Matchday 3 of 2023-24 UEFA Champions League, Wednesday's set of games, to be played on 25 October 2023.
18:45 CET - Rotterdam (Stadion Feijenoord "De Kuip")
Feyenoord (NED) - SS Lazio (ITA) | Group E
Referee: Tobias Stieler (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Christian Gittelmann (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Mark Borsch (GER)
Fourth Official: Martin Petersen (GER)
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stéphane Lannoy (FRA)
UEFA Delegate: Balázs Makray (HUN)
18:45 CET - Barcelona (Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys)
FC Barcelona (ESP) - Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) | Group H
Referee: Ivan Kružliak (SVK)
Assistant Referee 1: Branislav Hancko (SVK)
Assistant Referee 2: Jan Pozor (SVK)
Fourth Official: Peter Kralović (SVK)
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk (POL)
UEFA Referee Observer: Roberto Rosetti (ITA)
UEFA Delegate: Kieran O'Connor (WAL)
21:00 CET - Glasgow (Celtic Park)
Celtic FC (SCO) - Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP) | Group E
Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller (GER)
Fourth Official: Daniel Schlager (GER)
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Frank De Bleeckere (BEL)
UEFA Delegate: Ciprian Paraschiv (ROU)
21:00 CET - Paris (Parc des Princes)
Paris Saint Germain FC (FRA) - AC Milan (ITA) | Group F
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič (SVN)
Fourth Official: Matej Jug (SVN)
Video Assistant Referee: Nejc Kajtazovič (SVN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek (CRO)
UEFA Referee Observer: Tomasz Mikulski (POL)
UEFA Delegate: Myrsini Psarropoulou (GRE)
21:00 CET - Newcastle (St. James' Park)
Newcastle FC (ENG) - Borussia Dortmund (GER) | Group F
Referee: Artur Dias (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Paulo Soares (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Pedro Ribeiro (POR)
Fourth Official: Gustavo Correia (POR)
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins (POR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: Mark Bos (NED)
21:00 CET - Leipzig (RB Arena)
RB Leipzig (GER) - FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) | Group G
Referee: José María Sánchez (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Raúl Cabañero (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Iñigo Prieto (ESP)
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera (ESP)
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ricardo De Burgos (ESP)
UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Hamer (LUX)
UEFA Delegate: Fernand Meese (BEL)
21:00 CET - Berne (Stadion Wankdorf)
SC Young Boys (SUI) - Manchester City FC | Group G
Referee: Morten Krogh (DEN)
Assistant Referee 1: D. Wollenberg Rasmussen (DEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Steffen Bramsen (DEN)
Fourth Official: Peter Kjærsgaard (DEN)
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Carlos Velasco Carballo (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: João Morais (POR)
21:00 CET - Deurne (Bosuil)
Royal Antwerp FC (BEL) - FC Porto (POR) | Group G
Referee: Benoît Bastien (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Aurélien Berthomieu (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Drouet (FRA)
Fourth Official: Bastien Dechepy (FRA)
Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Petrov (UKR)
UEFA Delegate: Duncan Fraser (SCO)
I can't find Lambrechts.
ReplyDeleteIt was reported that he had a game on 7 November, so the next Matchday!
DeleteWhy is Tomasz Kwiatkowski a VAR referee in so many foreign teams and so often?
ReplyDeleteComing from a rather "neutral" country at this level can help (no Polish team by a long time at least in Champions League), then he got more reputation by working with Marciniak including the World Cup final.
DeleteMostly expected appointments, I would say.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in group F, there wouldn't have been other names, unless Vincic and Dias, for the quality of the two games. As we already said, for the next matchdays, it is possible that some referees appointed on early matchday, will repeat in this group with the other teams. We will see.
Champions League debut for Krogh, and again, after Jorgji, Young Boys at home are used for that. Committee member. If Lambrechts will be confirmed for 7 November, possible that the Swiss team will get even the third deb: I think this never happened.
I think we can also expect Strukan soon.
About the rest, confirmation that now Stieler is in focus after Zwayer, and maybe we will see Siebert starting again from Conference League, after having skipped MD1 and 2. Normal appointment for Zwayer.
Sanchez Martinez with a game that can become hot in Leipzig, I think that it is quite open.
Bastien in Antwerp just to make an appearance, similar assignment to Collum some weeks ago.
And last but not least, Kruzliak: this observation by Rosetti is very important, what should we read? I think that a chance for Euro 2024 can be the answer, but differently from other names like Nyberg, Letexier and maybe even Peljto, I'm not 100% convinced. I think he would need still more challenging games. After having officiated a good Manchester United - Galatasaray, he is about to get this one in Barcelona that looks to be very easy for home side. It is not the first time that Rosetti goes to make an important observation but in a rather easy game on paper, I think the Slovakian would have deserved a committee member in a by far more challenging context than Barcelona - Shakhtar, but you know, everything can happen... we will see.
Atamalar pek adil değil siebert makkelie Meler kovacs gözübüyük 🤔
ReplyDeleteWould it be possible to (at least try to) write in English language? By the way: I just used Google Translate which offers "big eyed" as English equivalent for "Gözübüyük". :-D
DeleteThe same in German language, "grosse Augen" ("big eyes") as translation of Gözübüyük :-)
Delete@Anonymous2: Big appointment for Kružliak under the Gözübüyük of Rosetti! :-D
DeleteWhen I put Orsato in my Google translator it says beard?
DeleteKovacs is the equivalent of Smith / Schmidt.
Orsato can mean bear, not beard! So next appointment could be: Orsato as referee - Medveď as observer (medveď = bear).
DeleteLet me translate on behalf of my compatriot. He thinks appointments are not fair. (I think he tried to mention where is) Siebert, Makkelie, Meler, Kovacs, Gözübüyük.
DeleteNow my comment about your translations, Siebert, Makkelie and Kovacs has no particular meaning in Turkish. As Serdar Gözübüyük is a Turkish Origin Dutch Ref, his surname is "Big Eye". Meler even he is Turkish doesn't have a particular meaning.
Do you also have the impression that Marciniak is spared more this season? It's a bit in the shade... Do you think it's for something big at Euro?
ReplyDeleteNo.
DeleteDefinitely yes
DeleteLast season he had 4 games, I think I'm not mistaken
Deleteof course in the group stage
DeleteSo far normal assignments for him, Borussia Dortmund - Milan was in the spotlight, then now expected for the second appearance on MD4.
DeleteYes, he could get four games in GS instead of 3, that's still possible on paper with a double appointment on MD5 and 6 but still optional, not a standard. I see him as regularly appointed so far.
El polaco faltó a la euro de la pandemia habrá Sido lesion o COVID
DeleteI miss Makkelie. Why is not appointed, you think?
ReplyDeleteAgain, regular appointments are three games in Group Stage.
DeleteFirst Game: MD1 or 2
Second Game: MD3 or 4
Third Game: MD5 or 6
In extraordinary cases, a fourth appointment is possible, but mostly it's always the standard, so you can expect Makkelie to appear again soon, regularly appointed so far.
Mr Makkelie is excellent referee but there are also others.
DeleteWe can not expect to see him every week.
Good to see other Elite referees going games.
Appointments are not very fair. There is no game for Siebert, Makkelie, Meler, Kovacs and Gözübüyük. Rosetti, the committee and ceferin do not treat referees equally. For example, when a referee makes a mistake, the committee supports him, but when another referee makes a mistake, they do not stand behind him.
ReplyDeleteIn some extent I tend to agree. Especially when it comes to the overappointment of the very mediocre spanish and italian crews... however I guess the names you called are appointed in the 4rd CL round. I really hope to see Makkelie at AC Milan-PSG. The nonsense with him not getting PSG should have already ended years ago. However he is no italian so no backup from Rosetti back then.
DeleteWell, the relationships between NL and Qatar are excellent now, thanks to a long-term gas deal ;) Who knows.
DeleteWithout joking. I agree with both of you that referees from big 5 countries get much more “diplomatic” support, especially after a bad or controversial game. Take Turpin as an example: we all agreed that he should’ve issued the 2YC in England-Italy, but will it have any consequences? I don’t think so. Compare that with how Jovanovic has been treated after Italy-England?
Especially Spanish and Italian referees receive matches almost every week. Let alone the referees, there is injustice even in the appointment of observers.
DeleteI understand to a certain extent, English, German, Italian, French and Spanish referees getting matches regularly, because their leagues have high quality level games compared to others. But I can't understand having so many Slovenian, Romanian refs officiating in CL, but we hardly find Swiss, Belgian, Danish, Greek & Ukrainian refs in CL, as these countries have regular teams in CL. If a ref has a high quality, definitely should be promoted but I believe they should have been given equal opportunities.
DeleteMD4, it should be easier to make some predictions now?
ReplyDelete- Milan vs. PSG: Gil Manzano. Not many other options.
- Crvena Zvezda vs. Leipzig: Orsato is limited - C-D-E-F have Italian teams. He already worked in group B and his compatriots work in group A. That would normally move Orsato to Belgrade, unless the unwritten rule is broken (again :))
- Sociedad vs. Benfica: Taylor, if they want to avoid him with Italian teams.
- I would move Marciniak to Lazio-Feyenoord. Very challenging game.
- That leaves Makkelie for Napoli vs. Berlin, if they avoid using him in Group F.
- Meler or Jovanovic in Arsenal vs Sevilla, Group B and the other (or Gozubuyuk) in BVB - Newcastle.
- Lambrechts to make his debut in Manchester.
- Final note, Björn Kuipers is observing in Madrid and Šajn in München. Any idea?
I forgot Kovacs, he can be a name for Laz-Fey or Ars-Sev as well
DeleteI would wait for the EL and ECL appointments before making MD4 predictions, but I agree with most of your points.
Delete@Milan-PSG: Yes, not many options, but I wouldn't like Gil Manzano again so soon with PSG.
a) It would send out the message, that you should give doubtful penalties to big teams to be able to handle a top game with their involvement in the near future.
b) It is one of the few unwritten rules, that UEFA hasn't broken yet, not to repeat teams so early in the competition
c) It would point out a certain lack of depth in the Elite category
So alternatives could be Meler, Grinfeeld, Gözübüyük - or simply Soares Dias again. Making Makkelie available for PSG would be the best solution, I think, but I don't expect it.
For Kuipers and Sajn, I could imagine referees, who are on the edge of the EURO selection, like Rosetti observing Kruzliak and Velasco observed Massa in WAL-CRO. So maybe Jovanovic and/or Grinfeeld.
Third time a danish referee is given debut, were Man City playes. Happend before with Peter Rasmussen and Jakob Kehlet, none of them with matches i CL after......
ReplyDeleteKehlet didn't debut with Man City. Had Shakhtar in Hoffenheim as his only appointment.
DeleteIf Stieler is now a candidate for Euro, why is he reffing with a non-FIFA AR (Borsch) in his trio?
ReplyDeleteStarting from now we eill delete comments in Turkish (and also other language, if not English). It is useless to write, people don't understand.
ReplyDeletePlease Chefren, just stop Anonymous comments... (from a loyal reader and anonymous commenter).
DeleteWhat do you think about Meler? I guess the committee still thinks that there is no real elite.
DeleteCommittee is going carefully with Umut Meler, appointing him "only" for Bosnia - Portugal was a signal of that (but still, as Mikael reported, for sure an interesting game on paper). I think that the decisive moments for getting more trust for the Turkish are coming, to be checked the next assignments in CL because on first appearance he did well.
DeleteMr Rossetti observing
ReplyDeleteAgain Sanchez Martinez incharge of up coming elclassico
ReplyDeleteI dunno what you think but imo the treatment of Siebert is a tad unfair. Yes, he lost control in Atletico UCL and WC GHAURU and made mistakes in UEFA games afterwards but we are talking about a referee who was extremely pushed because of excellent performances before.
ReplyDeleteI mean we are talking about the referee who was one of the best at EURO20 while still in first category, who had outstanding period in UEFA competitions topped by famous AtleticoxCity QF, had WC group stage and refereed the final of the first FIFA Arab Cup. Do they really think he forgot all his skills?
Is it fair to completely bury him after two, three bad performances? Why referees are not supported by the committee and instead are crucified just for PR reasons?
Partly agree. I don't think it is fair to "bury" a referee because of isolated bad games, and he was dealt an unlucky hand by two very questionable appointments (Atlético + Suarez derby) - but you can't deny that his form hasn't been good and the last performance I saw from him (Aberdeen vs. Häcken) was simply really bad, not only in the two PAIs.
DeleteEven from my perspective, where I consider him the best of the three German elites in terms of 'skills', he has to show more in the now-fast-elapsing time if he is to qualify for the EURO in his home country.
I think that the decisive game for this treatment was the EL Play Off in Aberdeen. Committee had already lost big trust in him, and I'm convinced this was assessed as unacceptable performance.
DeleteInto your question: is this treatment excessive and really unfair? The answer can be positive, but in my opinion what should have gone differently here is clearly the management of the German. He got too much too early, committee pushed him in an incredible way, attending a EURO tournament without a real background was something that maybe allowed him to think he had already reached the top, without having nothing else to do. Even if he is not this kind of person, in my opinion you can't give so much so early.
Simply said, more development and working for a longer time between the Category 1 and the upper category, would have definitely helped the committee in understanding more, with the German having his time to consolidate himself. But maybe committee was just looking with a real hurry for a German referee at the very top. I think they lost a bit contact with reality, the treatment you can see with him in that period remains something extraordinary, never seen before.
Now, it is unfair to put him in this condition, but you can remember if you are from Germany (I assume) that Stieler had the same treatment, his times were defintiely shorter than Siebert, but committee did something similar, maybe only less blatant. Promotion to Elite, then big games like Barcelona - Juventus and Atalanta - Real Madrid, then goodbye for technical reasons, but you can see, now he is back again and he has "replaced" Siebert in the consideration by committee. Isn't that crazy? Clearly, committee has big responsibilities about the management of German referees :)
And now they do it with Nyberg :) Yes, he excelled in first category but still...
Delete@Euro Soccer Ref
DeleteJust a few days ago, I said exactly that to a very estimated refereeing expert with high profile, he said to me something like "Come on, you can't compare Siebert and Nyberg, it's clear...".
So we will see whether he is right or not, at moment I would say he is right, but I'm indeed always a bit afraid to see referees getting immediately everything...
Unfair? Hahahaha
DeleteMikael, stop making siebert an victim. He had his chances to make it but he didn't. Right now even Stieler passed in front of him...
DeleteHmm, I would say it's even quite insulting to the German.
DeleteIt's true that Nyberg does everything with ease, it's visible he has absolutely no problem in speaking English and his rapport with players combined with very professional look is something extraordinary, indeed. But don't forget Siebert had a very long period of excellent performances when everybody was praising his skills (not every referee has to have the same profile) - pre-EURO20, EURO20, games before Atlético - City.
Some thoughts on the matter.
DeleteRegarding Nyberg I still think his management is different to the one Siebert received. Nyberg has achieved huge things already when it comes to national teams. But he is more or less a rookie when it comes to club competitions. He didnt have an italian team in CL or EL yet, and tomorrow he will have a spanish team in CL or EL for the first time ever. Even without an EL knock-out game yet. So basically Nyberg is very much protected so far when it comes to club games. Siebert on the other hand had 4-5 crucial CL games (including knock-outs, italian teams, atletico) where one would expect Top 5 elite referees.
But apart from that Siebert currently is simply out of form. Even domestically he is currently only getting average games or ones where it is expected that teams will be very much football focused.
And german referee management becomes even more weird if you try to rate the domestic appointments.
1: Aytekin, Brych, Fritz (the old guard getting the big games)
2: Zwayer, Jablonski, Schlager (Zwayer the only experienced international referee getting reasonable games, and a big focus on the new international refs)
3: Stieler, Siebert, Osmers, Schröder, Stegemann (all only slightly above 1st league average regarding games they get)
And regarding Stieler I have the theory he is more internationally considered because he is out of all mentioned referees (together with Schlager), the only one who is not mainly a communicator, but can have a more strict, close to the rulebook approach.
Siebert also had an abysmal post EC20 period domestically (~12-18 months). But I don't think he got cocky after EC participation since he generally seems to be a humble person. My wild guess would be that he struggled adjusting to the returning crowds post covid.
DeleteAfter WC22, people at the top of FIFA and UEFA refereeing are calling Siebert as "good boy", not "good referee", which says it all. Those of you who might have been part of such conversations would recall that, in FIFA/UEFA RefCom language, "good boy" means a referee that has a good personality, but less refereeing skills. They defended him publicly after the Uruguay issues, but internally decided that Siebert's career at the top was over.
DeleteGiven the poor form prior, why was Siebert selected for WC? As main referee? After that Atletico game, Siebert was simply bad. Other referees would have deserved his spot more, starting with Kovacs who was excellent in UCL semifinal that year. Politics...
DeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteI have a hypothetical question to experts.
We know that field officials are always doing pre-match preparation involving some special communication signs, apart from the ones in LotG book, between the referee and AR's for specific situations.
Now we have off-field VAR teams. Do you think/know if there are some non-verbal communication signs between the referee and VAR?
For example, is it possible that referee makes a pre-defined gesture to VAR colleague to perform an unofficial check, without making it very public, when the referee is unsure about a situation but wants VAR to check it? At the end VAR is always watching :)
I know it is a hypothetical question but I just ask out of curiosity.
I don't know about non-verbal communication but one-two years ago I heard about 'technical' inputs from VAR (about coms, mics, etc.) when they think there should be a yellow card. Maybe now it's even more blatant, I think. Even in UCL I saw situations where it was more than clear that it was VAR who told the referee he should've booked a player.
DeleteAlso, some VARs are more keen to help the referee (or re-referee the game) than others. For example, in Poland Frankowski is extremely stuck to protocol and he will NEVER intervene or 'help' when not mandatory but Marciniak or Pskit are overly active in that role. On the other hand, some referees prefer to not receive any unnecessary input from VAR while others (Marciniak) are happy to have constant contact with VMOs.
It depends from philosophy of the referee and VAR. Therefore, it's very important to pair them carefully. IMO, it always should be the referee's decision who he wants in the VAR room.
In an interview with Marciniak he was talking about the world cup final and he was talking about what Tomasz Kwiatkowski was sying to him, things such as good call there Szymon, excellent spot on the dive etc. Good offside call
DeleteSomeone has any Information about the current Situation of the injury of Sandro Schärer?
ReplyDeleteNot injured - he refereed three games in Swiss First League in October, the last one on Saturday.
DeleteSo I would expect him in EL or ECL.
Ok, thanks….do you have any information about the exact reason, why he was injured for so a long time? There aren‘t any information in the Internet
DeleteLooking at the remaining games, it is difficult to find games for Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor without them having repeat appointments.
ReplyDeleteIn Matchweek 5- seems Oliver doing 1,3,5 and Taylor the others so Attwell can be their VAR. Only options without repeating teams are Napoli vs Union Berlin and Shakhtar vs Antwep and Athetlico Madrid vs Feyenoord
For Taylor in 4 he should get Benefica vs Real Sociedad. Then in 6 assuming no italian team, Union Berlin vs Real Madrid the only possibility
If Taylor is appointed in CL on MD4 there is indeed only one game for him, Real Sociedad - Benfica. The rest is not possible, considering that for now he will be away from Italian teams.
DeleteThe only regret would be that in Manchester City group, with the English team without any issue for qualification, he couldn't still appear because exactly from Manchester.
In case Crvena Zvezda - Leipzig would have been good for him. But one must also talk about his current form... at this point, given also that there will be for sure by far many options, an appearance in EL is possible. We will see in two weeks.
He can do the game in Man City group, he is from Manchester but doesn’t support them. He did Atalanta vs Villarreal in Manchester United’s group the other year,
DeleteWonderful news!
ReplyDeleteOvidiu Hațegan is back! In UECL for now, Lugano vs Club Brugge!
I wanted to make a general comment about Philipp’s argument, about a possible assignment of Gil Manzano with PSG (again):
ReplyDeletea) “It would send out the message, that you should give doubtful penalties to big teams to be able to handle a top game with their involvement in the near future.”
I agree. In general, I fear that the treatment of Cakir (after Slovenia’s game) and Makkelie (after PSG’s game) might have “opened the eyes” of some referees - hate to say it - to whistle soft penalty-kick’s in favor of Italian teams, PSG or Slovenia, in order to be able to handle these teams in future. Orsato’s recent PK in favor of Slovenia is another example of that. Sure, we can only speculate what would be the decision if the same incident occurred in the other box.
If rumors in media are true, Makkelie received death threats from a particular powerful president (his election within ECA is a big conflict of interests, but that aside). Makkelie, in a high level difficulty game (RMA-PSG) was praised for his performance and a specific KMI on this blog.
I still don’t get it how a president could arguably blame a referee for his own goalkeeper making a bad estimation. Or how people can blame a referee for defenders that suddenly forget to defend. Maybe, Makkelie should’ve given the PSG-players a mental peptalk on the pitch, to ensure they would not lose. Joking aside. The president couldn’t showcase the UCL trophy in Qatar during the World Cup, and someone had to be punished for it.
Instead of supporting Makkelie, UEFA created a cover-up during summer (no punishment for the president), they assigned Makkelie to a QF Conference League, they gave mediocre Gözübüyük the UCL QF instead (politics..), followed by the least interesting semi-final ‘on paper’ to Makkelie and a stolen UCL final. Two years later, the PSG-board started to realize that buying the most expensive superstars won’t automatically create a winning team. A bit too late.
I’ve always found the treatments of Makkelie and Cakir ‘particular’ (understatement), from a HR-perspective. At the same time, I always wondered what would’ve happened if they were Italian or French. And I can certainly imagine why they both lost their top form after these incidents. However, to end the long message in a positive way, we can underline one thing: Cakir and Makkelie are/were honest referees. I hope the latter is still hungry to earn his spot in the UCL final. Time will tell.
Makkelie and Cakir can be proud referees and individuals. Their honesty and integrity will bring them in top positions after their retirement as well (a ref boss, coach and/or important UEFA observer). Staying true to yourself is a matter of personal integrity and self-respect.
The situation of Milan - PSG is very complicated.
DeleteLet's wait for tomorrow game because we will know more about group's situation, but the appointment has been already made by committee, as we know, with Vassaras as observer.
I really don't know who can be the referee there, after the assignments of the last suitable options for that group, Vincic and Dias.
Committee about to surprise us?
One name coming to my mind at a certain point is Hernandez Hernandez, one of the very last remaining options, he would be the third Spanish referee in the group (at least to avoid that one between the other two Elite should repeat) but after the game in Greece, well, I strongly doubt.
I think that Borussia Dortmund - Newcastle, despite of being crucial as well for qualification, could be a more flexible choice (English and German team), and in this case I wouldn't see problems in reading a name like Makkelie (possible prediction).
@Chefren: agree. Very sensitive game. I think, Marciniak would’ve been a very sensible choice there, instead of his Dortmund game.
DeleteTalking about next month, there are more sensitive games coming up:
- Slovenia vs. Kazakhstan
- Ukraine vs. Italy.
Personally, I hope they won’t use Makkelie there. The latter is definitely on his way back, but not in his 2020-2022 topform yet, tbh. I noticed that Mr. Čeferin was observing from the stands during the Inter-Benfica UCL-game (ref: Makkelie)…
If the Refcom appoints a referee from a smaller nation to such decisive and ultra-sensitive EURO qualifier games, UEFA has to support the referee at all costs after the game, despite of the final result.
Some of the top refs (Orsato, Turpin, Vincic) are sidelined, because they already refereed the teams/group in previous round. Maybe, on purpose to keep them clean for a final in 2024 (who knows ;-)). Not the best appointment strategy if you ask me. Save the best for last. Of course, the referees in final matchday’s are always more ‘in focus’. Especially the losing side will focus on the referee performance.
Marciniak is a locked name. Other than that, Gil Manzano, Zwayer, the English, Makkelie, they are all available, but maybe not all of them are in best form. Turpin is an option for Slovenia-Kazakhstan as well. Let’s see.
Maybe not everyone agrees, but I put the Dutch duo for the "group of death" on the next date:
ReplyDeleteAC-PSG: Gözübüyük
DOR-NEW: Makkelie.
It's just my idea.
Furthermore, I hope for a debut with Kuipers in Madrid: Balakin is my bet (Krogh with only 1 Europa League game debuts tomorrow, I don't see why not give the Ukrainian the opportunity, besides he has his "nationality in his favor") I had Strukan here first but I don't think he will repeat the next date.
I know, they are CRAZY predictions but sometimes that's how our Italian friend thinks.
I forgot to add the fact that Šajn will watch BAY-GAL: I honestly see a Spanish duo doing both group games due to the few chances in the others and adding the fact that only Sánchez was designated this date.
DeleteGil Manzano and Hernández are my bets. Šajn is my doubt here, (in the event that the Spanish are confirmed: will he observe someone who has just done a bad job in Greece and who has 0 chance of attending the EURO as main?
Or will he observe someone who has his ticket to Germany but wants to perform better for future matches?
In this case I put Gil Manzano under the eyes of the Slovenian and send Hernández to Denmark.
Yes, I would actually be surprised if Hdz Hdz is observed by committee member, for reason he is not in focus or contention for something (EURO spots, etc.)
DeleteIt is tough to predict the MIL-PSG game. Soares Dias is a good name, but would they risk him by giving him a Md3 game, or any other Md3 names like Sanchez, with already so limited options? It’s tricky.
To repeat Gil Manzano again after the doubtful penalty he whistled in PSG’s favor is not sensible. As Philipp stated, it sends the wrong message to other referees. Our understanding is that the Refcom is not independent from ‘some people’ within UEFA and I fear it is getting worse and worse.
@Diego, I’m not sure we can expect Makkelie. As I wrote before, based on body language, he definitely seems on his way back although he still has to improve his foul detection and card management imo. If they want to pair Makkelie with PSG, an early MD1 game is a more sensible choice than a crucial MD4. On the other hand, Gozubuyuk is not good enough, especially with heated teams. But if he wants EURO, they may have to test him in sth challenging…
OT: Hungary has changes on FIFA list for 2024.
ReplyDeleteFerenc Karakó and Ádám Farkas will be out.
Dr. Bence Csonka (1992) and Mihály Káprály (1990) in.
Interesting that István Vad will be stay on FIFA list.
We have already observers for November EURO qualifiers.
ReplyDeleteSlovenian committee member Vladimir Šajn will be in Rome for Italy - North Macedonia. An Elite referee is expected, but the fact that there will be a committee member is extremely interesting. I have in my mind Gozubuyuk as suitable name for a choice like this one.
Should be OK assignment for the Dutch, and there would be a reason for committee member (very important test). But there can be several opportunities here.
About Ukraine - Italy the story seems to be different: there is a Czech observer who should indicate a very experienced Elite (no risk by committee).
Yes, probably someone on the edge of EURO24 in ITA-MKD. Grinfeeld could be another idea for that.
DeleteVery poor offside flag by AR1 in Barcelona, VAR intervention (29'), the assistant should have seen the regular position.
ReplyDeleteInteresting: in the same minute two mistakes from ARs. First in Rotterdam no flag from AR1, but VAR annulled the goal, and then in Barcelona wrong offside flag from AR1 but VAR confirmed the goal.
DeleteGood VAR intervention in Rotterdam. Not easy to see though. Good decision by Stieler to book 2 players already. So far, so good but it will be an intense game.
ReplyDeleteImpressive Stieler so far,very consistent im his disciplinary control and convicing body language.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think he is doing well in a difficult match
DeleteRomagnoli booked for a superb challenge. May aswell ban tackling and make it a none contact sport
ReplyDeleteIt was reckless and little out of control,nowadays expected booking for that.
DeleteThis aint 90s or 00s era.
Normal slide tackle. If thats reckless, every slide tackle may aswell be classed as reckless
DeleteFor me only Zwayer is the ref from Germany. Siebert was already out, but Stieler, it is not the ref. No communication, no appearance, no body language, but this is my feeling. EURO 2024, only Zwayer. Lazio is not happy.
ReplyDeleteSame opinion as mine.
DeleteProblem with Zwayer is that you can't ever put him on the biggest stage due to his name being tied to the Hoyzer match fixing scandal. Media/players/managers/fans will always recycle that connection whenever it suits their case.
DeleteExcellent Stieler for me. Very consistent with cards till the end, keeping a potentially hot match under full control.
ReplyDeleteI agree,last 2 confrotations were proof of that.
DeleteLol
DeleteStieler out unfortunately
DeleteStieler absolute not good. 12 cards!!! Soft penalty for Lazio. No control! Absolutely no Elite ref for me. No players manager
ReplyDelete😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
DeleteA performance that will be praised by law enforcers, while others argue if he couldn’t have done more in terms of player management, making a connection, prevent things, etc. 12 yellow cards is close to the record IIRC though
DeleteIt's equal to the record by
DeleteKovacs 2021 in Sevilla-Lille
Makkelie 2020 in Gladbach-Inter
Eriksson 2016 in Bayern-Juventus
Kuipers 2014 in Real-Atletico
Tonight not a good Kruzilak. Unfortunately the Kruzliak performance like last seasons before. Unbelievable you had a good chance this season. But when you have to show it with the big boss you don’t show. For me he had no chance for EURO2024, after tonight the confirmation
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, Kruzliak is not the elite ref
DeleteAll cards in Lazio - Feyenoord were supportable IMO, many of them even mandatory.
ReplyDelete28' YC LAZ65 - SPA (holding)
30' YC FEY2 - Reckless kick
44' YC FEY29 - Reckless use of elbow (probably RAP5)
45+1' YC LAZ15 - SPA (impeding), mandatory
48' YC FEY15 - Reckless challenge
58' YC FEY5 - SPA (holding), mandatory
62' YC LAZ13 - Reckless challenge after advantage
65' YC LAZ5 - SPA (holding)
87' YC LAZ20 - Dissent by word
90' YC LAZ8 - Dissent by action (clapping)
90+5' YCs for LAZ19 & FEY4 for UB/aggressive behaviour, mass confrontation.
You have to think why so many cards was needed?
ReplyDeleteYes,all of them,I would say 90 percent were mandatory.
DeleteStandard Vinčić start. 2 good mandatory yellows for the away team and then when a psg committs a foul worthy of a yellow, he doesnt follow through
ReplyDeleteHe had ideal chance to equal his criterium by booking player that commited reckless foul on Giroud.
DeleteHe opted not to,can easily backfire for him.
Now Vinčič was lucky that Hakimi committed a mandatory YC SPA offence.
DeleteExcellent Vincic in 1st half.
DeletePenalty to Atlético: contact created by attacker putting the leg ahead of defender. Impossible to remove by VAR, Zwayer whistled it.
ReplyDeleteWas there even a contact? Wrong penalty for me.
DeleteNow to be checked whether Hart touched the ball. Otherwise indirect free kick to be given. VAR confirmed the goal.
Definitely clips his heal. Attacker buys it but definitely no VAR stuff
DeleteExcellent decision by the referee
DeleteExcellent position play.
The referee is going very well in this fast played game,
Excellent decisions by both assistants
Very soft penalty minimal if any contact he will be supported but uefa will be unhappy with the award. VAR has its hands tied
DeleteWhy will Uefa be unhappy about the Pk decision
DeleteCorrect decision by the referee .
Or will they be unhappy because it was angist an Italian team .
The referee was in absolute perfect position .
Uefa should use the clip on refereeing position play .
Very hostile crowd for Mr zwayer in Glasgow!
ReplyDeleteCorrect PK by Zwayer for Atlético, he was in a very good position.
ReplyDeleteOFR in Leipzig: fair tackle on the ball assessed as penalty by Sanchez Martinez, then removed after the review. Second OFR in a short time for the Spanish after LUX - SVK. Not in the best moment he looked to be before these days.
ReplyDeleteClip?
DeleteGood yellow card now by Zwayer. And good onside for 2nd Celtic goal
ReplyDeleteWell done Zwayer. Excellent yc and IFK for dissent
ReplyDeletehttps://dubz.cc/c/60667a
ReplyDeletePenalty in Celtic - Atlético.
For me too soft but VAR has to stay silent..
DeleteAR2 with an excellent disallowed goal. Looking forward to the image of it
ReplyDeleteThe referee is excellent in the game at Celtic Park
ReplyDeleteWow,Soares Dias with very bad last whistle,stopped counter that Dortmund had.
ReplyDeleteProtests towards Dias from Dortmund players in Newcastle over timing of half time whistle. Nothing wrong with it, attacker being tracked while near the half way line (just in his own half) when Dias blew up.
ReplyDeleteIt looks bad because the attacker keeps running and the defender stops
One of the best 1st half performances I’ve seen in a long time from zwayer in Glasgow! He clearly knows how to deal with Athletico and how they behave.
ReplyDeleteNot seen a replay of the penalty kick so got to assume it was checked and the GK got a touch on it.
ReplyDeleteYC to Atletico player who doesn't seem to know the expected behaviour at a throw-in...
Atletico player tried to stop the throw-in. The commentator was confused and didnt know why YC was given. How could Zwayer signal it more clear for everyone? I don't know but just a little confusion there
DeleteIt didn't help that they showed what seemed like a handball block by the same player!
DeleteI know, it's within the rules, but whistling into a counter attack for finishing the first half (Dias!) is very provocativ.
ReplyDeleteVincic might have wa5tched too many Rugby matches these days ... ;-)
ReplyDeleteHow Vicnic missed that foul on the half way line I dont know. Embarrassing even for him when looking straight at it
ReplyDeleteVincic has abysmal foul detection
DeleteHis friend EnglandREF. Every match you just wait to kill him 😂
Deletehttps://dubz.cc/c/f3ac16
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for closer replay, but how you can play on after that..
Now a yellow for Tomori for vert little. Vicnic really is consistently poor
ReplyDeleteCorrect PK by Krogh in 66 min to City clear stamp from Camara
ReplyDeletePenalty to Manchester City, correct decision
ReplyDeletePhantom Penalty to Manchester City
ReplyDeleteDidn't you see the defender stepping on the attacker's foot? Was clearly visible on tv.
DeleteLooked like he missed his foot to me and they both just ran into each other
DeleteCorrect PK by Krogh in Bern... but possiblu missed 2YC for YB13? It was a stamp, but I think no 2YC will be supported as there wasn't full contact.
ReplyDelete‘Step-over’-step on foot. Correct not to give a yellow, especially a second yellow.
DeleteOne should wonder whether enough for a penalty if not assessed as step on foot. I think YC would at least have justified referee's decision, while without the card, it give the idea of a soft call.
DeleteNot convinced by the handball decision in Bern
ReplyDeleteI had the feeling that it was in a natural position live, but looking at the replay I think there was some intent in the way he streched his arm down
DeleteClassic Italian call, indeed Italian VARs, it is enough that attacker controls the ball by the touch and it is always punished, even in very natural position. I admit that this is against the rules, but it is how it works in serie A. Surely a VAR from another country could have taken a different decision, it is always the same issue.
DeleteYou can argue for a handball, and it is the ‘easy’ on-pitch call, but not VAR-stuff imo
DeleteNo chance in English or with English VMOS is that dissalowed
DeleteTonight not a good Kruzilak. It was not a mess but for me not a Elite ref. No Euro2024 candidate
ReplyDeleteWho are you?
DeleteCorrect 2nd yellow in Glasgow
ReplyDeleteCorrect second YC by Zwayer, a tackle that at first stayed low, but then resulted in a dangerous contact with opponent's legs.
ReplyDeleteFunniest thing about that red is the first yellow was for complaining about a handball that was being checked anyway!
DeleteAlways funny that. When player run up to the Referee pointing at the ear to get him to get VAR to check it, as if they don't do it anyway
DeleteCorrect 2YC for De Paul by Zwayer. He might have got a slight touch on the ball, but the challenge was clearly of reckless nature imo
ReplyDeleteOut standing per performance by the German referee.
ReplyDeleteThis is how to referee a game ,calm ,nonsense approach.
Excellent viewing for young referees to watch the
Just to some up the referee in Paris. Leao clearly tells the referee to f off in his face and the referee does nothing
ReplyDeleteHahahaha your comments make me laugh so hard. Please, more!
DeleteVincic missed foul on Leao in that situation so after that he whistled foul for PSG.
DeleteThen Leao told something to Vincic but he completely ignored him.
He didn't missed the foul. You think? It was a foul but then he continue. When he saw he can't reach the ball he threw himself down.
DeleteClear red card, for fuck ...unacceptable at this level. Probably he didnt give the card, because he knew he madea mistake not to give a foul.
DeleteDiego Simone deserves a lifetime touch line ban, what a disgraceful way to behave at the end of the game in Glasgow.
ReplyDeleteHe just did the Italian ”eh come on what’s a matter with this eh?”. What’s discraceful about that and deserves a lifetime ban?
DeleteSomeone from Brazil should calm down a bit after their performance yesterday ;-)
ReplyDelete?
DeleteHere Sanchez Martinez OFR in Leipzig - Crvena Zvezda
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/lztDNNQ0qj
Perfect tackle of the defender. Good VAR intervention and very poor decision by Jose Maria Sanchez, it was not a difficult situation to asses.
DeleteBarça vs R.Madrid
ReplyDeleteReferee:Gil Manzano
Var:Cuadra Fernández
Slavko Vinčić, PSG - Milan
ReplyDeleteTwo YC in the early minutes:
https://streamff.co/v/kuDKCuxeow
https://streamff.co/v/mwaFy5rdHP
Then, a few later the chance to open cards against the other team, but only foul whistled by referee in what we can describe at least as clear reckless tackle:
https://streamff.co/v/fDxVX55gRQ
It is always difficult to find balance, but clearly following the line used by referee, a YC should have followed.
The OFR for disallowing PSG goal:
https://streamff.co/v/qdyKzG99NW
Possible second YC in second half:
https://streamff.co/v/PR-eYKH19d
To me, a card that should have been issued.
Blatant dissent with insult against referee during final minutes, the Slovenian, close to player, ignored:
https://streamff.co/v/n32Bhk27Rk
Thanks Chefren. If a referee does not apply a clear and consistent line in his foul detection and card management, he must be VERY lucky it was a very clear scoreline.
DeleteCommittee probably does not care, as long as there are no controversies.
Do you expect the game in Milan to be more challenging?
To me Milan hgave up already yesterday, and I think Vincic can thank the fact that the game ended with a clear score, otherwise he would have been in trouble in this big match.
DeleteIn Milan it can be different, it will be the last chance for Milan to qualify, while, Paris, given the incredible loss in Newcastle, will have still to win. So in my opinion it could be a very heated game, more than yesterday if the score will be open.
First two YC: both correct
DeleteFoul on Giroud: never a YC
OFR: missed foul, correct intervention
Possible second YC: correct no card, tackle not worthy of even a first YC
Dissent: YC missed
Krogh, crucial decisions:
ReplyDeletePenalty, let's call it "a half step on foot". Fully supportable decision, if not totally correct.
https://streamff.co/v/FJoiWS7QSY
Goal disallowed for previous handball, VAR intervention:
https://streamff.co/v/DF-VlkU3uQ
Given that this is a classic "Italian" call, I still need to understand what are the UEFA guidelines, about such situations. Would an English VAR like Attwell have called this one? According to opinions of our readers from England, this wouldn't have reported. Maybe not a punishable handball in Germany as well... the Danish shouldn't be too much worried about this intervention, given how much complex is the argument about this infringement, and we know.
Very good officiating in these two scenes. First, the step-on-foot is clearly careless because the Man City player deliberately pokes the ball quickly in order to win a foul from his opponent who cannot change where his foot is going to land from the initial action. Foul for sure, but no way that was reckless, this is indeed exactly the definition of "careless". Secondly, I don't understand any controversy at all about this handball - it stops the flight of the ball so no.10 can control it and play his pass to assist the goal. Without the handball, the ball would fly past him. Correct (and even easy) decision in England, Germany, Italy and actually any country; Mr Valeri got it right.
DeleteI know it's minor thing, but also I think it's nice to highlight in the penalty situation the perfect positioning and the zero hesitation. Very strong body language and correct decision. Also in my opinion the two knees are also colliding so in any case City player won the ball and defender was late.
DeleteNice to see a Danish referee again in CL and hopefully he will have a bright future as Claus Bo Larsen and Kim Milton Nielsen (and even to mention Peter Mikkelsen) were active really long time ago and since that it's missing to have someone to break through. (Kenn Hansen retired when it could have happened, Peter Rasmussen story we all know and let's say it's even surprising that Jakob Kehlet has actually a CL appereance as I don't rated him ever more than a fine 1st category referee.)
The penalty by Stieler:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/03fsYVQVIb
In addition, rewatching again the final minutes, I must say that my feeling is about an active and not passive referee, that's good. It seems a different Stieler than one we knew from the past.
Being incisive can always help you, then maybe the game will be challenging, but at least you give a certain positive impression (my opinion). Cards issued with firmness, good body language.