2023/24 UEFA Europa League Group Stage Matchday 2, referee appointments.
Thursday 5 October 2023
18:45 CET - Freiburg im Breisgau (Europa-Park Stadion)
SC Freiburg (GER) - West Ham United FC (ENG) | Group A
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Fredrik Klyver SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Max Robin Wilde SWE
Fourth Official: Kristoffer Karlsson SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Clay Ruperti NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Carlos Clos Gómez ESP
UEFA Delegate: Eduard Dervishaj Nelaj ESP
18:45 CET - Bačka Topola (TSC Arena)
FK TSC Bačka Topola (SRB) - Olymbiakós SFP (GRE) | Group A
Referee: Benoît Bastien FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Ruddy Buquet FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Danos FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Barış Şimşek TUR
UEFA Delegate: Mirosław Ryszka POL
18:45 CET - Marseille (Orange Vélodrome)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA) - Brighton & Hove Albion FC (ENG) | Group B
Referee: Mykola Balakin UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Oleksandr Berkut UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Dmytro Zaporozhenko UKR
Fourth Official: Yaroslav Kozyk UKR
Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Roberto Rosetti ITA
UEFA Delegate: João Morais POR
18:45 CET - Néa Filadélfia (OPAP Arena)
AEK (GRE) - AFC Ajax (NED) | Group B
Referee: Matej Jug SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Matej Žunič SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Manuel Vidali SVN
Fourth Official: David Šmajc SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fabio Maresca ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Cyril Zimmermann SUI
UEFA Delegate: Fernand Meese BEL
18:45 CET - Seville (Estadio Benito Villamarín)
Real Betis Balompié (ESP) - AC Sparta Praha (CZE) | Group C
Referee: Duje Strukan CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Alen Jakšić CRO
Fourth Official: Fran Jović CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Nejc Kajtazovič SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Jon Eilif Skjervold NOR
UEFA Delegate: Anthony Bloch ENG
18:45 CET - Kolóssi (Alphamega Stadium)
Áris Lemesoú (CYP) - Rangers FC (SCO) | Group C
Referee: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Valentin Gabriel Avram ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Alexandru Cerei ROU
Fourth Official: Andrei Florin Chivulete ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Ovidiu Alin Hațegan ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Sorin Popa ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Juan Antonio Fernández Marín ESP
UEFA Delegate: Michal Mertinyák SVK
18:45 CET - Lisbon (Estádio José Alvalade)
Sporting CP (POR) - Atalanta BC (ITA) | Group D
Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández ESP
Assistant Referee 1: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Diego Sánchez Rojo ESP
Fourth Official: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: César Soto Grado ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Volodymyr Petrov UKR
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed DEN
18:45 CET - Sosnowiec (ArcelorMittal Park)
RKS Raków Częstochowa (POL) - SK Sturm Graz (AUT) | Group D
Referee: Əliyar Ağayev AZE
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov AZE
Assistant Referee 2: Əkif Əmirəli AZE
Fourth Official: Kamal Umudlu AZE
Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Erwin Blank NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Bernardino González Vázquez ESP
UEFA Delegate: Balázs Makray HUN
21:00 CET - Liverpool (Anfield)
Liverpool FC (ENG) - Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL) | Group E
Referee: Morten Krogh Hansen DEN
Assistant Referee 1: Dennis René Wollenberg Rasmussen DEN
Assistant Referee 2: Steffen Beck Bramsen DEN
Fourth Official: Mikkel Redder DEN
Video Assistant Referee: Roi Reinshreiber ISR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Marinus Koopman NED
UEFA Delegate: Aristídis Stavrópoulos GRE
21:00 CET - Toulouse (Stadium de Toulouse)
Toulouse FC (FRA) - LASK Linz (AUT) | Group E
Referee: Nicolas Walsh SCO
Assistant Referee 1: Graeme Stewart SCO
Assistant Referee 2: Calum Spence SCO
Fourth Official: Christopher Graham SCO
Video Assistant Referee: John Beaton SCO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Steven McLean SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Elmir Pilav BIH
UEFA Delegate: Gerard Lawlor NIR
21:00 CET - Vila-real (Estadi de la Ceràmica)
Villarreal CF (ESP) - Stade Rennais FC (FRA) | Group F
Referee: Harald Lechner AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Andreas Heidenreich AUT
Assistant Referee 2: Maximilian Kolbitsch AUT
Fourth Official: Julian Weinberger AUT
Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Marián Ružbarský SVK
UEFA Delegate: Patrick Duffy IRL
21:00 CET - Haifa (Itztadion Sammy Ofer)
Maccabi Haifa FC (ISR) - Panathinaïkós AO (GRE) | Group F
Referee: António Emanuel de Carvalho Nobre POR
Assistant Referee 1: Pedro Nuno de Sá Martins POR
Assistant Referee 2: Paulo Ricardo Duarte Brás POR
Fourth Official: Bruno Miguel do Carmo Vieira POR
Video Assistant Referee: Luís Miguel Branco Godinho POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Hugo Filipe Ferreira de Campos Moreira Miguel POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Pascal Pierre Garibian FRA
UEFA Delegate: Frédéric Veraghaenne BEL
21:00 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
AS Roma (ITA) - Servette FC (SUI) | Group G
Referee: Igor Pajač CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Ivan Mihalj CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Vedran Ðurak CRO
Fourth Official: Patrik Kolarić CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: David Malcolm NIR
UEFA Delegate: Tarik Shamel ENG
21:00 CET - Prague (Fortuna Arena)
SK Slavia Praha (CZE) - FC Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) | Group G
Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Erwan Finjean FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Philippe Jeanne FRA
Fourth Official: Thomas Léonard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Pierre Gaillouste FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Michaíl Argyroú CYP
UEFA Delegate: Garry O’Hagan SCO
21:00 CET - Molde (Aker Stadion)
Molde FK (NOR) - Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER) | Group H
Referee: Anastásios Papapétrou GRE
Assistant Referee 1: Trýfon Petrópoulos GRE
Assistant Referee 2: Iordánis Aptósoglou GRE
Fourth Official: Andréas Gámaris GRE
Video Assistant Referee: Evángelos Manoúchos GRE
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ángelos Evangélou GRE
UEFA Referee Observer: Petteri Kari FIN
UEFA Delegate: Paul Tompkins ENG
21:00 CET - Gothenburg (Ullevi)
BK Häcken (SWE) - Qarabağ FK (AZE) | Group H
Referee: Sebastian Gishamer AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Roland Riedel AUT
Assistant Referee 2: Santino Schreiner AUT
Fourth Official: Stefan Ebner AUT
Video Assistant Referee: Christian-Petru Ciochirca AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alexander Harkam AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Ante Vučemilović Šimunović CRO
UEFA Delegate: Maksims Krivuņecs LVA
EURO U21 referees in action :)
ReplyDeleteAnd some of new Cat 2 to Cat 1 promotees: Balakin, Nobre, Krogh, Pajač, Delajod, Gishamer.
DeleteIts interesting that Strukan has entirely foreign VAR. Could be for other reasons, but curious in light of the fact that he was suspended for few rounds domestically after not changing his decision after OFR, and VAR was Bebek. (IMO completely supportable RC issued and wrong VAR intervention, very bad that the committee decided to take this approach)
ReplyDeleteBebek can not be VAR in two matches on the same day.
DeleteHaha thats true
DeleteAnd Bebek was not VAR on the domestic game you mentioned!
DeleteImportant observer for Balakin
ReplyDeleteThe appointment of Balakin at the Vélodrome under Rosetti, just wow. Good luck for the Ukrainian!
ReplyDeleteAlso, good matches for Krogh (who will miss an important part of GS due to U17 WC) and Nobre.
For me the only questionable appointment is Al Hakim that get big match under the eyes of Clos Gomez. IMO this is maybe undeserved chance for him after several poor performances, I need to look at who in charge in UECL first, but even if we compare to Strukan, surely Strukan more deserved.
ReplyDeleteI expected Balakin with Rosetti and indeed that's the choice.
ReplyDeleteQuite clear how the Italian works... this is the most important assignment in terms of observation.
About the rest, there is still a certain focus on Al Hakim, indeed, relevant observer, but mayeb a bit less after the Under 21 tournament. I think committee expected him to show more before today.
The rest I would say almost all regular assignments, Hernández Hernández gets rather a "Category 1" game (but a very good one) this time, so maybe CL only on MD2 or 3.
Pajač in Rome should be mentioned as well: very good assignment. Always extremely difficult to handle Mourinho's team, even against (still, on paper) weak opponents.
Some conclusions after MD1 and 2: only Frappart got a game among female officials in UEFA Men's categories. No Monzul, Martincic and/or Foster. The missing Elite referees are: Hategan, Karasev, Schaerer (all known reasons), and Siebert (performance? after the EL play off in Aberdeen).
Can you tell me more about Sieberts performance in the EL play off game? It wasn’t possible to watch the game in Germany.
DeleteBut I think Siebert was plannend for this matchday because he had a easy game in the German second league last weekend and normally FIFA referees are appointed for such games before their international games. Possibly he is injured or there are other reasons why he can‘t whistle.
There was a discussion on the blog, also posted clips from the game (now gone). Two crucial mistakes in penalty area incidents, Siebert took the contrary decision and both were evident situations.
DeleteStill possible that Siebert was replaced. Massa(!), Sanchez, they both had a dreadful play-off game and we know the ‘consequences’ 😉
DeleteYes but crucial mistakes are crucial mistakes, you must know that, by following UEFA refereeing nowadays.
DeleteOne thing is a performance with many missed cards and minor mistakes, another affair is msking too many crucial mistakes and allowing always VAR interventions.
For sure Rosetti and committee can't be happy with Siebert, for what he did in recent times. Let's wait for his next assignment, we will see.
My idea is that Stieler was not planned for CL originally, but then he got the "ticket" thank to that, and only him and Zwayer were in the top competition for European clubs.
What is so special about Balakin?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the answer in advance.
There is no Belgian team for this MD2, Visser whistled on Friday in Belgian competition and Lambrechts whistled a match on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteThe indecent KMI panel in England have concluded that there was 6 incorrect decisions in the recent round of the Premier league
ReplyDelete1. The wrongly disallowed Luis Diaz goal( VAR: Darren England)
2. The Red Card for Diogo Jota for two yellows was wrong (Referee: Simon Hooper)
3. Missed penalty for Brentford vs Nottingham Forest (Referee: Paul Tierney, VAR: Michael Oliver
4. Missed offside interference in Aston Villa’s second goal vs Brighton (VAR: Stuart Attwell)
5. Foul in the buildup to Aston Villa’s third goal vs Brighton (Deemed to far back by VAR Stuart Attwell)
6. Missed second yellow card for Konsa (Aston Villa vs Brighton) (Referee: Andy Madley)
So 5 errors from FIFA officials and 4 VAR errors from FIFA officials, two from Englands main UEFA VAR official.
Dreadful, the standards continue to fall
OFR for Balakin in Marseille, possible handball penalty but he decided to whistle a push from behind by defender, similar decision to Pinheiro in the famous Juventus - Nantes of last season.
ReplyDeleteDuring the OFR the focus was rather on the action by defender than the handball. How will Rosetti assess it?
Why did he choose to whistle for a free kick in their penalty box for OM while they obtained a corner kick just before the OFR call ?
DeleteThat's VAR protocol. Once invited to OFR, a referee can decide what he thinks based on the incident he is shown.
DeleteIn this case he thought that before a possible penalty for handball, attacking team had committed foul, so whistle in favor of defenders. It's not so common, but it can happen.
Yes but in the follow-up for this “fault”, OM obtained a corner kick so they profit from the advantage. Why did he took back this advantage as the fault & the corner kick were in OM-favor ?
DeleteThat's how VAR works. You can't explain it with that logic.
DeleteAll what happened after the foul whistled by referee during OFR, should be considered as never happened, because there was a potential crucial incident before.
@Chefren do you know, how exactly it is stated in the VAR protocol? Because I think anonymous is making a really interesting point there. Just imagine, instead of a corner kick, a penalty had been awarded to OM. Then, when called to OFR and deciding against the hands penalty due to the push, he would have probably come back to the penalty for OM. Would this then have been possible? Or even wrong doing it? I really don‘t know, if the VAR protocol considers such advantages, and if not this situation should give the IFAB some food for thought.
DeleteWow, Chefren, your explanation is soooo wrong. Please take a course about VAR protocol.
DeleteBasically the scenario you describe shouldn't happen. Let's remember that deciding against the reason for which a referee has been called to OFR must be considered as extra-ordinary. The guidelines to referees are to avoid such potential difficult scenes, by stopping the game for allowing an OFR before a dangerous attack from the other team., In this case indeed it sounds a bit weird that after a gained corner the team must return back to a free kick in penalty area.
DeleteSo, quickness and evidence of the call by VAR should be strong arguments to avoid that.
If not for the foul whistled, should the decision have been handball penalty for Brighton? Frankly, yes, at least for me. Therefore, if Balakin hadn't decided for a prior foul, then I think he would probably be forced to give a penalty. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's how I see it.Therefore, I don't really find an argument to support going back to the corner Marseille originally had. However, Refiref does raise an interesting question with such a hypothetical situation, although I think it doesn't apply to this specific incident, for the reasons I wrote.
Delete@Anonymous, so would you be so kind in explaining exactly where I was wrong? Thank you!
DeleteI absolutely see your point, Chefren, that a situation like this should not happen. Nevertheless, as referees we know, that everything can happen and the LOTG quite some rules for situations that shouldn‘t happen in the first place… Therefore, I think, if there is not already a rule in place for that kind of situation, the IFAB should work out one quickly.
DeleteWhat the view on the foul or should it have been a penalty
DeleteWhat a shocking VAR-protocol in Marseille. A corner is obtained by OM but the referee is called for a situation that happened in the making of this action. It is reviewed for a potential penalty against OM for a hand. Finally, ref does not give the penalty but whistle a fault for OM in their penalty box (the OM player who did the hand was pushed by the Brighton player). So basically, OM gained a corner kick but the ref came back to a fault they endured during the making..
ReplyDeleteEverybody was shocked by the decision.
Disgusting usage of laser pointers by the AEK fans in Athens. Jug has already instructed the speaker to call on the fans to stop, doesn't seem to work really. Multiple lasers just yet when Ajax took the penalty. Correctly awarded by Jug btw.
ReplyDeleteOFR for Hernandez Hernandez in Lisbon, handball penalty, correct call by Cuadra Fernandez.
ReplyDeleteCorrect OFR
DeleteCorrect late and decisive PK for Brighton + YC by Balakin at the Vélodrome, reckless stamp by Clauss.
ReplyDeleteTroubles for keeping the control of the players after the whistle.
DeleteHot game for Bakakin. But at the same time under control.
DeleteHäcken game. Scandal. Minute 13 clearly inside the penalty area but VAR didn't intervene and accepted free kick. The defender is literally inside the penalty area and it's physically impossible that it would be outside the penalty area.
ReplyDeleteWell, not physically impossible as if the defender is inside but touches the opponent when he's outside, it's a freekick. But I understand your point and watching the clip multiple times it really feels like the defender trips the attacker on the line. It's not by much but when you see it from a side angle it looks like it's just on the line (in the air) and therefore an OFR probably should've been called.
DeleteMorton Hansen hasn’t had his best start to a game. All over the place at anfield. Player down with a head injury he looks it ignores the foul then goes to blow then decides not to
ReplyDeleteIt was a hit to the shoulder, not the head. Well-detected and correct to continue play.
DeleteVery good performance by Krogh, i Hope to see him in CL group stage soon, maybe next year, soon he will go to u17wc and misses most of group stage.
DeleteHe had a sloppy start in first 20 but after that was very good
DeleteThe aforementioned incident in Häcken - Qarabag (Gishamer/Ciochirca):
ReplyDeletehttps://streamable.com/9wiq7f
Sorry but I genuinely can't understand this. Look at QAR6's right leg, the tripping is 100% inside. Looks like a very big mistake by Austrian VAR crew.
I am not so sure. I think there is a possibility of the first contact being outside. Then, the contact inside the penalty area could be just a consequence of the foul outside. The replays are not conclusive, imo.
DeleteDefinitely a crucial mistake. Clearly inside.
DeleteImpossible to say without super slow-motion.
DeleteThere's no audio cuz I recorded it with my phone screen recorder but the Spanish commentators were quite shocked and definitely expected a VAR intervention to correct the FK decision.
Deletehttps://ibb.co/8PXV6xL
DeleteSide camera the best one for replay, minute 00:43 in the video, I think this can be the decisive contact, punished by referee.
Thank you for posting the clip. For me it's extremely difficult to assess whether it's inside or not. From the side angle as posted by Chefren and played through, it could definitely be deemed as slightly outside and the player afterwards falling on the line. The "feeling" you get is that it's on the line/inside and therefore a penalty but inconclusive from this clip in my opinion.
DeleteGishamer is a disaster. I saw him live last season at Steaua Bucharest vs Anderlecht, he missed 2 clear penalties, one for each team, and made dozens of other smaller errors. Him and Bastien are probably the worst UEFA refs I've ever seen live.
DeleteWatching the clip again from both the front angle and the side angle, the foot of the attacking player is definitely outside the line however, the part which the defending player touches definitely feels like on the line (although not much on the line, the impact part of the leg feels on the line) and therefore a penalty should've been rewarded. Not 100% conclusive but more and more feeling like this should've been an OFR.
DeleteFrom the replay and the still footage posted by Chefren, it probably is slightly outside, but with a strong emphasis on "slightly". I think we're talking about about 1 or 2 centimeters here. However, I cannot be 100% sure about anything I said, the replays are indeed inconclusive as to irrefutable evidence.
Delete@Dukat192 If you play it and pause exactly when the defender hits the attackers leg, doesn't it feel like the impact area is on the line? It's 100% clear that the foot of the attacker itself is outside, but the area which is hit feels on the line. What do you think?
DeleteAs we need hundreds of replays, standing images etc. and are still not able to get whether the exact point of contact is on the line or not, IMO no VAR intervention is the correct decision. VAR only has to intervene if the pictures offer 100% security that the foul was inside/outside. If even with the images VAR has, this is impossible to determine, on field decision has to stand (even though I agree that it looks more of insideish)
DeleteI agree with you @Refiref, it might be extremely difficult to get a conclusive result in a timely manner for VAR and they probably would have supported both on field decisions in this scenario.
DeleteOK, now I've rewatched it again a few times and yes, when I paused the video at the exact moment of contact, it does seem barely on the line. But again, we're talking about a centimeter here, and we would probably need to zoom the image as much as possible to be sure. After these few replays, if I had to bet, I would probably say it's barely ON the line and my initial comment was wrong, however as a VAR, I wouldn't be able to say I have irrefutable evidence for this statement. At least not from these replays.
DeleteI also agree that this is so tight, that every decision will be supported of the referee here. And we have to think that the defender has white socks, so where is the real contact?
DeleteNot only supportable, but completely correct or rather excellent call by the Austrian referee - the only contact was of an impeding nature (more than a 'classic' tripping) on the attacker's left thigh, definitely before the penalty box line. Mr Gishamer saw it perfectly; kudos!
Deletehttps://imgur.com/a/EFVzA2Z
I'm sorry but at least that's clear on
Deletethe penalty area line. especially when you see the whole action in the video link. It's certainly not easy on the field of play, but there should have been a penalty for Häcken.
No problems for Əliyar Ağayev in the not challenging Raków - Sturm. Very good impression - rather firm and distant but also able to connect with players and even smile when possible.
ReplyDeleteVillarreal - Rennes, penalty annulled after OFR because the ball was out when keeper made contact with attacker, the latter had already kicked.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, in such situation penalty should be directly annulled by VAR because factual decision that ball was not in play, nothing to decide for referee.
Based on the replay, I wouldn't exclude that the Austrian VAR looked for another argument for removing it, but in my opinion it was a supportable call.
The ball wasn't yet out when the contact was first made and Lechner restarted with a drop ball so it was clearly not because the ball was out
DeleteVery calm evening for Delajod. Nothing to report. Very good performance. Very elegant refereeing style by the way.
ReplyDeleteNot challenged at all. 6-0
DeleteFrédéric Veraghaenne is the stupidest delegate member,Maccabi Haifa’s player Eric shuranov probably have ACL and the idiotic delegate member insists on him to do an drugs test,the team wants to take him to the hospital and Mr veraghaenne insists.
ReplyDeleteWithout any influence on the result, Pajac did not have a good night in Rome. Inconsistent foul detection and 3 missed YC
ReplyDeleteCan we expect a debut for Balakin in UCL this season?
ReplyDeleteHere the OFR by Balakin in first half:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/bJNX3f8Sjl
I hadn't watched it yesterday, and I must say, it is very confusing.
You can immediately point out that there wasn't the required communication between referee and VAR, after the incident the play continue for a certain time like nothing had happened, then when corner kick for Marseille, immediately OFR. Not the best management, referee could have received some signals before.
Also, the fact that communication VAR - Referee was not excellent, can be found in the information sent from the VAR room after the OFR: Decision PENALTY. Then changed in NO PENALTY. Looks like that Balakin and the VARs worked on too much distant levels. This led to the particular situation of a corner kick annulled to return back to free kick in penalty area.
There is already everything to comment, apart from the real nature of the final decision, that can be even considered a secondary aspect here... I'm sorry, they should have managed it better!
Better about second crucial incident of the game, correct penalty spotted thank to good positioning, not easy to manage players afterwards:
Deletehttps://streamff.co/v/QbdrRWkmfe
What the view on the foul or should it have been a penalty
DeleteI personally believe it's a foul @anonymous, a stamp on the foot be the defending player in a way that can't be ignored. Sometimes these types of fouls are overexaggerated by the attacker but in this case it looks genuine and a penalty feels like the correct decision.
DeleteFor the VAR review, I feel that the referee did not need to be called to the screen. I agree however that play should have been stopped much earlier.
DeleteSituation yesterday in Balakin’s Match and got a lot of people Talking with Respect to VAR protocol and I am indeed intrigued…. There was a potential Handball, play carried on until a corner and OFR ensued, now Balakin decided a attacking foul was his final decision and hence the corner was brought back to a defensive free kick, so I ask, if a goal or a penalty was given instead of a corner what would be the outcome?? Will the referee bring it back for a defensive free kick??? The only way out might be to not award the free kick and deem the handball not punishable because that is only when a previous play can stand after OFR when a referee makes no decision during OFR
ReplyDelete"The only way out might be to not award the free kick and deem the handball not punishable because that is only when a previous play can stand after OFR when a referee makes no decision during OFR"
ReplyDeleteAgree this was the best option. In fact he could have gone with this anyway and awarded the corner...
But what if the infringement was so clear that he can’t ignore the reason why he was called to the OFR and the only way out is to give the penalty or give a free kick? This rarely happens tho because the VAR usually would have picked up on the foul it’s self and avoid calling an OFR or sometimes as so many referees do when a lots at stake they take the less complicated way out and award the penalty because if he doesn’t give a free kick or award the penalty, it would count against him
DeleteIts an interesting clip for sure. In this case I think the free kick is the best option. final question was the VAR correct to call him to the screen was it a clear and obvious error
ReplyDeleteFor such situation, in terms of “waiting time” was so long before VAR called the referee, who is responsible to stop the game or to inform the referee what happened in VAR room? I mean can you “blame” Balakin for that reason?
ReplyDeleteThe VAR is Lasyk, but the AVAR is well known Kwiatkowski
Delete100% poor call from VAR room
DeleteBeside that strange call/procedure, IMO Balakin show at least very good performance in challenging match with Rosetti as observer. Good to watch his potential to become elite referee and perhaps could be FO in Euro (in terms of age).
DeleteThe handball penalty after OFR by Hernandez Hernandez: should the Spanish referee have looked for a better positoning, closer to penalty area, to spot the incident?
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/beyjpCQsVf
Well, from the clip you can't see his positioning. But assuming he's still slightly to the left and just following the play, he should be in a pretty good position to spot the potential handball. Not the easiest to spot (as you can see by the non existing handball appeals). I think this was just an unfortunate miss that can be difficult to spot due to the speed of the shot in my opinion.
DeleteOT : For your information, Lawrence Visser (B) was injured this Friday evening in the Charleroi-RWDM match and had to be replaced by the FO. https://twitter.com/i/status/1710391816837542166
ReplyDeleteWhere could I find the referee appointments for Saudi Pro League?
ReplyDeleteThe Saudi FA Twitter account.
DeleteThey post the appointments for the matches on the same day, around noon/13:00.
Al Hilal Umut Meler
DeleteCould you send me the link of the official twitter account of Saudi FA because I can't find it?
Delete1- twitter.com/saudiFF
Delete2- download picture
3- translate.google.co.uk/?sl=ar&tl=en&op=images
OT: Anyone know who is Samuel Barrott, based on Sofascore, he only lead 10 match in Championship! And now he will debut in EPL on Fulham-Sheffield. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think he'll be a bit out of his depth in PL today, but Barrott impressed me recent EFL games and was a name to look out for imo (even prior to this appmnt).
DeleteOliver will lead Arsenal-Man City with Lee Betts as AR2, anyone know who is Lee Betts? Or why not Simon Bennett again if Dan Cook suspended.
ReplyDeleteLee Betts is a very good experienced FIFA assistant referee. It would appear Simon Bennett has been replaced in team Oliver. Lee Betts seems to be the backup AR for team Oliver and Taylor.
DeleteBetts is probably a better AR than Cook anyway. It’s probably the age that has got Cook into Oliver’s team. Both are excellent ARS though
DeletePredictions for EURO qualifiers
ReplyDeleteESP-SCO: Letexier (FRA) CYP-NOR: Fuxman (ISR)
GEO-CYP: do Nascimento (AND) NOR-ESP: Makkelie (NED)
NED-FRA: Nyberg (SWE) IRL-GRE: Pajac (CRO)
GRE-NED: Gil Manzano (ESP) GIB-IRL: Chiffi (ITA)
UKR-MKD: Martins (POR) ITA-MLT: Viljanen (FIN)
ENG-ITA: Stieler (GER) MLT-UKR: Bogar (HUN)
LVA-ARM: Ladebäck (SWE) CRO-TÜR: Zwayer (GER)
WAL-CRO: Al-Hakim (SWE) TÜR-LVA: Hagenes (NOR)
ALB-CZE: Massa (ITA) FÄR-POL: Argyrou (CYP)
CZE-FÄR: Lardot (BEL) POL-MDA: Krogh (DEN)
EST-AZE: Munuera (ESP) AUT-BEL: Kruzliak (SVK)
AZE-AUT: Bognar (HUN) BEL-SWE: Meler (TÜR)
BUL-LTU: Manouchos (GRE) HUN-SRB: Bastien (FRA)
SRB-MNE: Grinfeeld (ISR) LTU-HUN: Jug (SVN)
NIR-SMR: Stojchevski (MKD) SVN-FIN: Taylor (ENG) DEN-KAZ: Gishamer (AUT)
FIN-KAZ: Jorgji (ALB) NIR-SVN: Frappart (FRA) SMR-DEN: Theouli (CYP)
ISR-SUI: Turpin (FRA) BLR-ROU: Verissimo (POR) AND-KOS: Petrik (CZE)
SUI-BLR: Strukan (CRO) ROU-AND: Harvey (IRL) KOS-ISR: Kruashvili (GEO)
POR-SVK: Hernandez (ESP) ISL-LUX: McLaughlin (IRL) LIE-BIH: Munukka (FIN)
BIH-POR: Brisard (FRA) ISL-LIE: Muntean (MDA) LUX-SVK: Orsato (ITA)
IMO Bastien is not avaliable for HUN-SRB, because Turpin was the refereree on MNE-SRB
DeleteI expect Kovacs this round. He worked on a qualifier in June, however he was off in September.
DeleteI like the prediction for LUX-SVK. Some people might not realise or simply miss it, but this game is crucial, decisive. Definitely not a low profile game as it might have looked like in MD1. Top Elite expected there.
DeleteFrappart for Slovenia at this crucial stage of the qualification? If something goes wrong there, then it would put so much pressure on the female refereeing project. I don't think they would risk that.
DeleteThanks for the feedback
Delete@Bastien: Turpin hat SRB on MD2, I don't think this can be a problem
@Kovacs: Surely possible, that he gets a game
@Frappart: Well, she has WC and CL experience, so this shouldn't be a problem for her. Furthermore I don't think, the game requires an Elite referee.
https://streamff.co/v/1hNZ-oACGQ
ReplyDeleteAn interesting incident from serie A game Empoli - Udinese, played yesterday, referee Michael Fabbri.
In my opinion this shows exactly how much difficult is to make assessments about clear and obvious mistakes when talking about penalties.
On a hand, you can understand why VAR called referee (the movement of defender who tried to avoid contact with attacker), but if you look at the overall situation, I think you can't say this was VAR stuff. Defender coming and clearly having a contact with consequence for the attacker, so? In my opinion using VAR in such situations doesn't help football, because you will find many other VARs supporting the referees for the same calls...
About the incident, for me rather not a penalty, but never a clear and obvious mistake and that's the point...
From a spectator POV, I would love for VAR to be used for the referee to ultimately make a correct decision and not a soft one. But for how VAR is supposed to be used, this offence is rather soft but supportable. For me it's more of a collision, maybe a 60/40 scenario in favor of the attacker but definitely not a "clear and obvious mistake" like VAR protocol requires. This is bad for overall football as fans & teams will keep requesting VAR for judgement situations as long as VAR keeps being an assessment tool rather than a factual tool, it gives people false expectations and creates confusion on what VAR is there for :/
Delete100% correct
DeleteExcellent refereeing from John Brooks 45’ at Luton town to send Tottenham player of for diving, he was already booked.
ReplyDeleteRomanian FIFA list for 2024 (with actual ranking): https://scoaladearbitri.ro/arbitrii-propusi-de-cca-pentru-lista-fifa-2024/
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Vassaras' committee nominated Hategan ahead of Kovacs, despite Kovacs attending WC22, while Hategan did not referee any international match for 18 months, since his unfortunate medical issue...
There is no proof that the names are sorted by "ranking", you can't be sure about it because it is not mentioned anywhere. It might be as well in random order.
DeleteI am waiting for Hațegan in European games again. This season he had 3 domestic games so far, tomorrow is the 4th. Those were not necessarily hot games, derbies of the round but still. The fact that he was included in the 2024 list may be a hint that there is a plan to return on the pitch in Europe as well.
Netherlands france Umut Meler (Türkiye)
DeleteFRF always released their list with ranking. The other option would have been by alphabetical order (as most federations do), but this is not the case. If you look at the list, it clearly shows the ranking of nominated referees.
Delete@matei14 in your opinion has Hategan still some opportunities to attend Uefa Euro 2024 as main referee or his old heart desease rules him out for the next big competition?
DeleteIt is not impossible but extremely difficult. However, look what Marciniak achieved after his injury. From the reports, passing the physical tests was not a issue, I guess this apply also to the European's ones. If chances for Euro, Hategan must return on the pitch pronto, it doesn't matter the game, Conference League or law profile game in Euro Qualifiers. But it must be asap. Sure, it does matter also if he has the motivation necessary to return to top level. Rosetti should have reasons not to give up on him because there is a big need of trusted referees from neutral countries.
DeleteFrom handball, but anyway: What do you think about this way of managing a wall? :D
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Havardkleven/status/1703137276811784477
Personality!
DeleteEXCELLENT Performance by Marco Piccinini in Genoa-Milan tonight. I would rate him the maximum in Italian Scale which, iinm chefren said to be 8,70.
ReplyDeleteHilarious comment, after a goal allowed after a handball…
DeleteAfter a quite calm first half, a very challenging second part of the game followed. The referee was basically good, but there are some things that he could have managed better. Big discussion about the possible handball before the goal, many replays are not conclusive, I will try to post the clip of best angle later. Both keepers sent off at the end of the game, extremely rare: the first for a serious foul player, after VAR call, the second for a second YC, but in the latter case it seems an advantage was possible. One must watch the full last sequence of the game...
DeleteThis is the best angle to assess whether handball or not:
Deletehttps://streamff.co/v/MG_Ud6WGLs
From all the other angles, it looks more body than arm to me.
Advantage or not at the RC for Genoa goalkeeper, are you sure that there is contact? Because from the replay with that angle it kinda looks like a simulation from Milan player to me ... (I watched the highlights provided the the official Serie A YouTube channel)
DeleteWhen you get called by VAR after not whistling DOGSO and issuing RC,that cant be excellent performance...
DeleteIs that for DOGSO or SFP the RC for Maignan?
DeleteMy mistake,SFP happened,but it was very close to DOGSO...
DeleteAnyone got a clip of the 2nd yellow simulation clip by brooks today?
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/ixWhvc3Hk6
DeleteBeautiful decision, well done by Brooks.
DeletePenalty and red card given after VAR intervention for DOGSO handball by Nick Walsh today St Mirren v Rangers. Interesting in that it was a handball stopping it getting to a player who would score rather than a direct handling on the line.
ReplyDeleteExcellent intervention
Very dark YC from Oliver for Kovacic, really really close to RC, but YC IMO it’s supportable
ReplyDeletePersonally, it's a RC for SFP: outstretched leg, contact on the ankle with studs with significant intensity. I do understand it's probably not enough in the Premier League, but I would like to see this punished more.
Deletehttps://streamff.com/v/3b7SR5qYc6
DeleteNever more than YC for PL standards!
DeleteYes, it looked similar to Jones's OFR RC in the Liverpool-Tottenham match but with a little less force. RC would have been supportable, but it being such an important match in the less stringent Premier League, a YC is understandable.
DeleteYellow card in big PL game for sure. 2nd yellow is missed however
DeleteAnd now it should be 2YC for Kovacic, clear missed YC from Oliver
ReplyDeleteHere I agree with you, but again: probably "not enough". However, I think it's a mistake, pretty clear YC for me.
Delete2 weekends, multiple terrible decisions by PGMOL - the best league in the world is being ruined. I support referees and love this page however I cannot continue to sit back in silence about the horrendous officiating by both on field referees and VAR in the premier league. Howard Webb needs to do something imminently. 2 sunday night games the most watched football each weekend both ruined by pathetic performances.
ReplyDeleteWhat a load of nonsense, the lack of red card is debatable to say the least. This game was not ruined by poor officiating
DeletePlease tell me where the multiple wrong decisions were this weekend?
Delete1. Missed red card by Anthony Taylor for a pull back in the area (penalty rightly given) clear DOGSO
Delete2. Clear second yellow card and arguably straight red by Michael Oliver
3. Missed second yellow by Peter Bankes
That is just 3 decision changing actions from 2 games. Point proven.
Delete1. There was a covering defender and his direction was going away from goal, enough doubt to not be DOGSO.
Delete2. Second yellow probably better outcome but again not a howler and certainly not a match ruining decision (Arsenal won the game)
3. Didn't see so cannot comment.
Agree on missed RC by Bankes,clear SPA from Guimares minute or seconds after he picked up his 1st YC.
Delete2. Clearest second yellow ever mate, Oliver is lucky arsenal won, otherwise everyone would be complaining
DeleteVery poor so far from Oliver, frankly said. poorly missed advantage for Lewis now
ReplyDeleteThe goal would anyway be disallowed due to hand play right before the goal
DeletePersonally I think Taylor should lead this match and not Oliver, clearly Taylor still ENG #1 why he can’t lead this match? I think now maybe Oliver had 2-3 very very crucial mistake. But regardless of who is the main referee, it’s very questionable for me why the VAR is John Brooks, I mean we still have Attwell, Gillett, Tierney, and Coote who are more experience with VAR.
ReplyDeleteOliver is number 1 in England. Taylor has been dreadful this season, and was very poor in Brighton earlier in the day. Brooks is a better VAR than Tierney and Coote
DeleteThe yellow card decision on tackle one has been widely accepted in England and this is not wanted as a red, let alone a var intervention.
DeleteAlso Attwell had controversy with two missed interventions as a VAR in Brighton vs Aston Villa last weekend. Tierney had controversy in arsenal vs spurs.
DeleteOT: The most interesting call in the match for me so far came at about the 55' (?) when Oliver called a trip on an onrushing Man City player just outside the Arsenal penalty box, only for the player to get up quickly after falling and score. Haaland was quite demonstrative in wanting advantage to be played, but the Man City player's hand or arm also touched the ball as he was falling. What is interesting about the call is 1. Would the handling have fallen under the interpretation of handling not to be called when a player's arm is supporting himself when falling? 2. Did the Arsenal players immediately stop when they heard Oliver's whistle, thus nullifying the Man City's player's goal? Overally, it would have been much better had Oliver held his whistle, but the apparent handling probably would have been called anyway even if against the handling rule interpretation, as it was so close to goal.
ReplyDeleteThe handball would have been by the goalscorer, so they goal would have been ruled out immediately
DeleteOT: Anyone know or have the clip for Van Dijk handball incident in Brighton?
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1711090349500760284
ReplyDeleteAll matches in Israel have been postponed
Chefren any info about Juan Luca Sacchi being suspended for not shaking the hand of his female Assistant Refreee DI Monti in Lecce vs Sassuolo
ReplyDeleteThe info about suspension is false. Media created a scoop when it was clear that Sacchi didn't do that on purpose. He was not looking at her and he wanted to shake hands with the captains of the teams. He was maybe thinking to other things and he missed the gesture of his assistant. Absolutely nothing personally, just a poor sequence of events that allowed people to think about a wrong fact. The referee was even accused of sexism, this is how the world thinks today...
DeleteI thought as much, this is a colleague who he travelled to the stadium together and share the same dressing room.
Delete