to be noted that the attacking player initially also handled his opponent and his fall was exaggerated. All in all, I think correct by Brisard (VAR) to not intervene.
90+4' - Correct play-on after no handball in the penalty area.
Disciplinary:
04' - holding by 6SPP, FK only
09' - 8CPH warned after tripping, no action against delaying the restart by another CPH player
10' - 25SPP warned after late challenge
11' - possible YC 22SPP for simulation
15' - possible YC 12CPH for reckless use of arm
28' - correct YC 33CPH for reckless use of arm
38' - correct YC 9SPP for delaying the restart
39' - play-on after SPA holding by 19SPP, missed YC but indeed difficult to see
77' - CPH player should be at least warned for his dissent at AR2
77' - missed YC to 19CPH for dissent
78' - correct YC to 30SPP for reckless tackle
87' - correct YC to 3CPH and 37SPP for continuous mutual holding at set piece
89' - correct YC to 12CPH for reckless tackle
90+4' - missed YC to 20SPP for delaying the restart, missed YC to 19CPH for wild dissent
90+5' (after the final whistle) - YC to 19CPH for wild dissent, too late and maybe not enough...
General:
All KMIs correctly or supportably assessed by the referee(s). Inconsistent line regarding foul selection - allowed much in the first half and some soft FKs at the end of the game. Disciplinary control decent in overall but missed prevention and stronger reaction against dissenting behaviour and delaying the restart, what significantly tarnished the performance. Therefore, strong points for improvement, especially with the current strict trend against these specific behaviours...
Highlights:
https://files.fm/u/j798nykrx