The referees in charge of 2024-25 UEFA Europa Leage KO stage Play-Offs, second legs.
Thursday 20 February 2025
18:45 CET - Bodø (Aspmyra)FK BODØ/GLIMT (NOR) - FC TWENTE (NED)
Referee: Alejandro Hernández ESP
Assistant Referee 1: José Naranjo ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Diego Sánchez Rojo ESP
Fourth Official:
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:
UEFA Referee Observer:
UEFA Delegate:
18:45 CET - Istanbul (Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi)
GALATASARAY (TUR) - AZ ALKMAAR (NED)
Referee: Anthony Taylor ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Ian Hussin ENG
Fourth Official: Samuel Barrott ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Darrn England ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Uno Tutk EST
UEFA Delegate: Orkhan Huseynzade AZE
GALATASARAY (TUR) - AZ ALKMAAR (NED)
Referee: Anthony Taylor ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Ian Hussin ENG
Fourth Official: Samuel Barrott ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Darrn England ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Uno Tutk EST
UEFA Delegate: Orkhan Huseynzade AZE
18:45 CET - Bucharest (Arena Națională)
FC FCSB (ROU) - PAOK (GRE)
Referee: Matej Jug SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Matej Žunič SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Manuel Vidali SN
Fourth Official: Mihael Antič SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Dragoslav Perič SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Roberto Ponis SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Marián Ružbarský SVK
UEFA Delegate: Iveta Bankova BUL
FC FCSB (ROU) - PAOK (GRE)
Referee: Matej Jug SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Matej Žunič SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Manuel Vidali SN
Fourth Official: Mihael Antič SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Dragoslav Perič SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Roberto Ponis SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Marián Ružbarský SVK
UEFA Delegate: Iveta Bankova BUL
18:45 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
AS ROMA (ITA) - FC PORTO (POR)
Referee: François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Mathieu Vernice FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Hamer LUX
UEFA Delegate: Lennart Vestervall SWE
AS ROMA (ITA) - FC PORTO (POR)
Referee: François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Mathieu Vernice FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Hamer LUX
UEFA Delegate: Lennart Vestervall SWE
21:00 CET - Plzeň (Stadion města Plzně)
FC VIKTORIA PLZEŇ (CZE) - FERENCVÁROSI TC (HUN)
Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Benjamin Pages FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Erwan Finjean FRA
Fourth Official: Romain Lissorgue FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Eric Wattellier FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Luis Cuervas Del Real ESP
FC VIKTORIA PLZEŇ (CZE) - FERENCVÁROSI TC (HUN)
Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Benjamin Pages FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Erwan Finjean FRA
Fourth Official: Romain Lissorgue FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Eric Wattellier FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Luis Cuervas Del Real ESP
21:00 CET - Amsterdam (Johan Cruijff ArenA)
AFC AJAX (NED) - ROYALE UNION SAINT-GILLOISE (BEL)
Referee: Christopher Kavanagh ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Betts ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Neil Davies ENG
Fourth Official: Robert Jones ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Herbert Fandel GER
UEFA Delegate: Artur Azaryan ARM
AFC AJAX (NED) - ROYALE UNION SAINT-GILLOISE (BEL)
Referee: Christopher Kavanagh ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Betts ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Neil Davies ENG
Fourth Official: Robert Jones ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Herbert Fandel GER
UEFA Delegate: Artur Azaryan ARM
21:00 CET - Donostia/San Sebastián (Estadio de Anoeta)
REAL SOCIEDAD DE FÚTBOL (ESP) - FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN)
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük NED
Assistant Referee 1: Erwin Zeinstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Patrick Inia NED
Fourth Official: Joey Kooij NED
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Emil Bozinovski MKD
UEFA Delegate: Luca Zorzi SUI
REAL SOCIEDAD DE FÚTBOL (ESP) - FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN)
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük NED
Assistant Referee 1: Erwin Zeinstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Patrick Inia NED
Fourth Official: Joey Kooij NED
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Emil Bozinovski MKD
UEFA Delegate: Luca Zorzi SUI
21:00 CET - Brussels (RSC Anderlecht Stadium)
RSC ANDERLECHT (BEL) - FENERBAHÇE SK (TUR)
Referee: Sandro Schärer SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Stéphane De Almeida SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Jonas Erni SUI
Fourth Official: Luca Cibelli SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Lionel Tschudi SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Matteo Simone Trefoloni ITA
UEFA Delegate: Tarik Shamel ENG
RSC ANDERLECHT (BEL) - FENERBAHÇE SK (TUR)
Referee: Sandro Schärer SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Stéphane De Almeida SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Jonas Erni SUI
Fourth Official: Luca Cibelli SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Lionel Tschudi SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Matteo Simone Trefoloni ITA
UEFA Delegate: Tarik Shamel ENG
Jug with PAOK twice in the last month.
ReplyDeleteSomeone is getting sloppy with appointments
Jug, differently from other referees, gets always a game...
DeleteDo you think there is a possibillity that he is up for a Conference league finale?
DeleteHe is not Elite, the story about him in the years it's very long. Impossible that a Category 1 gets a final, but why he wasn't promoted it's the topic that must be discussed. He failed some final tests many and many years ago, but if compared to other referees who were promoted quite easily... hard to understand. So that's why at moment one doesn't find a sense in his frequent assignments, should have been definitely promoted before. Nowadays the figure of a very experienced Category 1 but missing something for thebig jump to Elite is becoming more and more rare, if not unique. Pawson was one of the last examples, now they either get promoted or retire. We will see the future of the Slovenian (44 y.o.). One should also discuss how much he could be seen as better referee than Obrenovic, countryman trying to reach the top status of UEFA refereeing.
DeleteIMO Jug lost his chances for a promotion when Collina was in charge. He wasn't always so athletic as Collina wanted.
DeleteIsn't Antony Taylor an exaggeration for the Galatasaray-Az match Chefren?
ReplyDeleteRemember, appointments mostly made before first legs, so they couldn't know about this sonorous defeat by Turkish side and the atmosphere in Istanbul is always hot.
DeleteI dont think so,cause Taylor's match can turn in to very challenging one when Galata is in question.
Delete3 goal lead is plenty,but if Galata scores opener then everything is possible so someone like Taylor is good for this match
I think these are original appointments, none of them are changed after first legs. Good luck to all.
ReplyDeleteAdam Nunn not with Taylor on Thursday and Sunday this week so probably injured..
ReplyDeleteBodo/Glimt - Twente: there's been changes in the Spanish team (Munuera Montero has been removed)
ReplyDeleteFO: Juan Martínez Munuera
VAR: Cesar Soto Grado
AVAR: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández
So it's true he's being investigated for conflict of interest?
DeleteYes, but cynically the independent organization who executed the investigation already today, before the game he was appointed to initially, came to the conclusion that no conflict of interest exists.
DeleteAt this level, it is expected that each referee before each season releases guarantees of not having any connection with other football components that could create a conflict of interest, and above all no connections with top-flight clubs where he will officiate.
DeleteSo this investigation frankly should not have happened at all, in the sense that it should have been already clear to the Spanish federal heads, as for all the other referees.
Unless a referee purposely hides something, and this would be serious, but given that we read how Munuera had publicly reported tha, it is difficult to imagine something bad behind it. Now I don't know how it works in Spain, but in Italy it would not have been possible to get to this situation of having to investigate during the season, unless the referee was merely fraudulent (but it is unbelievable at this level).
So given that investigation was short, it could have been announced only to make people content, but the federation was already sure of his innocence. It's a good thing that Munuera Montero is also taking legal action against those who have put him in a bad light, if these are the facts in the end.
In the 31st minute, a free kick was missed by Taylor: Parrott left his arm on Mertens.
ReplyDeleteHot atmosphere in Rome for Letexier
ReplyDeleteLots of acting by the players
Delete50' OFR for VC, given by letexier
Deletehttps://streamin.me/v/0190c7a9
DeleteInteresting that it happened exactly in a moment in which both Letexier and AR2 couldn't see, but they were not far away from the incident. Correct OFR.
Sorry but I think its clear simulation by Paredes, Eustáquio didn't touch his face at all. Unbelievable that VAR decided this slight push was enough for a red.
DeleteNow in 69' someone in Por technical area sent off, presumably for something said to 4th
DeleteParedes, what a cheater.. he always gets away with it.
DeleteI agree with anty75, at least with regard to the outcome. Missed incident could lower the bar of intervention, but I don’t recognize excessive force nor violence in the action. When contact was in the face the Lotg would warrant a red card, but in this case I agree that Eustáquio accomplished his goal by his theatrical behavior.
DeleteYes it should have been yc for Eustáquio and rc for Paredes (2 yc, one for provocation and another for simulation), very poor from VAR and Letexier
DeleteYes, certainly clear simulation. And worse, the culprit who initiated the incident, gets away with it, while his opponent is sent off.
DeleteI'm sorry, but this is incredibly clear for me. I'm all for punishing simulation, but this situation is not that moment. Clear closed fist and swing from eustaquio, if ignored by letexier after for would be a big error
DeleteAgree with Chefren and Kapetan, clear VC for me too
DeleteFor me, eustachio closed his fist...but just pushed, brushed the roma player in his arm , maybe upper chest. I would have preferred a yellow card for both players here.
ReplyDeleteOFR for Hernandez Hernandez, very clear here, missed step on foot.
ReplyDeletehttps://streamin.me/v/e3789bc0
Evident footage shown at monitor.
Excellent advantage by Hernandez for Bodo Glimt winner
ReplyDeletebeat me to it :), fantastic advantage by Hernandez
DeleteExcellent advantage by Hernandez Hernandez leading to the crucial and deciding goal for Bodø Glimt in 94.
ReplyDeleteNever mind, not the winner as Twente go up the other end and score
DeleteCorrection, not the decisive goal (Twente scored after), but still excellent advantage :)
DeleteCrazy few minutes in Norway
ReplyDeleteYc to TWE#28 in 98. completely wrong IMO. It was the home team player who was responsible for the nasty contact, nothing TWE player was to blame for.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Letexier, the best by far. He was not influenced by a very heated atmosphere and got away with a high level performance.
ReplyDeleteRef, you said that Rosetti was very liked relieved after the elimination of three Italian teams from Champions League, and that's true.
ReplyDeleteBut now a possible nightmare starts with the chance of having Roma - Lazio twice in Europa League...
wow, if that does occur, only vincic/marciniak have enough to maintain control. Unless a different referee is sacrificed
DeleteI did not realize there was no country protection in the Rof16 draw
DeleteIndeed, I can only think of Marciniak in case of a derby… Maybe, the balls will be hot tomorrow. *Joking ;-)
DeleteIn Champions League, a rematch between PSG and Barcelona would be a spicey one. The Spanish team was furious last season.
DeleteA Madrid derby between Real/Atleti and German tie (Bayern/Leverkusen) are possible as well.
Suspension in Anderlecht due to security issue
ReplyDeleteInteresting offside in the Ajax/Union SG game. Offside given on field quite a while after the the goal was scored...right decision as the touch by the Ajax defender was a deflection.
ReplyDeleteAnother incident for Kavanagh. Straight red for handball by Ajax. It was clear handball.
ReplyDeleteGood decision from Kavanagh
DeleteVery "relaxed" style by Kavanagh, but correct decision here.
DeleteTypical English referee...
Yes English referees at all levels are quite "relaxed". That is based on guidance we are given to allow certain levels of strong physicality and to avoid all sorts of confrontation. It works a lot of the time, but in certain games it isn't helpful.
DeleteGözübüyük:
ReplyDelete67' YC for RSO player for borderline foul. IMO more YC than RC
Fouled player get medical treatment and return on the pitch with revenge foul just few moments later.
Dutch ref had YC in his hand but after couple of seconds he switched to RC
Looks like he realised it was revenge tackle with malice and/or 4th official gave him correct information what really happened (SFP).
66 minute YC
Delete69 minute RC
wondering how the Gözübüyük and the Beaton situations compare
DeleteVery good example of the “captains only speak to the referee” rule here. Gozubuyuk isolates the captain and explains the decision in a respectful manner. This is a much better way of communicating than the crowding.
DeleteNoticeable minutes in San Sebastián. In 66. Yc for RSO#16 after a studs on shin tackle on MID#80. After a long treatment first incident after (68.) is a high tackle of the same MID#80. Dutch ref first pulls out Yc, but puts it back and sends of MID#80.
ReplyDeleteSorry but I was minute faster with the comment above :D
DeleteOT:Maybe late,but here it is -
ReplyDeleteThe Central Referee Committee announced the referees for the 25th week matches in the Super League. The Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe derby will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.
Another handball given by Kavanagh
ReplyDeleteIt was close range but the arm was far away from body
DeleteNot even an English referee could ignore such a blatant handball ;)
DeleteWhy was a PK not awarded on 2nd last play...goalie of ajax two handed opponent in face!
ReplyDeleteAt first glance Salisbury won’t be getting many more UEFA appointments this season. How is that not a penalty for Union at the end!!!
ReplyDeleteVideo of the incident in 120'+5: https://streambug.org/cv/10941f
ReplyDeleteClear penalty, mandatory VAR intervention missed.
DeleteThe only argument for VAR staying away is that the action of the goalkeeper didn’t influence the attack (ball already away). Strictly to the book it is an obvious foul, and probably more reckless than careless.
DeleteAgree here - penalty. Should be VAR intervention too but we know English VAR's have much higher tolerance for these types challenges in the domestic competition.
DeleteOT
ReplyDeleteAmin Kurgheli will referee Belarusian Supercup on Saturday Neman - Dinamo Minsk
AR1: Yuri Khomchanka
AR2: Viktar Hetsikau
4O: Ihar Shumilau
Off-topic: If I remember correctly, in prior years there used to be a draw after R16 matches in UEFA club competitions. In the new format, the QF opponents are already known. This gives a new dimension to Rosetti’s appointment policy, with restrictions. Example: a Spanish referee in a return leg is not possible if the next opponent could be a Spanish club.
ReplyDeleteEasy to conclude, will see a lot neutral referees like Marciniak, Vincic, Peljto. And surely enough Italian crews, especially if Guida returns, whereas the English, Spanish, German and the Dutch (I doubt they can officiate the Belgian side too) with 3 teams are more restricted.
Apparently there was a big disturbance, minute '59-'62 in Amsterdam. Worth to re-watch. Kavanagh issued yellow cards to Ajax #3, Henderson on the bench and Ajax trainer Farioli. It seems they’ve adopted the Italian approach or what :P
ReplyDeleteShows what can happen after an early goal and early RC.
I think Kavanagh expected a calmer match in Amsterdam. His body language is also too relaxed and laid back for me. Self-confidence can sometimes tends towards arrogance, while being too relaxed can come across as insecure.
I saw it live and you're not entirely right. Boufal delayed Ajax's throw-in and Gaaei knocked the ball out of his hands. (both yellow) Then there was an commotion in which substitute Henderson received a yellow card (as only one). With the knowledge of today, a tactical yellow card because that lit a fire in the team and in the stands. Farioli was booked a few minutes later for protesting too heavy.
DeleteKavenagh got a lot of little decisions totaly wrong. The penalties were well seen except for minute 125
Thanks!
DeleteThree incidents from Gozubuyuk game.
ReplyDeleteLater I will look for the YC, 67', before the RC incident.
24' Penalty
https://streambug.org/cv/7e8216
69' RC for SFP
https://streambug.org/cv/7819e1
72' Penalty
https://streambug.org/cv/32beae
It would be interesting to know the reason for the sudden change of decision, it is not the first time by the Dutchman, very elaborate before making the final choice.
Possible advice from the fourth official, the only one potentially close to the action, even if he could have changed his mind directly based on what you said. However, in this case, why immediately bring out the yellow? Possible further explanation: he had not immediately noticed it was the player involved in the previous foul and then in that case he would have gone with the yellow, instead maybe he connected the previous action and saw it as revenge.
I think that in in tcase of yellow, VAR wouldn't have intervened, foul borerline to RC but maybe not a 100% full one.
Thanks Chefren.
DeleteAbout ‘69, I hope it wasn’t the advice of the 4O. Gözübüyük is closer to the situation and in a good position to make his own assessment.
I wouldn’t assess this as a revenge action tbh. The player (Dani Silva) seems focused on playing the ball, but he didn’t saw his opponent. From a disciplinary and management point of view, I don’t like the inconsistency. If ‘69 is deemed a RC, then ‘66 should have been a RC as well.
Here the missing clip: https://streambug.org/cv/ae107a
DeleteFoul in 66'. Very close to RC indeed, I think easy to give RC, but maybe OK to stay silent by VAR with YC, supportable as well (but very borderline).
WOW :)
ReplyDeleteMadrid derby and a German derby.
OMG. Now, let’s wait for Lazio vs Roma :P
DeleteBtw, all English teams are in the upper bracket and all German teams in the lower bracket.
DeleteI guess we know where to expect the English and German officials :)
Very early predictions
DeleteBrugge - Villa: Stieler / Massa
Dortmund - Lille: Mariani / Makkelie
Real - Atletico: Siebert / Letexier
Bayern - Leverkusen: Eskas / Nyberg
PSV - Arsenal: Pinheiro / Zwayer
Feyenoord - Inter: Gil Manzano / Turpin
Paris - Liverpool: Kovacs / Vincic
Benfica - Barcelona: Peljto / Marciniak
I think 3 German referees is very ambitious, with still 3 German clubs active teams in the tournament. Nevertheless, good predictions.
DeleteEL/ECL predictions
DeleteBodo - Olympiakos: Rumsas / Taylor
Fenerbahce - Rangers: Sanchez / Gözübüyük
Ajax - Frankfurt: Oliver / Hernandez
FCSB - Lyon: Lindhout / Obrenovic
Alkmaar - Tottenham: Petrescu / Dabanovic
Sociedad - ManUnited: Bastien / Meler
Viktoria - Lazio: Lukjancukas / Schärer
Roma - Bilbao: Kruzliak / Grinfeeld
Betis - Guimaraes: Kabakov / Jug
Copenhagen - Chelsea: Balakin / Visser
Bialystok - Cercle: Gishamer / Kruashvili
Molde - Legia: Lambrechts / Beaton
Celje - Lugano: Saggi / Slywestrzak
Pafos - Djurgardens: Nobre / Fesnic
Panathinaikos - Fiorentina: Treimanis / Kavanagh
Borac - Rapid: Sidiropoulos / Brisard
Do you think whether Meler will get another game? Another question: Do you think UEFA will play Meler again in a CL game because they trust him?
DeleteI think, most sense makes to demote Meler to the EL, but give him the chance in big games there. Probably not the final, but maybe a path towards EL SF, if things go well.
DeleteBut if he gets another CL game, I wouldn't complain either.
I feel like I'm at the Eurovision Song Contest right now: Thank you very much for 1 (rare) point from Germany from Philipp S through the nomination of Sebastian Gishamer in the Conference League - recently he was persistently ignored in predictions in this forum. After his appointment in the intermediate round of the Europa League, however, I also think another appearance in the Conference League is conceivable.
DeleteMy predictions:
DeleteBrugge - Villa: Stieler / Massa
Dortmund - Lille: Mariani / Oliver
Real - Atletico: Letexier / Marciniak
Bayern - Leverkusen: Eskås / Makkelie
PSV - Arsenal: Pinheiro / Zwayer
Feyenoord - Inter: Gil Manzano / Turpin
Paris - Liverpool: Kovács / Vinčić
Benfica - Barcelona: Peljto / Taylor
Bodø - Olympiakos: Kavanagh / Siebert
Fenerbahce - Rangers: Sánchez / Gözübüyük
Ajax - Eintracht: Hernández / Mariani
FCSB - Lyon: Grinfeeld / Obrenović
AZ - Spurs: Kabakov / Schärer
Sociedad - ManUnited: Rumšas / Bastien
Viktoria - Lazio: Petrescu / Gil Manzano
Roma - Athletic: Kružliak / Nyberg
Betis - Vitoria: Gishamer / Jug
Copenhagen - Chelsea: Balakin / Lambrechts
Jagiellonia - Cercle: Saggi / Feșnic
Molde - Legia: Lindhout / Sozza
Celje - Lugano: Brooks / Beaton
Pafos - Djurgården: Godinho / Lukjančukas
Panathinaikos - Fiorentina: Treimanis / Osmers
Borac - Rapid: Sylwestrzak / Kruashvili
Gözübüyük with a Turkish team maybe wasn't so smart I see now, swap him with Bastien
DeleteGozubuyuk twice in a row to San Sebastián probably isn’t that smart either :p
DeleteMaybe not, change it to this instead:
DeleteFenerbahce - Rangers: Bastien
Sociedad - ManUnited: Nyberg
Roma - Athletic: Gözübüyük
(Bastien obviously not possible in Sociedad - Man United either, I was absolutely too fast with the UEL ones :D)
Rome derby avoided. I think the referee's committee is happy with one less headache before making appointments
ReplyDeleteA relief for them, a pity for us. I would have loved to see Marciniak in that derby.
DeleteThey can still meet in the final though ;)
Great draw. I hope we'll have great ref for the big matches in Spain and Germany.
ReplyDeleteNo full prediction from my side, just a few ones, that I’d like to see:
ReplyDeletePSG - Liverpool: Vincic (2nd)
Spanish derby: Letexier (1st) / Marciniak (2nd)
Benfica - Barcelona: Massa (1st) / Oliver (2nd)
German derby: Turpin (2nd)
Feyenoord - Inter: Peljto
I'm with you in this reasoning. In Feyenoord x Inter I would put Nyberg with Peljto in the German classic Makkelie with Turpin and PSG x Liverpool Kovacs with Vincic.
ReplyDeleteEarly predictions:
ReplyDelete1ST LEG
PSG - Liverpool: Zwayer GER
Brugge - Villa: Mariani ITA
Real Madrid - Atletico: Vincic SVN
PSV - Arsenal: Schärer SUI
Benfica - Barcelona: Oliver ENG
Dortmund - Lille: Pinheiro POR
Bayern - Leverkusen: Sanchez ESP
Feyenoord - Inter: Peljto BIH
2ND LEG
Liverpool - PSG: Gil Manzano ESP
Villa - Brugge: Letexier FRA
Atletico - Real Madrid: Marciniak POL
Arsenal - PSV: Nyberg SWE
Barcelona - Benfica: Kovacs ROU
Lille - Dortmund: Makkelie NED
Leverkusen - Bayern: Eskås NOR
Inter - Feyenoord: Taylor ENG
I think we all agree that Marciniak will have the Madrid Derby, either of the two games. I bet on Vincic for the first game (Not because he deserves it, but come on, we know how it works)
My big bet would be Gil Manzano in Liverpool. A little risky? Sure.
We'll see
Rumsas, Pinheiro and Levnikov today in Saudi League.
ReplyDeleteTop match tomorrow:
DeleteAl Ittihad - Al Hilal:
Siebert, Foltyn, Beitinger (VAR: Müller)
I will go with my predicitions for CL tonight:
ReplyDeletePsg-Liverpool Siebert/Makkelie
Brugge-Villa Peljto/Pinheiro
Real-Atletico Vincic/Letexier
Psv-Arsenal Massa/Nyberg
Benfica-Barcelona Kovacs/Oliver
Dortmund-Lille Sanchez Martinez/Mariani
Bayern-Bayer Taylor/Marciniak
Feynord-Inter Eskas/Gil Manzano
Little correciton: Makkelie Real Atletico second leg, Letexier second leg Bayern-Bayer, Marciniak Psg Liverpool second leg.
DeleteDeflection or deliberate play?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.streambug.io/cv/92b4da
It should be a deflection, at least according to recent guidelines, even when defender puts deliberately a leg, seems "not enough", due to the speed of the ball and not a full control. I strongly disagree because the intention in my opinion would be the criterion to say that a defender could have avoided a certain action but still.. allowing the goal in this case should be wrong I think.
DeleteControl/deflection is a frustrating rule. In this specific case, we either reward the technical incompetence of a defender. Or we reward an attacker in offside position. I don’t like both.
DeleteLike handballs, difficult to find a proper solution….
I hope Levnikov can soon return to referee in Europe. No doubt about it, it was a deliberate play, the ball is level, he sees it coming from a distance, he is in control of his body, he is coordinated, he simply misses the touch of the ball. He could have kicked it away, passed it to a team-mate instead he miscontrols it. Clearly a deliberate play. Levnikov could see it live
DeleteRidiculous penalty whistled by Rosario Abisso in Parma - Bologna, ball coming from less than 50cm, not a shot on target. Never a punishable handball to me.
ReplyDeleteVideo:
Deletehttps://streamff.link/v/8370b603
Min 62 - clear 2nd YC missed for Parma #22 Cancellieri. Parma coach substituted him one minute after which a clear sign everyone saw it as YC worthy foul.
DeleteAll crucial decisions taken by Abisso in Parma's favor so far.
The penalty, a classic situation in which you can say "Italian handball", but this one being absolutely harsh without doubts.
DeleteArm rather close to body (not really open) and with a closing movement. Call that we support but at international level I think not accepted, and indeed this seems to be your opinion, if you are not Italian :).
The missed second YC in 62' is a shocker. A nightmare season for Rocchi, many and many mistakes, one of the worst years ever for serie A referees. Mistakes were too much evident to close eyes, you can't understand what is thinking about a referee when he whistles the foul in 62' but he decides to keep his card in the pocket... low, low level.
Everton vs M.U: a controversial penalty was not awarded by Madley. Young was pulled twice by De Ligt following goalkeeper Onana's rebound. Even with the VAR recommendation for review, Madley withdrew the penalty.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked with OFR. Also VAR showed wrong angle. And PL Match Centre said there was no offence by Maguire. Yeah the offence was made by De Ligt lol.
DeleteI see some excited fans saying on other sites that Young forced the takedown. As? Even though there is no excessive load, the M.U defender persists in pulling the Everton player's shirt and this takes him out of the action with the rebound. PGMOL needs to give a convincing explanation about this.
DeleteSurely the only reasonable explanation is that Madley thought he saw another foul, and not the shirt tug(s). Hence VAR deems it a clear and obvious error given that it was a swan dive from Young. Which was hardly caused by the shirt pull so that wasn't as relevant/taken into account? But I was baffled too by the choice of replay angles presented.
DeleteArsenal vs West Ham: Pawson could have taken responsibility for himself and applied RC directly to Lewis-Kelly as it was a clear scoring opportunity for West Ham. Perhaps there would have been no need for Bankes to have called if he had given RC immediately instead of YC in the first moment.
ReplyDeleteWow,Sozza and his criterium...
ReplyDeleteTalk about leniency at it's finest.
PAI to assess for Siebert/Muller in the first half of Ittihad-Hilal:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.streambug.io/cv/2cca06
In general, good and intelligent refereeing in the first half by the Berliner.
OFR: https://www.streambug.io/cv/4fc1cc
DeleteVery good night for Siebert, this big clash ended in full mutual respect between both teams and officials after his clever decision-making. Six cautions were rightly issued (2x tactical foul, then 4x reckless); knowing his style, I'd be >90% sure that Siebert and not Muller intiated the OFR. Ironically, this was a carbon copy of the play that resulted in the Lamela 'Puscas' contender at Salonica (also with a German ref, Zwayer) - a training ground move with a clear tactic to commit an impeding offence on a defending player. In modern football, this is considered an active offence in Law11 but not Law12. One can compare to other Saudi clashes from the past and say that the level of difficulty was not quite as high here, but this still a strong performance on an 8,5-level (nothing more, but certainly not less either). Finally, Beitinger had a fairly poor lapse to rule a goal onside which was chalked off by VAR (here: https://ibb.co/N6F87xGh). He had played a correct offside just before that, but got into a small muddle about who the second-last defender was for the consequent situation.
I agree! Very good performance by Siebert. As you are saying his „intelligence“ definitely helped him, in that regard I also want to point out his excellent alertness for heated situations.
DeleteThis intervention by Müller and calling Siebert to check a possible "foul" in Benzema's goal that doesn't exist is completely meaningless.
ReplyDeleteYesterday, the referee for the Zamalek vs. Al-Ahly Cairo derby match in Egypt was Espen Eskas (full norway sextet; var: hagen). Here are some highlights I made from the game: https://www.streambug.io/cv/31d3ca
ReplyDeleteEredivisie:
ReplyDeleteFC Twente - NEC
Referee: Danny Makkelie / VAR: Rob Dieperink
No handball (no penalty) decision.
Original decision is no handball. And after review decision is also no handball.
https://x.com/HaroldBastiaans/status/1893673471101575468
For Dieperink, the risk taken by the Twente player was reason enough to punish him.
For Makkelie, the fact that the part where the ball hit his arm was not that far from his body and the movement of his arm was trying to bring it closer to his body were probably reasons to judge it was not 100% a handball.
Was Makkelie brave or stubborn? Everyone has an opinion.
(Clear) Penalty for me because arm in rather unnatural position and not very close to body
DeleteOT: Sporting Kansas City were upset after the referee Marco Ortiz asked for Messi's jersey/autograph in the Concacaf Champions League. This bush league stuff needs to be stamped out. https://x.com/dw_sports/status/1893064289721757994
ReplyDeleteCompare this to a fan asking for a picture with Clement Turpin at 4:35 who refuses because above all the referee must be SEEN to be impartial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFD49XPKwaA&t=900s
Well no need,in USA everything is a show and they treat football like that.
DeleteFor them Messi and whole Inter Miami squad are box office and they are great for promoting MLS.
In Europe ,it's much more serious, in Europe football is more than sport and even referee's have to watch their behaviour and be professional.
Dont get me wrong,refs are no different than any oher humans,they are also fans but professionalism must be there also.
Uh, did you miss the part where it was a Mexican referee on a CONCACAF assignment, @M?
DeleteYep,totally missed it,my bad.
DeleteEven worse.
@M was only making a professionalism comparison between two individual refs, not North America vs Europe. Though the latter are admittedly by and large more equipped at the elite stage, they are not always free from “sin”… see Zwayer’s past
DeleteOff-topic question:
ReplyDeleteI consider Letexier as a candidate to officiate one of the European finals this season. I thought he refereed the Rome-Porto very well.
However, if Letexier is assigned to the UEL final or the UCL final, can Jérôme Brisard be assigned as his VAR? I’m asking, because Brisard was already VAR when Turpin refereed these finals (2021 and 2022) and we’ve never witnessed a VAR doing the same UEFA final twice. As main-VAR.
Perhaps there will be focus on a Letexier/Delajod combination. Unless this is not an unwritten rule at all. Obviously Kuipers has done UEL twice (as CR!) but if I recall it was quite an exceptional case in a period with a small pool of trusted referees.
Van Boekel has two UEL finals as VAR (2022 and 2024), but maybe UEFA views UCL a bit differently. Also it was actually Letexier himself who was Turpin's VAR in 2021, not Brisard
DeleteThanks, I see now. In 2021 it was Letexier (UEL), in 2022 Brisard (UCL).
DeleteCompletely forgot about Van Boekel having done UEL twice. With Vincic and Kovacs.
I consider Michael Oliver as top candidate for the UCL final 2025 as well (if no English teams…), however are there still any trusted English VARs? Where is Attwell?
Moreover, I think the recent controversy involving Van Boekel is also “a thorn in the side” of the RefCom. The Dutch VAR recently worked with Kovács, Eskas, Gozubuyuk, Nyberg and Meler. If I'm not mistaken. I’m curious how they're going to solve that in upcoming matches.
Off-topic 2: observers for the Nations Leage clashes have been released on UEFA.com and I assume, we can expect UCL R16 any moment as well.
ReplyDeleteCould you share them? ty
DeletePlay-offs 1st legs:
DeleteTürkiye – Hungary: Young (SCO)
Ukraine – Belgium: Gil (POL)
Greece – Scotland: Skjervold (NOR)
Bulgaria – Ireland: Tritsonis (GRE)
Armenia – Georgia: Gómez (ESP)
Austria – Serbia: Nalbandyan (ARM)
Kosovo – Iceland: Svilokos (CRO)
Slovakia – Slovenia: Koopman (NED)
Gibraltar – Latvia: TBD
Malta – Luxembourg: TBD
Quarter-finals 1st legs:
Netherlands – Spain: Bozinovski (MKD)
Denmark – Portugal: Irvine (NIR)
Croatia – France: Kapitanis (CYP)
Italy – Germany: Plautz (AUT)
Play-offs 2nd legs:
Hungary –Türkiye: Velasco Carballo ESP
Belgium – Ukraine: Messner AUT
Scotland – Greece: Larsen DEN
Ireland – Bulgaria: Hansson SWE
Georgia – Armenia: Ingvarsson (SWE)
Serbia – Austria: Čeferin (SVN)
Iceland –Kosovo : Trefoloni ITA
Slovenia – Slovakia: Zimmermann SUI
Gibraltar – Latvia: TBD
Malta – Luxembourg: TBD
Quarter-finals 2nd legs:
Spain – Netherlands: Batista (POR)
Portugal – Denmark: Tutk (EST)
France – Croatia: Ilgaz (TUR)
Germany – Italy: Orrason (ISL)
Very good first half by Vincic in the hot Galatasaray - Fenerbahçe game. Excellent management of very temperamental players so far. My only "but" would be no reaction against dissenting behaviour of Galatasaray's coach. Key match incidents below.
ReplyDelete14' Goal disallowed for a foul on GK
https://streambug.org/cv/bcf336
33' PAI charging
https://streambug.org/cv/6ca275
43' PAI handball
https://streambug.org/cv/63acbb
Vinčić could have shown a YC in 2' for a quite bordeline step-on-foot, but decided to issue a warning instead.
Delete33' is a pretty clear illegal offense tbh, at least on a theoretical level (ball is not at playing distance), but one can wonder why the Slovenian didn't whistle. Charging fouls have been a headache for him until now, actually.
Besides that, I agree, the game is fully under control so far, well done.
He is taking care of derby very well so far. But also footballers definitely do not behave like they are in Super League. Passport of referee is really important
DeleteIn general, a calmer second half, apart from the final 10 minutes when Galatasaray players showed their frustration (overall Mourinho's Fenerbahçe behaved far better than Buruk's Galatasaray). There was one real key match incident in the second half. Both Vinčič and Borošak decided it wasn't a punishable handball:
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/c27c17
An arm making a body unnaturally bigger but, given that we don't have a proof that the ball wasn't deflected by a teammate, it's at least acceptable call to let it.
In 90+1', after correctly assessed SPAvsDOGSO incident, GAL #11 could have seen two YCs in one sequence - one for blatant delaying the restart and another one for pushing an opponent but expectedly he was saved
https://streambug.org/cv/8ff51a
Vinčič should be praised for handling this game without issues. I think he was a little bit fatigued at the end of the game and therefore the game became more hectic. The Slovene was also too lenient against Okan Buruk's reactions at the sideline throughout but okay...
@Upstylon, I started to watch the game in 7th minute, thanks for your remark about the step on foot.
Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor made an announcement that these 2 clubs want Vincic for their games against Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe. Turkish football is a really circus.
Delete@hugostiglitz
DeleteAs you previously said,
"Passport of referee is really important"
Some Turkish referee can have better performance than Slavko but behaviour of the teams and level of acceptance will always be bad
https://youtu.be/MvldoWwO2oQ?si=fK1H3KQy1HyANpy if uk fans want foreign refs and spain wants foreign(british)refs and türkiye wants foreign refs im sure we can all arrange something just to inevitably complain about them too and then maybe hire robots when it doesn’t work out
DeleteGreat performance by Vincic expertly and with experience handled big derby.
DeleteWith Turpin and Marciniak,we can say that he is also at the top cause to handle biggeest Greek derby and biggest Turkey derby in span of a month and to handle both of these with praises deserves all accolades.
Well even Mourinho was complimentary of Vincic.
Of course,he had little dig about his rivals,who had some questionable decisions go their way most of the time throught this year's championship.
Mourinho said in his post-match press conference: "I went to the referee's dressing room after the game. The fourth official was there - a Turkish referee - I told him if you are the referee it would be a disaster.
"If they're [Galatasaray] really, really good. If they want to be an example of 'we are good, we are strong, we are the champions, we want to show how good we are', they should ask for foreign referees every match.
"But when the referees are foreign, UEFA Cup - go home, against us at home - one shot on target. But if they are good and they believe really in themselves and in their power, they should ask the federation.
"We thank the referee because after the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid, with a Turkish referee, the kid would have a yellow card after one minute and after five minutes I would have to change. Thankfully it was a perfect experience for him."
God Mourinho is such a *
DeleteDon't know why he is such a *.
DeleteThroughout this season,it's no secret that plenty questionable decisions went Galata's way,he is just pointing facts.
Also,it is true thatxsome decisions went Fener's way(penalty vs Galata some decisions in match vs Rizespor)but also there were some questionable calls or no calls that makes you think how can they not whistle such a thing(Samsunpor goal when there was a foul on Kahveci,no penalty against Trabzon,same match questionable penalties against Fener).
So if we examine,I'm sure that we will find argument that Galata had more decisions go in their favour so I dont know why he is such a *.
He is pointing out obvious and even celebrating ref who can handle this type of match on a top level.
Top level that wasnt even enough for Galata,throughout whole match they were complaining so maybe it is true that the outcome would be different if there was Turkish ref who was easily influenced and pressured.
Off topic ECL, but on topic regarding penalties and non interference from VAR. In yesterdays Serie A game between Cag-Juv in 78 min Vlahovic is entering the penalty area in total control (from own half) at full speed when he gets "slightly" (but clearly)pushed in the back just before executing the finish (clealy off balance)... No whistle from Colombo (who naturally has the worst angle) no interference from Chiffi (VAR). Why? Maybe @chefren who has access to the italian TV shows has an answer to why they didn´t call it and has a take on it as well. IMHO we are down a slippery slope if we consider that kind of defending inside the PA okay and think that is what football wants... (sorry for not being able to add a clip)
ReplyDeletehttps://www.streambug.io/cv/81aa26
DeleteThank U @Euro Soccer Ref!! Whats your opinion?
DeleteVery discussed incident.
DeleteI can report at first AIA opinion, Antonio Damato was asked about that during OPEN VAR (but the VAR audio of this incident was not aired). His answer was the following: "The push and the intensity stays as referee's interpretation on the field, hard for VAR to jump in".
That is of course the main argument for VAR to stay silent, but as I said, this was seen as clear penalty by many people. I think that the "timing" of the incident was against Juventus attacker, in a way he succeded in kicking ball, even though one could say not at his best, so this made in my opinion the foul less evident, or to say it better, with less visible effects.
The same foul, the same push and intensity, with player in control of the ball and not kicking, but falling for that, would have led to an OFR, I'm convinced about that. Of course this shouldn't be considered, but you know how it works. When players on the pitch make something bigger, there is more focus. In addition to that, Chiffi is not a referee and a VAR that in borderline cases intervenes, rather it's the contrary.
And once again you see the difference between the perception in italy about holdings and pushing, and the international stage, that seems another world. One must say that in Italian football many situations are more accepted.
I also think that Colombo maybe didn't see at all, he didn't make any gesture, so even this one could have been argument for VAR, but...
Well this really reminds me of a similar incident from the Bundesliga some months ago.
DeleteThis evident push wasn’t punished on field and VAR didn’t intervene, Situation was heavily criticised in German media:
https://streamable.com/b2jhu4
VARs are instructed to not intervene in cases of pushing and charging unless it's ultra blatant (two-handed strong push, etc.) - according to instructors such type of incidents is always up to referee's interpretation. Having that in mind, I never expect VAR intervention for such type of (clear) fouls. Therefore it stays as referee's severe mistake. In reality, this approach often leads to quite clear and significant offences being ignored.
DeleteInteresting opposite situation in Premier League, on field ref gave a penalty, VAR sent him to the screen and it was disallowed. Attacker definitely gets pulled enough to not get to the ball in time. 'VAR checked the referee's call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and
Deleteplay restarted with a drop ball." Its interesting because, as the video suggests, the VAR deemed no foul by Maguire (assuming that's who Madley thought did the foul) but seems to miss the foul by Deligt which is what is stopping him from playing the ball. https://youtu.be/nod2h53nTHI?si=ZVbGCzDYnth8Fp1U
Mourinho of Fenerbache, " thanked Mr. Vincic for coming for the derby, and told the 4th official had you or one of the Turkish refs had the game, it would have been disaster"
ReplyDeletedidn’t realise vincic had been appointed for the superlig derby, mourinho also handed 4 match ban and fined £35,000 for his comments about galatasaray and turkish refereeing
ReplyDelete