Thursday, 23 January 2025

Europa League 2024/25 - Referee Appointments - Matchday 7

2024-25 UEFA Europa League, MD7 appointments.


Tuesday 21 January 2025 

16:30 CET - Istanbul (Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi)
GALATASARAY (TUR) - FK DYNAMO KYIV (UKR)
Referee: Kristo Tohver EST
Assistant Referee 1: Silver Koiv EST
Assistant Referee 2: Sander Saga EST
Fourth Official: Kevin Kaivoja EST
Video Assistant Referee: Marko Liiva EST
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Joonas Jaanovits EST
UEFA Referee Observer: László Vagner HUN
UEFA Delegate: Fredy Fürst POL

Wednesday 22 January 2025 

16:30 CET - Istanbul (Beşiktaş Park)
BEŞIKTAŞ JK (TUR) - ATHLETIC CLUB (ESP) 
Referee: Julian Weinberger AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Andreas Heidenreich AUT
Assistant Referee 2: Maximilian Kolbitsch AUT
Fourth Official: Stefan Ebner AUT
Video Assistant Referee: Manuel Schuettengruber AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Ante Vučemilović CRO
UEFA Delegate: Alexandr Keplin KAZ Loukas Siotropos GRE 

Thursday 23 January 2025 

18:45 CET - Porto (Estádio do Dragão)
FC PORTO (POR) - OLYMBIAKÓS SFP (GRE)
Referee: Clément Turpin FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Erwan Finjean FRA
Fourth Official: Mathieu Vernice FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Juan Antonio Fernández Marín ESP
UEFA Delegate: René Siegrist SUI

18:45 CET - Alkmaar (AZ Stadion) 
AZ ALKMAAR (NED) - AS ROMA (ITA)
Referee: Irfan Peljto BIH
Assistant Referee 1: Senad Ibrišimbegović BIH
Assistant Referee 2: Davor Beljo BIH
Fourth Official: Antoni Bandić BIH
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Helmut Fleischer GER
UEFA Delegate: Philippe Prudhon FRA

18:45 CET - Istanbul (Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi Ülker Stadyumu)
FENERBAHÇE (TUR) - OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (FRA)  
Referee: Simone Sozza ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Alberto Tegoni ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Giorgio Peretti ITA
Fourth Official: Matteo Marchetti ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Doveri ITA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR 
UEFA Delegate: Adrian Ixari MDA

18:45 CET - Baku (Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium)
QARABAĞ FK (AZE) - FC FCSB (ROU)
Referee: Filip Glova SVK
Assistant Referee 1: Daniel Polacek SVK
Assistant Referee 2: Peter Bednar SVK
Fourth Official: Lukáš Dzivjak SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Michal Očenáš SVK
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Martin Dohal SVK
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Hansson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Natalya Vorobyova BLR

18:45 CET - Plzeň (Doosan Aréna)
FC VIKTORIA PLZEŇ (CZE) - RSC ANDERLECHT (BEL)
Referee: Antonio Nobre POR 
Assistant Referee 1: Pedro Ribeiro POR 
Assistant Referee 2: Nelson Pereira POR
Fourth Official: Bruno Miguel Carmo Vieira POR
Video Assistant Referee: André Narciso POR 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fábio Oliveira Melo POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Dejan Filipović SRB
UEFA Delegate: Michael O'Brien ENG

18:45 CET - Bodø (Aspmyra Stadion)
FK BODØ/GLIMT (NOR) - MK MAKKABI TEL AVIV (ISR)
Referee: Ricardo De Burgos ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Iker De Francisco ESP 
Assistant Referee 2: Alfredo Rodriguez Moreno ESP
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos Del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Lassin Isaksen FRO
UEFA Delegate: Thomas Grimm SUI

18:45 CET - Malmö (Eleda Stadion)
MALMÖ FF (SWE) - FC TWENTE (NED)
Referee: Sascha Stegemann GER
Assistant Referee 1: Christof Günsch GER
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller GER
Fourth Official: Martin Ptersen GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Kenneth William Clark SCO
UEFA Delegate: Anna Bordiugova UKR

18:45 CET - Sinsheim (PreZero Arena)
TSG 1899 HOFFENHEIM (GER) - TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC (ENG)
Referee: Morten Krogh DEN 
Assistant Referee 1: D. Wollenberg Rasmussen DEN
Assistant Referee 2: Steffen Bramsen DEN
Fourth Official: Mikkel Redder DEN
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos CRO
UEFA Delegate: Tomás Bárta CZE

21:00 CET - Manchester (Old Trafford)
MANCHESTER UNITED FC (ENG) - RANGERS FC (SCO) 
Referee: Erik Lambrechts BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Jo de Weirdt BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Mathias Hillaert BEL
Fourth Official: Nathan Verboomen BEL
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benjamin Brand GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Strömbergsson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Marcin Stefański POL

21:00 CET - Frankfurt Am Main (Deutsche Bank Park)
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT (GER) - FERENCVÁROSI TC (HUN)
Referee: Enea Jorgji ALB
Assistant Referee 1: Denis Rexha ALB
Assistant Referee 2: Ridiger Çokaj ALB
Fourth Official: Eldorjan Hamiti ALB
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA 
UEFA Referee Observer: David Malcom NIR
UEFA Delegate: Filip Popovski MKD

21:00 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico) 
SS LAZIO (ITA) - REAL SOCIEDAD DE FÚTBOL (ESP)
Referee: Lawrence Visser BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Rien Vanyzere BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Thibaud Nijssen BEL
Fourth Official: Simon Bourdeaud'hui BEL
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Alan Mario Sant MLT
UEFA Delegate: Metin Kazancıoğlu TUR

21:00 CET - Thessaloniki (Stadio Toumba) 
PAOK (GRE) - SK SLAVIA PRAHA (CZE)
Referee: Matej Jug SVN 
Assistant Referee 1: Matej Žunič SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Manuel Vidali SVN
Fourth Official: David Šmajc SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Asmir Sagrković SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alen Borošak SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Edward Foley IRL 
UEFA Delegate: Alexander Aleinik BLR

21:00 CET - Brussels (Koning Boudewijnstadion)
ROYALE UNION SAINT-GILLOISE (BEL) - SC BRAGA (POR) 
Referee: Nicholas Walsh SCO
Assistant Referee 1: Graeme Stewart SCO
Assistant Referee 2: Calum Spence SCO
Fourth Official: Christopher Graham SCO
Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Steven McLean SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Marinus Koopman NED
UEFA Delegate: Philipp Mergenthaler GER
Mentor for Delegate: Scott Struthers SCO 

21:00 CET - Razgrad (Huvepharma Arena)
PFK LUDOGORETS 1945 (BUL) - FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN)
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mehmet Culum SWE 
Assistant Referee 2: Fredrik Klyver SWE
Fourth Official: Granit Maqedonci SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Pascal Müller GER Robert Schröder GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Robert Schröder GER Harm Osmers GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Alexandru Deaconu ROU 
UEFA Delegate: Vakhtang Bzikadze GEO

21:00 CET - Riga (Daugava)
RFS (LVA) - AFC AJAX (NED) 
Referee: Marian Barbu ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Ovidiu Artene ROU 
Assistant Referee 2: Imre Laszlo Bucsi ROU
Fourth Official: Rares Vidican ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Ovidiu Haţegan ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Adrian Costreie ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Leslie Irvine NIR 
UEFA Delegate: Peadar Ryan IRL

21:00 CET - Borås (Borås Arena)
IF ELFSBORG (SWE) - OGC NICE (FRA)
Referee: Igor Pajač CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Ivan Mihalj CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Vedran Ðurak CRO
Fourth Official: Tihomir Pejin CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Brino Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Nuno Parreira De Castro POR
UEFA Delegate: Patrizia Friese GER
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96 comments:

  1. Anass19 January 2025 at 20:37

    Eredivisie:
    Almere City FC - Heracles Almelo
    https://x.com/BlauFcvd/status/1881003969205649696

    There was a clear handball in the attacking phase leading up to the goal of 0-2. De Keersmaecker controlled the ball with his right arm. There was no debate and it appeared to have been missed by VAR Gerrets. However, after the match the KNVB gave NOS a surprising explanation: 'the handball, around the halfway line, took place too far from the goal for the VAR to intervene.'

    Yes, I am embarrassed to share this story here. I wonder what Makkelie and Gözübüyük think about the difference in approach with UEFA. After the long periode of Dick van Egmond, there were high hopes for new refereeing boss Raymond van Meenen, but things are not going as expected. He had in fact said in October that he wanted the same standards in the Netherlands as UEFA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elliot19 January 2025 at 22:06

      Do you have a video to confirm the whole sequence until the ball enters the net, because just with this video, you can't say anything about KNVB's explanation

      Delete
    2. Unknown19 January 2025 at 22:20

      This would be the full sequence:
      https://www.streambug.io/cv/fe8b67

      Delete
    3. Elliot19 January 2025 at 22:32

      Well then, I don't know what to say honestly. If they wanted to at least make it believable, they could've said something like "arm close to the body" (even though that wouldn't hold up either, since there is a deliberate movement of the arm). Unfortunately it seems that refereeing in the Netherlands is not at a very good stage, having seen a lot of controversy during the entire season basically. A bit sad and surprising considering KNVB were one of the biggest pioneers of VAR technology (the first federation to officially implement it in a competitive match I believe)

      Delete
    4. Unknown20 January 2025 at 07:49


      "It seems that refereeing in the Netherlands is not at a very good stage"

      @Elliot: the level of refereeing has to improve, however the level of refereeing is certainly not worse than in other countries. It were mainly the last matchdays (as from 1 week before Christmas) that many mistakes by CRs and VARs were made, but in particular by non-FIFA referees and VARs. The clip above for example concerns a VAR (Gerrets), a poor referee and VAR who never officiates Eredivisie, and is also never appointed as VAR in top games. For good reasons. I am not surprised by the mistakes, I am more surprised that it has no consequences.

      Makkelie and Gozubuyuk have a steady season. On 30 Oct and 2 Nov, they handled the top games (FEY-AJA and AJA-PSV respectively) and after the final whistle, nobody talked about the referee. Moreover, Nijhuis is still very trusted. Nagtegaal and Van der Eijk are promising as well, but need more experience to handle top games. Higler was injured. Lindhout didn’t reach his usual level tbf.

      Furthermore, the discussion in local Dutch media are often tailored to the VAR and the inconsistent usage of VAR (just like in England and many other countries). Last seasons, the VAR was deemed too active. The new referee boss wants to change that, however unfortunately now VARs often stay silent and as a result clear mistakes are not overturned. But once again: this did not happen with experienced FIFA VMOs behind the screens, such as Dieperink, van Boekel or Higler.

      Delete
    5. Unknown20 January 2025 at 07:54

      To add: Joey Kooij is making good progress. Very steady and no big mistakes.

      Delete
  2. Anass20 January 2025 at 10:33

    My biggest complaint for KNVB is that since referees basically don't stand in front of the cameras after the match anymore, no one explains the rules. Compared to how other top countries are moving towards disclosure, KNVB's refereeing committee is moving in the opposite direction. These days we don't even get to see the footage of the offside line in doubtful cases (And an error of VAR Ruperti at PEC-PSV!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown20 January 2025 at 11:07

      Agree. Although the Dutch media climate is very toxic at the moment. Bullying referees is what they do and already did. I think the way Makkelie explained a few situations yesterday (on behalf of his colleagues!) in the talkshow created more understanding and acceptance. So, I agree that they have to find a way, or some sort of channel to provide more transparancy and explain the rules.

      What also concerns me is that the media can pillories a referee who applied a rule correctly, because they do not know the rule, or because the application of the handball rule does not contribute to the football. But still, the media will always blame the referee after the decision instead of criticizing the rule itself.

      Delete
  3. Peter20 January 2025 at 10:53

    Interesting to see Julian Weinberger in the Europa League for a third time this season, in a game that is quite relevant for Besiktas and probably in front of a respectable crowd. Since he was not invited to the Advanced Course for Top Referees, I still assume that he won't be considered after the group stage.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chefren21 January 2025 at 10:34

    So, Peljto and Turpin are the only two Elite referees appointed in Europa League, and maybe they will even repeat in Champions on next week.
    Clear choice by committee to appoint at maximum all Category 1 for the other games.
    It's interesting to note that in one of theese game with an Elite referee, an Italian team that can still qualify is involved (against the Dutch side in a very similar position). No doubts about that, once again, special treatment by committee.
    Also, one should point out that both referee, the Bosnian and the French, will officiate 18:45 games, so a bit more time to recover after the final whistle :)
    The fact that all CL games are planned for Wednesday on MD8 is the best help for committee, they will have a day more and, in the end, we could say that a week (from Thursday to Wednesday) can be definitely enough.
    Simone Sozza appointment is also a very important one to discuss: given that he is a candidate for CL debut, how to read this one? Like the two Elite, he will officiate at 18:45. It's possible this is a very final test before the debut, but it's also possible that he will not get it, given the very poor period he is having at moment. A terrible officiating in Italian Super Cup, and then a serie B appointment on recent days. I think that very often UEFA is aware of the domestic form and in all cases, they will be very careful. We will see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown21 January 2025 at 11:10

      About Sozza. I think Rosetti & co are aiming for a possible debut in PSV-Liverpool. The Dutch team versus the English leader with a Dutch trainer. Mutual respect guaranteed, blah blah. ;-)

      However, a debut appointment only should be possible if PSV wins tonight in Serbia (which explains the delay), and I’m not so convinced about PSV winning in the hostile atmosphere in Serbia, they are currently in a poor period.

      The MD8 appointments for Feyenoord and Dortmund are delayed as well.

      Delete
  5. Ecosse21 January 2025 at 17:43

    Interesting situation in Istanbul. 2nd yc initially given for handball attempting to score. Overturned and a penalty given for a foul.

    I'm not convinced it's a clear penalty. I think the 2nd yc swayed the VAR to intervene

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ugur B21 January 2025 at 17:45

      Dynamo Kyiv defender has no intention to play the ball (doesn't even look at the ball) and holds the attacker.

      Delete
    2. Elliot21 January 2025 at 17:51

      Well, there is also some pulling from the attacker as well, and what causes him to fall like that is just him throwing himself to the ground. I don't believe there are grounds for a VAR intervention here, I'm sorry

      Delete
  6. Ugur B21 January 2025 at 17:44

    Interesting moments in Istanbul. Min 51, Tohver sent of GS attacker #53 for 2nd YC for handball in penalty area. VAR called Tohver for OFR for a penalty. Tohver cancelled 2nd YC, gave penalty in favour of GS.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Chefren21 January 2025 at 18:06

    Here the mentioned incident in Tohver game:
    https://streamin.me/v/2cc404c4
    Shouldn't be VAR stuff, this would be never called in Italy because the action defender / attacker is rather mutual and you can't see a clear one-sided foul. I think VAR called because in his opinion handball was committed due to the holding by opponent, but this is not enough argument for VAR, if taken alone.
    And, was the handball an attempt to score from that position, was the original YC by Tohver correct? Many points for discussion here, but to me, most important and I will repeat that again and again, having VARs from all countries in UEFA, and watching all different managements of similar situations, it's simply useless.

    There was also a penalty area incident for handball in first half, VAR didn't call Tohver, but I had doubts, it didn't look like arm as support, in case I will post clip to follow.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whistler 21 January 2025 at 20:07

      I believe no VAR for the handball first half was correct. The red card penalty situation was a mess. No attempt to score with the hand and both players holding. Not a clear error for me. I would just award a free kick to KYIV

      Delete
  8. Christ Mattelin21 January 2025 at 19:11

    Since my Dutch colleagues expand about their referees, I take note that two Belgian referees are in as well. It is clear however that Lambrechts has the better game of the two with ManU. Visser is in front of a trip to Rome, but AS Roma is first of the 32 competitors so far, so the game is far from top. And we only have 1 Belgian VAR so far, attributed (logically) to Lambrechts. Visser has Dutch VARs : no language problems

    ReplyDelete
  9. Christ Mattelin21 January 2025 at 19:12

    I mean Lazio Roma....Sorry for that, Italian bloggers :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren21 January 2025 at 19:30

      No problems for Lazio indeed, as they are first-placed in the league. Game is important only for Real Sociedad, but to me committee doesn't care that much about that.
      Still a nice Italian-Spanish clash, but not a crucial game for Visser.
      Definitely a more important one for Erik Lambrechts in Manchester. Both teams are close each other, looking for qualification. Surely an interesting one to be watched.
      At moment the ranking between the two Belgian referees seems always the same, Lambrechts went ahead of Visser.

      Delete
  10. Chefren21 January 2025 at 20:37

    Here the possible penalty for handball in first half.

    Indeed after rewatching, I think one can agree that this wasn't VAR stuff, arm position was rather consistent with the movement of the player. But if called by Tohver live, I think no intervention by VAR to remove it.
    https://streambug.org/cv/1d950b

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren21 January 2025 at 21:39

      Full clip of the OFR:
      https://streambug.org/cv/e8c318
      I agree with Whistler final assessment for me better decision here free kick to Dynamo Kyiv for handball by attacker, but nothing more. You can't say that he wanted to score, I think he just wanted to reach ball at all cost and he used the arm. Then, about the holding, it is rather mutual, also a certain (but yes, less intense) action by attacker, so you can never say that this is a clear penalty. To me, this situation was wrongly managed by both referee and VAR, both focused on two different details (the referee the handball, VAR the holding) but nobody asseseed it as it should have been done with all the elements.

      Further clip:

      39' Management
      https://streambug.org/cv/18a67f

      2-1 goal, ball out before? VAR stayed silent.
      https://streambug.org/cv/3d19ca

      45'+2 Offside or not? Deliberate play or deflection?
      https://streambug.org/cv/a72250

      Delete
    2. Ecosse21 January 2025 at 22:22

      Given the clear deliberate nature of the handball it would be very difficult to convince non LOTG minded people that it's not a yellow card.

      In most fans minds a clearly deliberate handball is a yellow card even if its not stated in the LOTG. (There's an argument for unsporting behaviour)

      Delete
    3. Whistler 21 January 2025 at 23:10

      One could argue that the handball was due to the holding . It was all rather messy.

      Delete
  11. Chefren22 January 2025 at 18:43

    OFR for Weinberger in the last minutes of the game.
    https://streamin.me/v/4c883eb6

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S22 January 2025 at 20:55

      Hm, doesn't really prove a significant contact, I think.

      Delete
    2. Chefren22 January 2025 at 21:10

      Didn't write It before, but Iagree with you. Not clear how much contact with Attacker. I think they made this OFR only because ball was not played. But I don't think you have the evidence of clear foul.

      Delete
  12. RefSoccer341222 January 2025 at 20:05

    VAR Team Changes

    Robert Schröder replaces Pascal Müller. Harm Osmers is AVAR

    ReplyDelete
  13. AlexD23 January 2025 at 19:04

    OFR in Baku to cancel a penalty in 13'. Kinda intervention I don't understand because to me that penalty decision was supportable. Glova spent more than a minute watching and rewatching VAR footage.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lincoln23 January 2025 at 19:15

    There was some doubt about the origin of the play that led to Son's goal. It appeared that Betancur had deliberately controlled the ball with his arm, but Boekel (VAR) did not recommend a review and Krogh confirmed Tottenham's goal on the pitch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elliot23 January 2025 at 19:27

      The handball came before the throw-in, and not in the APP to the goal. However it was inside the penalty so a review could still have happened. But because the ball came from a short distance and also touched the body of Bentancur before, I don't think there is 100% evidence of a deliberate handball in this situation, so play on could probably be supported, at least in my Englified eyes :)

      Delete
  15. TC02100223 January 2025 at 19:18

    AR2 for the Malmo game Achmuller (was with Zwayer in euros) has just left the germany fifa list. Interesting he's doing a game so quickly after leaving the list..

    ReplyDelete
  16. Chefren23 January 2025 at 19:39

    Very interesting red card decision for SFP by Sozza in Istanbul.
    I think rather a wrong one, but VAR could be in trouble.
    Knowing Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni, he could intervene.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren23 January 2025 at 19:40

      And indeed.
      But I can forgive Sozza, it was very easy to be deceived live.

      Delete
    2. Chefren23 January 2025 at 19:45

      Video: https://streambug.org/cv/ee86fd

      Delete
    3. xabi23 January 2025 at 21:55

      IMO horrible decision by Sozza, there is no contact at all. No foul

      Delete
  17. hugostiglitz23 January 2025 at 19:55

    FB - OL Min 31' There was a foul by Kumbedi. It looked like SFP for me. I am not sure about VAR intervention but I wouldn't be surprised if there was an OFR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hugostiglitz23 January 2025 at 19:59

      https://ibb.co/48gW27c

      Delete
    2. Chefren23 January 2025 at 20:08

      Video: https://streambug.org/cv/816446
      Intensity is the key here.
      As said, Mazzoleni has an "Italian" mindset about SFP.
      I think he assessed the contact was not significant.
      But for me the point of contact says red card.

      Delete
  18. Chefren23 January 2025 at 20:10

    Penalty removed to Hoffenheim, minute 64'.
    Sorry but it's unacceptable to use VAR in this way.
    Rosetti?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eric van Marwijk24 January 2025 at 01:31

      Rosetti here: Van Boekel did an outstanding job! Keeper clearly first touches the ball, and the referee made a 100 procent MIstake, so VAR is 100 procent allowed to intervene, where did you got the weird idear the VAR is not allowed to intervene?

      Delete
  19. Lincoln23 January 2025 at 20:11

    Penalty cancelled with the help of VAR. The Tottenham goalkeeper touches the ball first before colliding with the Hoffenheim striker.
    Alright, it wasn't a penalty, but Boekel forced Krogh to go to the monitor when Kramaric was adjusting the ball on the spot. Why wasn't this done immediately after the supposed call? In my opinion, it's more organized and elegant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eric van Marwijk24 January 2025 at 01:26

      Off course did Van Boekel it this way.... the ball is within a few seconds on the spot, while Van Boekel needs a little bit of time to check everything, not only the penalty, but also iff there is any foul before and off side, the last on the list is the penalty......

      Delete
  20. Lincoln23 January 2025 at 20:18

    It's embarrassing for both the referee on the field and the person taking the penalty. Ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kapetan23 January 2025 at 20:44

    I must say, very confident performance from Peljto in Alkmaar. All supportable and warranted yellow cards. He was importantly not fooled by much of the deception from both players

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren23 January 2025 at 20:50

      One of the referees with an exponential growth in recent times and in my opinion he has achieved even less than what he has shown, if compared to others. Safe pair of hands in big games for committee now.

      Delete
  22. Ecosse23 January 2025 at 21:24

    Goal disallowed in Manchester. Push given on field. Very soft

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DB23 January 2025 at 22:00

      And again, a corner at the other end results in a very soft (possibly wrong) whistle. I'd expect more contact to be allowed in these situations

      Delete
  23. Lincoln23 January 2025 at 21:27

    Still, it is an interpretative move, as there was no use of excessive force. Lambrechts took responsibility for it and the goal was removed.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Questionmark23 January 2025 at 23:00

    Poor performance by Jorgji in Frankfurt.
    Handball penalty needed to be corrected by VAR, then issued 3 phantom yellow cards in the last 10 minutes for an elbow to the face where there was no elbow, complaints over an incorrect corner kick, and “time wasting” by the team that is up by 2 goals with less than a minute left.
    Insecure and not prepared for EL.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jojo23 January 2025 at 23:51

    Report on Felix Zwayers performance in CL-Game Liverpool - Lille:

    22’ https://streamable.com/iowco7
    advantage after interfering with play

    34‘ https://streamable.com/e48ctj
    tackle before goal scored: IMO correct play on, ball played
    good onside AR2
    yc for dissent to LIL#2 (missed live by broadcaster)

    45‘ https://streamable.com/aadu8d
    late challenge

    45’+2 https://streamable.com/nj3w5r
    PAI tripping, no replay

    52‘ https://streamable.com/vi1d43
    possible yc spa, IMO a card to be given

    59‘ https://streamable.com/1ubitd
    2nd yc for spa to LIL#2, IMO correct decision

    72‘ https://streamable.com/0djamj
    possible yc for reckless studs up tackle after having played the ball, IMO clear missed card

    76‘ https://streamable.com/245dop
    possible yc for stamp on foot, IMO a card to be given

    88‘ https://streamable.com/70ypxz
    yc for reckless, late tackle, IMO supportable

    90‘+1 https://streamable.com/ak69ml
    goal disallowed by AR1

    90‘+2 https://streamable.com/t7qm9u
    yc for stamp on foot to LIV#10 after advantage, IMO harsh decision because not a full stamp on foot

    90‘+3 https://streamable.com/r5cr6o
    yc for time wasting to LIV#19

    Generally, very fair and easy game for Zwayer with only one small PAI. He ended the game without any controversy which is the most important thing. His foul detection was generally on a decent level IMO. However he should have shown more cards. So all in all not a faultless performance but a decent one I would say…

    I‘m really curious how Zwayer will be managed in the KO-Stage because I personally still don’t want to believe that he is one of the candidates for CL Final.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zwayerbrazil24 January 2025 at 05:29

      When he shows more cards, you guys complain, when he shows not that much cards, you guys complain too. It's difficult like that.

      Delete
    2. Unknown24 January 2025 at 07:46

      And when we guys complain about Zwayer you come complaining. While at the same time you’re very keen on reporting (possible) controversial incidents of Zwayer’s competitors. It’s getting too obvious, a bit embarrassing

      Delete
    3. Unknown24 January 2025 at 12:22

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. Zwayerbrazil24 January 2025 at 13:28

      Guys... I just said about the ofr, let know what had happened. I didn't even say anything whether it was right or wrong. I have much respect for each referee and Chefren and the bloggers adminis know that I don't miss any respect.

      Delete
    5. Zwayerbrazil24 January 2025 at 13:37

      And another thing, Zwayer's competitor is himself. :)

      Delete
    6. Unknown24 January 2025 at 13:45

      I don’t accuse you of being disrespectful, far from that. But it’s becoming evident that there is a pattern in your comments. Not really accepting (nor expressing) any critics relating to Zwayer, but much more critical to other top elite referees. It might be better to operate a little less preoccupied, that’s all. No doubts about respect.

      Delete
    7. Zwayerbrazil24 January 2025 at 13:51

      In the games I watch, I say everything that happens in relation to the referee, no matter who it is. I didn't say anything, not even my opinion about the events, unlike the others here. But that's okay, I'll keep my mouth shut now and swallow everything dry. :)

      Delete
  26. Chefren24 January 2025 at 04:36

    Tell me why this penalty was removed, it's incredible to see, once again, how VAR is used...
    https://streambug.org/cv/c9cd74

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hans24 January 2025 at 08:17

      Yes indeed. In my humble opinion it is only a matter of time before everyone adopts the ''new'' Dutch approach

      Delete
    2. grumpy-ref24 January 2025 at 09:27

      well...the red player is rather stepping on the foot of the white player. so the white player cannot commit a foul. i think is very good intervention.

      Delete
    3. Philipp S24 January 2025 at 11:04

      But the white player is guilty of the contact by making a late tackle. Your argument is probably also the one used by VAR and referee, but I think, this is quite debatable and therefore nothing for the VAR.

      Delete
    4. Chefren24 January 2025 at 11:48

      Grumpy, as Philipp writes, I also think we must look at the incident in full, you have a late tackle by defender putting leg to attacker and not getting ball. How could you assess that? It's clearly a risky action in terms of causing a penalty, then it's just a case that he gets a step on foot, but that's a second element, definitely impossible to say that defender is fouled here,

      Delete
    5. xabi24 January 2025 at 20:12

      IMO incorrect intervention by VAR

      Delete
  27. Hans24 January 2025 at 08:17

    Does anyone have a clip of the 4 red cards by Walsh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren24 January 2025 at 10:03

      Will follow soon

      Delete
    2. Chefren24 January 2025 at 10:24

      Clip 1:
      https://streambug.org/cv/c708b8
      65' First YC for a player then sent off
      73' Confrontation, two YCs, one per team

      Clip 2:
      https://streambug.org/cv/9bb288
      79' Second YC
      82' Second YC

      Technically, I think all decisions correct or at least supportable. 82' to me borderline to straight RC for violent conduct, but I think VAR was not that much in trouble, being a second YC in all cases. Some possible discussion about 79', as the fouled player exactly went in opponent's path, and create the foul by himself, but, as it is for the "modern penalties", I think you can't say this was a mistake by referee and you can at least support.

      Further confrontations and cards during the game, hard to find the sequence of what happened after final whistle, as some broadcaster ended before.

      Delete
    3. Hans24 January 2025 at 14:56

      Thank you. I agree with you analysis

      Delete
  28. Chefren24 January 2025 at 10:56

    OFR in Eintracht Frankfurt - Ferencvaros, Enea Jorgji
    https://streambug.org/cv/883a57

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S24 January 2025 at 11:02

      Hm, borderline regarding the natural arm position and I prefer no penalty - but was it clear and obvious?

      Delete
    2. Chefren24 January 2025 at 11:27

      To me, there isn't any touch by arm, this is the only reason for which an Italian VAR can call for removing a handball penalty. I see that the ball touches only the chest. Do you see it differently?

      Delete
    3. Philipp S24 January 2025 at 11:46

      Yes, my perception is a change of direction before it hits the chest, that has to be by the arm.

      Delete
  29. Philipp S24 January 2025 at 11:09

    Some predictions for the last matchday (aligned with the CL ones):
    Ajax - Galatasaray: Kruashvili (Martins)
    Roma - Frankfurt: Fesnic (Popa)
    Rangers - St.Gilloise: Aghayev (Müller)
    Slavia - Malmö: Gidzhenov (Popov)
    Tottenham - Elfsborg: Kabakov (del Cerro Grande)
    Ferencvaros - Alkmaar: Balakin (Derevinskyi)
    Maccabi - Porto: Taylor (Attwell)
    Olympiakos - Qarabag: Beaton (Walsh)
    Lyon - Ludogorets: Godinho (Miguel)
    Sociedad - PAOK: Obrenovic (Borosak)
    Braga - Lazio: Papapetrou (Evangelou)
    Dynamo - Riga: d'Hondt (Boterberg)
    Midtjylland - Fenerbahce: Osmers (Dingert)
    Bilbao - Viktoria: Kavanagh (Gillett)
    FCSB - ManUnited: Schnyder (Tschudi)
    Nice - Bodo: Treimanis (van Boekel)
    Anderlecht - Hoffenheim: Saggi (di Bello)
    Twente - Besiktas: Stieler (Storks)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter24 January 2025 at 13:01

      I miss Sebastian Gishamer in your predictions: He is considered Austria's number 1 and also invited to the UEFA Advanced Course for Top Referees. Since our number 2 Julian Weinberger was in action this week, I would also expect Gishamer on the last match day in one of the two competitions.

      Delete
  30. Chefren24 January 2025 at 12:05

    https://streambug.org/cv/023892
    Just to clarify my opinion on this penalty removed by VAR in Hoffenheim - Tottenheim, I think tha based on the replay shown by VAR to referee, there isn't 100% evidence that keeper touched ball before attacker. When you see the hand of keeper touching ball, you could argue that a certain contact ball - head of attacker has already occurred. For me impossible to say that this was clear and obvious mistake, even looking at the time needed by VAR to remove it.
    There isn't enough space between all the elements to say that this was a fair action by keeper. I would have supported penalty decision, because the contrary is not 100% clear.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Chefren24 January 2025 at 12:25

    https://streambug.org/cv/b58049
    Manchester United - Rangers
    Fully supportable, but rather "sophisticated" and particular decision by referee, spotting this one in the chaos of penalty area. Nobody would have complained, VAR would have allowed the goal.
    I think that if you go that much in detail, then you must be consistent in all your games and it's impossible.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Euro Soccer Ref24 January 2025 at 13:05

    Another controversy from Sozza's game: YC or RC?
    https://streambug.org/cv/2b4418

    ReplyDelete
  33. Unknown24 January 2025 at 13:56

    If I had to predict now, who will officiate the UEFA finals 2025 (through a neutral glasses), this would be my prediction:

    - UCL and UEL: depending on the teams, Zwayer and Letexier respectively. The French, simply because he outclasses the others. Zwayer more a political choice.
    - UECL: given the format and (smaller) teams in the competition, I predict a referee from a smaller football nation. For example Peljto.
    - Nations League: Nyberg.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fred24 January 2025 at 14:25

      Yeah we got your idea about Makkelie. No need to repeat it again and again in every posts.

      Delete
    2. Lincoln24 January 2025 at 21:29

      Peljto's rise to this point is impressive and even curious. He was not selected as a field referee at the Euros in the past (he was only assigned the role of support referee), as well as not being appointed for the U-17 and U-20 World Cups in 2023. And yet, he received 4 appointments in the UCL, 2 in the UEL and 2 in the Nations League, making 8 appointments in total. The Bosnian is having a good reputation.

      Delete
  34. Chefren25 January 2025 at 09:23

    Observers for CL MD8.

    CONFIRMED NAMES, APPOINTED A MONTH AGO:

    Sporting CP - Bologna
    Levan Paniashvili GEO

    Sturm Graz - Leipzig
    Jon Skjervold NOR

    Manchester City - Club Brugge
    Stefan Johannesson SWE

    Bayern - Slovan Bratislava
    Hugh Dallas SCO

    Inter - Monaco
    Thomas Einwaller AUT

    Barcelona - Atalanta
    Darko Čeferin SVN

    Leverkusen - Sparta Praha
    Stefano Podeschi SMR

    Salzburg - Atlético Madrid
    Karen Nalbandyan ARM

    Girona - Arsenal
    Vladimir Petrov UKR

    Brest - Real Madrid
    Emil Bozinovski MKD

    In those games, committee had clear ideas very long time before MD7 and they confirmed the choice.

    About the rest, very important and significant changes. Also, some observers switched.

    Switch between Stuttgart - PSG and Young Boys - Crvena Zvezda, Haim Jakov ISR and Marian Ruzbarsky SVK. The Slovakian will be in Bern, the Israeli in Stuttgart.

    And here, the observers for the games that were still without appointments before:

    PSV - Liverpool
    Frank De Bleeckere BEL

    Borussia Dortmund - Shakhtar Donetsk
    Matteo Simone Trefoloni ITA

    Juventus - Benfica
    Mike Riley ENG

    Dinamo Zagreb - Milan
    Bernardino González Vázquez ESP

    Lille - Feyenoord
    Itchko Lozev BUL

    Aston Villa - Celtic
    Alain Hamer LUX

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lincoln25 January 2025 at 16:59

    Boss, regarding the referees for the last round, is there any prediction? Remembering that everyone will play on Wednesday at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren25 January 2025 at 20:46

      I can try, looking also at the observers posted above.

      Sporting CP - Bologna
      Gil Manzano ESP

      Sturm Graz - Leipzig
      Grinfeeld ISR

      City - Brugge
      Mariani ITA

      Bayern - Slovan Bratislava
      Balakin UKR

      Inter - Monaco
      Eskas NOR

      Barcelona - Atalanta
      Pinheiro POR

      Leverkusen - Sparta Praha
      Kabakov BUL

      Salzurg - Atlético Madrid
      Meler TUR

      Girona - Arsenal
      Kruzliak SVK

      Brest - Real Madrid
      Oliver ENG

      Stuttgart - PSG
      Vincic SVN

      Young Boys - Crvena Zvezda
      Sidiropoulos GRE

      PSV - Liverpool
      Fesnic ROU

      Borussia Dortmund - Shakhtar Donetsk
      Xhaja ALB

      Juventus - Benfica
      Turpin FRA

      Dinamo Zagreb - Milan
      Peljto BIH

      Lille - Feyenoord
      Taylor ENG

      Aston Villa - Celtic
      Sanchez Martinez ESP

      Delete
    2. Eric van Marwijk26 January 2025 at 00:42

      I really don't think a Bosnian referee will referee Croatian team, to be honest

      Delete
    3. Chefren26 January 2025 at 07:46

      Yes I agree, and I would also change Turpin, he already handled Juventus at home. I didn't make accurate predictions, so let's switch them with the Bosnian in Turin and the French in Zagreb.
      But now I also think Letexier after the very good performance in Feyenoord - Bayern could get another one.

      Delete
    4. Peter26 January 2025 at 08:37

      I'm also surprised that you see a Champions League debut for Xhaja as he isn't even invited to the Advanced Course for Top Referees.

      Delete
    5. Alfie7526 January 2025 at 12:33

      Mine are:

      Sporting CP - Bologna
      Gil Manzano ESP

      Sturm Graz - Leipzig
      Petrescu ROM

      City - Brugge
      Letexier FRA

      Bayern - Slovan Bratislava
      Balakin UKR

      Inter - Monaco
      Meler TUR

      Barcelona - Atalanta
      Oliver ENG

      Leverkusen - Sparta Praha
      Schnyder SWI

      Salzurg - Atlético Madrid
      Pinhiero POR

      Girona - Arsenal
      Kruashvilli GEO

      Brest - Real Madrid
      Eskas NOR

      Stuttgart - PSG
      Vincic SVN

      Young Boys - Crvena Zvezda
      Dabanovic MNE

      PSV - Liverpool
      Mariani ITA

      Borussia Dortmund - Shakhtar Donetsk
      Kruzliak SVK

      Juventus - Benfica
      Kovacs ROM

      Dinamo Zagreb - Milan
      Turpin FRA

      Lille - Feyenoord
      Taylor ENG

      Aston Villa - Celtic
      Nyberg SWE or Hernandez ESP

      Delete
    6. CarlRDM26 January 2025 at 16:16

      Montenegrin referee for Serbian team? No chance

      Delete
  36. diego61226 January 2025 at 18:56

    I’d say:

    Brest - Real Madrid
    Pinheiro POR

    Stuttgart - PSG
    Vincic SVN

    Sturm Graz - Leipzig
    Balakin UKR

    Girona - Arsenal
    Mariani ITA

    Aston Villa - Celtic
    Turpin FRA

    Sporting - Bologna
    Grinfeld ISR

    YB - Red Star
    Petrescu ROU

    Lille - Feyenoord
    Taylor ENG

    City - Brugge
    Sánchez Martínez ESP

    PSV - Liverpool
    Kruzliak SVK

    Juventus - Benfica
    Nyberg SWE

    Dinamo - Milan
    Meler TUR

    Salzburg - Atlético
    Peljto BIH

    Bayern - Slovan
    Papapetrou GRE

    Inter - Monaco
    Eskås NOR

    Dortmund - Shakhtar
    Visser BEL

    Leverkusen - Sparta Praga
    Gil Manzano ESP

    Barcelona - Atalanta
    Oliver ENG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. diego61226 January 2025 at 19:08

      Personally, I see a debut in Munich with Dallas (SCO) as an observer. Taking into account that Slovan Bratislava is already eliminated and Munich has served as a stage for debuts and referees with less experience in CL (Nobre and Frappart last year)

      Delete
  37. K Thomas27 January 2025 at 03:01

    PGMOL have released a statement condoning abuse against Michael Oliver.

    For those who haven't seen he gave a RC (completely wrong imo) against Arsenal. Not the first time in recent years he's given these kind of decisions against Arsenal that do not match how he officiates other matches - I'm not suggesting any wider conspiracy but these are the facts.

    I would be surprised to see him in the PL next weekend. If he was already assigned a European game then best of luck to him, I hope he recovers quickly.

    Goes without saying that the state of VAR in England has not improved at all. I expected much more from Howard Webb. Multiple instances every match week that are simply shockingly bad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gozie Joe27 January 2025 at 11:42

      That's what you get when you keep protecting and promoting mediocrity rather than hold the officials accountable. England treat their refs likea sort of untouchable icons when in fact they are just average and overrated. How can one keep on justifying this?

      Delete
  38. RvT27 January 2025 at 09:36

    Dortmund shakthar .... Nyberg

    Juventus benfica ..... Kovacs

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nerazzuri27 January 2025 at 11:28

    I don't know who watched Barca-Valencia.
    At 4-0, Valencia got a penalty, later cancelled by Soto Grado for a foul on Koundé.
    But after the foul, Eric Garcia intercepted the ball and lost it.
    Does it normally mean that Barca created a new phase? does the VAR have the right to intervene there? Seems it broke the protocol for me.
    Anyone with the clip/ would like to share an opinion on that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren27 January 2025 at 14:52

      Here the video.
      https://streambug.org/cv/46117d
      Clear foul for me, AR1 should have reported it, not the best display to allow play right in front of him.
      Very clear penalty as well.
      About the touch by Barça player in the middle of the action, assessed as deflection. So it didn't create a new action because the player was not in full control of the ball and just touched it.

      Delete

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