2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Play-Offs, First Legs, games to be played on 19 August 2025.
FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) - PAFOS FC (CYP)
Referee: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández ESP
Assistant Referee 1: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Diego Sánchez Rojo ESP
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera Montero ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valentín Pizarro Gómez ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Tarik Shamel ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Diego Sánchez Rojo ESP
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera Montero ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valentín Pizarro Gómez ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Tarik Shamel ENG
21:00 CET - Budapest (Groupama Aréna)
FERENCVÁROSI TC (HUN) - QARABAĞ FK (AZE) Referee: João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro POR
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Miguel Alves Jesus POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano António Gomes Maia POR
Fourth Official:n Claúdio Filipe Ruivo Pereira POR
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fábio Oliveira Melo POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Johannesson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Irakli Nakaidze GEO
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Miguel Alves Jesus POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano António Gomes Maia POR
Fourth Official:n Claúdio Filipe Ruivo Pereira POR
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fábio Oliveira Melo POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Johannesson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Irakli Nakaidze GEO
21:00 CET - Glasgow (Ibrox Stadium)
RANGERS FC (SCO) - CLUB BRUGGE (BEL)
Referee: François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2:Erwan Christophe Finjean FRA
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Howard Webb ENG
UEFA Delegate: Victor Marius Radu ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2:
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Howard Webb ENG
UEFA Delegate: Victor Marius Radu ROU
Chefren,how is the current head of the English Referee Committe?I seacherd online but couldn't find it.
ReplyDeletePresuming you mean the PGMO (the body that organises the referees for the Premier League and EFL)? The Chief Refereeing Officer of that is Howard Webb
DeleteReferees Committee
ReplyDeleteAji Ajibola
Alex Baker (Vice-Chair, NG)
Barry Casterton
Andy Chaplin
Philip Hill
Tom Sampson
Rebecca Welch
Sarah Walters
Howard Webb (Vice-Chair, PG)
Co-opted Member
Jarnail Singh
Observer
Maurice Armstrong
This is thr current FA Referees Committee - doesn't say who chair is- it was David Elleray
Manchester United - Arsenal
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.com/v/7298ed84
Not making any movement, following the corner kick and remaining passively outside the penalty area, Hooper certainly gives no indication of having the situation under control, regardless of whether there is a foul on the goal scored or not. Very poor impression here, I must say.
Unfortunately one can have the same feeling when Manchester United asked for a penalty, close to the end of the game:
https://streamff.com/v/3dd34532
Rather passive approach, without any reaction, gesture, far from the incident...
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Chelsea - Crystal Palace
https://streamff.com/v/daff17c5
Unusual intervention for disallowing a goal following a foul on the wall. OK, but referee should have seen that by himself.
https://streambug.org/cv/90bf74
To follow, a possible penalty to Crystal Palace when first half was about to end. To me, based on replay, should have been penalty. I see action by keeper being late on the head of opponent, who plays the ball before. Difficult for Darren England live, but I rather expected intervention here. I think not a good performance here.
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Angers - Paris FC
Letexier getting this one only two days before the CL game, given that French assignments for Ligue 1 MD1 were published a long time ago, I think this was made before his CL appointment, or even without knowing it. Not a good management, if you ask me. I would always ask, as referee, for more than 2 days between two top level games.
https://streamain.com/en/SIS8fZGVAzD1nyc/watch
Straight RC for SFP by the French. A classic "Letexier" decision we can praise as final outcome, butI didn't like management here as it looked he waited for knowing more about the injury before issuing card to #6 Angers. Should have done that quickly after the foul.
The Hooper you describe is no different from how he usually is. But he has been getting an increased amount of the top 'golden' games in the last year or two. His decision accuracy and the way he officiates seems to be liked by the PGMO, and he does tend to do a decent enough job. But yes, there is a reason he isn't on any international lists, his ways seem to suit English football only
Delete@chefren.... During my club referee course, we were teached by Eredivisie referee and international VAR expert Edwin van de Graaf. He gave us the tip that for offenses whose nature isn't entirely clear and the player remains injured, and you're torn between a yellow and a red card, you can always walk past the player to check the severity of the injury. Then you can always give a yellow or red card depending on the severity. This is what Letexier did; perhaps he was taught this too!
ReplyDeleteIn French football, there is a specific procedure called a “réserve technique”.
ReplyDeleteIt is an official protest a team can file when the referee makes a mistake in applying the Laws of the Game (for example, giving a wrong restart, misapplying the penalty procedure, or stopping the match incorrectly).
It is not about judgment calls (like fouls, offsides, or yellow cards), but only about technical errors in law application. It has to be made on the pitch, at the captain's demand, before the restart following the concerned decision.
This concept is specific to France (and some francophone federations). FIFA or UEFA competitions do not have this exact procedure.
Of course it happens extremely rarely, and often issues on nothing because players don’t know how to properly use this tool. But in case of an effective wrong application of the LotG, it can lead to the game being replayed.
It happened today in Ligue 1 on Clement Turpin’s game Brest vs Lille. AR Aurélien Drouet raised his flag to indicate goal kick after he thought the ball was out of play following a corner kick. Turpin did not whistle, as per VAR protocol, and a goal was scored shortly after. VAR, with clear evidence that the goal had not left the field of play (goal-line camera), allowed the goal, leading to protests from Brest players and coaches, and the deposition of the « réserve technique ».
This won’t lead to any replay of the match and the score will be confirmed, since no mis-application of the LotG has been done. Turpin simply waited for the end of the action, and did not whistle, players should know that only the whistle matters and not the flag. But AR Drouet (not in Turpin’s usual team) was faulty on the action, leading to big troubles.
Otherwise, Turpin had a very good comeback game for his 18th Ligue 1 season, and is not to blame on this specific action.
Video of the incident : https://streambug.org/cv/fd7414
Agree with that great game by Turpin, but that show especially with top referees that they always need to be with their usuals assistant because imo Danos will have never made that mistake. And i don't know why in this start of the season we don't appoint in european games or in national game the full referee team that's use to work together. really strange for me and again an example with Letexier here in rangers without Rahmouni, don't know why.
DeleteBad decision by the AR but had zero impact on the play. Correct goal. They should move on and stop complaining.
DeleteEredivisie:
ReplyDeleteFC Twente - PSV
Referee: Sander van der Eijk / VAR: Rob Dieperink
It is for Van der Eijk first test of the season and, as expected, it proved to be a very difficult challenge. At one point, players were unhappy with almost every decision he made, and he did not leave a good impression.
I still don't know when Van der Eijk will achieve a decent status, if not the best, in Dutch football. The KNVB, which has few options, will continue to take on these challenges with him, but it is difficult to predict whether the situation will improve.
The most important moment came early in the game, when Robin Pröpper made a fierce tackle on Alassane Pléa: fo foul.
https://youtu.be/9b5Ty04UJy4?t=53
Pröpper has made many such violent tackles in the past and, strangely, has rarely gone unpunished. This was another big controversy, but some people have ruled it no foul because it was clear that Pröpper was playing the ball. But is there anyone who could survive a tackle like this without getting hurt?
Sparta Rotterdam - FC Utrecht
Referee: Allard Lindhout / VAR: Richard Martens
Challenge by Nick Viergever to Schunsuke Mito: no foul.
https://youtu.be/oP4liQYwnck?t=93
This is logically the same as Pröpper's tackle, and yes, Viergever played the ball first, but I think this is a really crazy defensive action. I think it would be more accurate to say that he cut down the opponent's legs with every ball. The ball is not leaving Mito's feet, and anyone can see that if he goes to kick it, he will also kick the opponent's leg. However, Lindhout left a good impression overall in this match.
FC Volendam - AZ
Referee: Martijn Vos / VAR: Clay Ruperti
Challenge by Ibrahim Sadiq to Nordin Bukala: no foul.
https://youtu.be/C_FHWiALTyw?t=238
The first impression was a light push from behind, but replays showed that there was clear first contact with the feet , and that the push ultimately took him down. Contact with both the upper and lower body is always a difficult situation. Either one may not be enough, but the combination of both can be enough. To me, this was a clear penalty. I'm curious to know what kind of communication Vos and Ruperti had.
My view
Delete1) such trailing leg tackle should be deemed as reckless everywhere on the pitch but unfortunately referees tend to assess it differently when it's the last resort saving clearance - imo PK and YC to be given + OFR required
2) basically it's a knee clash so I wouldn't blame the player who fiercely but rather fairly enters the challenge, correct play-on imo
3) borderline, no intervention in case of penalty awarded, most likely VAR deemed the attacking player running path as not fully natural and that he deliberately put his left leg in front of defender who had no chance to avoid the contact, I can live with such interpretation but there should be a uniform interpretation during the season
Mostly agree with Euro Soccer Ref, I would sum up saying that only first incident should be VAR intervention because too evident effects on opponent, despite of playing ball. Very reckless action. Nevertheless, the principle of ball played before wins again, always grey areas in football.
DeleteThe following two incidents can go without VAR for me.
@Anass, i think all 3 actions are very well asessed by the referees and VAR, i don't see anything crazy in Viergevers action, just a hard but normal defensive action, same with Propper, and i also agree with no penalty by referee Vos... football is a contactsport, and not every touch should result in a free kick or penalty!
ReplyDeleteI understand why some people would say that, but I'm sure a top-level defender could have come up with a much better way to stop the opponent's dribble in that situation. He didn't need to kick the ball with his opponent's legs, and he didn't have the urgency that Pröpper had.
Delete"Football is a contactsport" is the simplest excuse. All I can see is that you have no intention of arguing. If you think the player shouldn't have fallen because of the contact, you should write that.
Why should i argue about my own opinion? Because you don't like it?
DeleteA player sure can fall from a little push, or a contact, still it doesn't mean you need to give a free kick or penalty....as a referee you also need to deal with those situations, and i think a good referee has a good interpretation of that... Vos definetly had a good interpretation of that, becaus VAR also didn't take action, and thought the same most likely, iff referees are going to give presents like this, every match they can give 5 or more penalty's is that what you want?
I have a question to all of you, especially for Quilava. Does anybody of you watch debut of Iosu Galech Apzetegiua in La Liga, and what you think about? Thanks in advance!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't. Apparently had an okay performance, correct disciplinary/foul detenction and no remarkable PAIs, but struggled a bit with Getafe's time wasting antics.
DeleteOn the other hand I watched Miguel Sesma Espinosa live from the stadium, expected/good performance in a football-focused game, a single correct YC in 9' for SPA-holdimg and a penalty appeal for handball correctly rejected.
Very easy and boring first half for Pinheiro. Not entirely convinced by his foul selection though, I’m looking forward to a more challenging second half.
ReplyDeleteI agree, watched this one as well, and I share your opinion.
DeleteDisallowed goal in Crvena Zvezda - Pafos, goal scored by arm.
ReplyDeleteOverrule by VAR.
https://streambug.org/cv/0bbe32
Hernández Hernández with his usual 'play-on approach', I don't think we have another such referee in top two UEFA categories. Players rather accept it today. Correct VAR intervention for handball of the goalscorer. In 8', Crvena zvezda wanted penalty for holding, not enough.
DeleteAlready two penalties for handball in the second half - first one detected live by AR1, second after OFR.
DeleteCorrect decisions with penalties whistled. Very evident and expected to be detected on the pitch the first one, while second not easy, and VAR was there.
Deletetbh that handball was difficult to spot
DeletePinheiro has always this very minimal way of managing the players, which in my opinion is not a functional approach for every game , but as long as there are no problems of any kind it is OK. Not a referee you can follow if you are a fan of "leaving a mark".
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed very typical in his UEFA games. Symbolic scene is minute 90+5 where he misses a (very very clear) corner kick. No management at all, he issues YC for dissent, looks at the player, and finally walks away with some sort of relax gesture.
DeleteI don’t follow Portuguese league closely, maybe he is different when he can communicate in his mother tongue?
About the game itself, never challenging, correct cards given, could have issued 2 or 3 more but not mandatory. The missed corner just a lock of concentration shortly before final whistle. Good performance.
To be honest, this ref was a joke today, fouls was 20-8 according to the statistics. But congrats to Karabah, they were the better side today, totally deserved the win.
Deleteone of the worst PK decision I've ever seen from Hdz Hdz, fortunately we have VAR.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteWhere did UEFA pull this Hernandez and put him in the Elite group. The man cannot compose himself on the field, so he is not even for the third division of Spain. Shame on UEFA and Rossetti.
Bad UEFFA, bad Rossetti, bad Collinna.
DeleteGoal disallowed in Glasgow because of the Rangers player scoring while Mignolet had two hands on the ball. Hard for Letexier to spot live probably because of how quick it happens
ReplyDeleteVery hard to see live.
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/8d5e3a
Only six minutes added time in Belgrade. Not enough.
ReplyDeleteReal Madrid vs Osasuna. Looked like a very clear incorrect red card. Bad camera angles but looked like a regular howing lack of respect for the game, yellow card. In no way did I see violent conduct. Shoulder tackle on the chest.
ReplyDeleteDisagree with this ... He clearly charged the player with no intention to play the ball .. I think it's a correct RC spotted by one of the AR's ..
DeleteHowever, Cordero Vega with a really not good refereeing style, not wanting to give any YC's in a relatively easy game.
That is never violent conduct. There is no excessive force or brutality. He is just obstructing him.
Deletehttps://streamff.com/v/af6660ac
DeleteContact with shoulder, player aware did that to stop opponent.
Not seen as violent conduct in modern football, but I think you can't call it clear and obvious mistake, even though not common red card, the player is guilty of making this action in deliberate way and he takes a risk, but YC would have been the expected decision here.
https://streambug.org/cv/f1bcc0
ReplyDeleteNot the best game for Hernandez Hernandez, handball extremely hot topic, it's easy to think that after two penalties given for that reason, he thought about another handball in a potential situation...
You said it very nicely, but giving a penalty for this is quite embarrassing.
DeleteI try always to look for explanations behind the mistakes, this doesn't justify but of course can help us in understanding more. After many handballs incidents in the game, clearly the Spanish was exhausted and he thought about another one. Moreover, as Spanish referee, differently from other, he has a mind set on this infringment... and it's difficult to change, but still, if you don't see with your eyes a handball, you can't imagine it happened, and this should be the first rule...
DeleteThen if you take the incident alone by itself you can argue about the severity of the mistake...
Video clips from FK Crvena zvezda - Pafos FC refereed by Alejandro José Hernández Hernández:
ReplyDeletehttps://files.fm/u/22mgcynckc
The second goal of rangers was correct goal I do,nt why letexier cancelled
ReplyDelete