Wednesday 14 February 2018

Champions League 2017/18 - Referee Appointments - Round of 16 (First Leg, II)

Two Italian crews will handle Wednesday's CL Round of 16 games. 

14.02.2018, 20:45 CET
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid (ESP)
Real Madrid CF - Paris SG FC
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Elenito Giovanni Di Liberatore (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mauro Tonolini (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Luca Banti (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Fourth Official: Alessandro Costanzo (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: Ronald Zimmermann (GER)

14.02.2018, 20:45 CET
Estádio do Dragão, Porto (POR)
FC Porto - Liverpool FC
Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Riccardo Di Fiore (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Filippo Meli (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Davide Massa (ITA)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Damato (ITA)
Fourth Official: Alessandro Giallatini (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Francesco Bianchi (SUI)
UEFA Delegate: Christian Mutschler (SUI)

145 comments:

  1. Rocchi observed by Dallas, delegate Ronald Zimmermann (GER).

    Ref12

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  2. Porto - Liverpool
    Observer: Francesco Bianchi (SUI)
    Delegate: Christian Mutschler (SUI)

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  3.  So deserved, two very powerful teams.
    This is a very strong signal for Rocchi.

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  4. Predictions for next week:
    Bayern - Besiktas
    Anthony Taylor (ENG)

    Chelsea - Barcellona
    Damir Skomina (SVN)

    Shakhtar Donetsk - Roma
    Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)

    Sevilla - Manchester United
    Milorad Mazic (SRB)

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    Replies
    1. Taylor's last UCL match was at Munich vs Bayern... Again at Munich??? Also is Taylor ahead of Oliver in the ranks?? If so, why?? In England Oliver seems to be miles ahead in terms of performances... Is it different in UEFA??

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    2. And yet, Oliver's latest appointments are low profile fixtures. After the Manchester derby, he receives appointments which could be classified as second-tier.

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    3. To be honest, I don't see Oliver ready for CL KO stage.
      Even though already Elite, in my opinion he has still to show more, before getting such games. He has enough time, being still young in terms of age. I expect him in Europa League.
      I prefer to appoint Taylor, in case of an English referee in CL KO stage.

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    4. I agree about that... More polishing and tough EL knockouts will help before putting them in CL... But I think the same applies for Taylor because honestly speaking Taylor is in no way more ready than Oliver actually... If anything he is behind in terms of performances!! Don't you think Taylor also has a lot more to show before he gets an important CL knockout match??

      Also is it logically possible for Taylor to get 2 consecutive UCL matches involving Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena?? Not seen too many appointments like that in recent times at least... Maybe Roma v Shakhtar a better option for Taylor, if at all he is appointed??

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    5. To be honest, I have to say sorry and I'm really disappointed to admit that I forgot Atkinson. Now he is back and he attended the course, so if everything was OK for him, he could get CL.
      In this case, yes, I think both Taylor and Oliver in Europa League.

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    6. Taylor got 2 important PL matches the last month. If UEFA takes into account domestic appointments, they could see that he is on a good form.

      The could be a reason for a CL appointment.

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    7. I thought Taylor whistled Anderlecht - Bayern in Brussels, and UEFA have shown this is no real problem in the past, as long as the arena is different.
      To be honest I don't think either of the newly promoted Elites deserve a CL KO match; they don't have the required charisma yet IMO. Oliver showed he can solve challenging matches, ie Besiktas - Olympiacos, but I think needs to adapt his very accepted personality in PL, to change into UEFA matches.
      Taylor needs to be firmer and have less blackouts in crucial situations.
      But I could imagine both in Munich, or indeed Rome.

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    8. Sorry for the Munich - Brussels confusion... I somehow confused it and thought Taylor did the other leg!!

      Both Taylor and Oliver should be tested more in more challenging games in UEL before a UCL knockout game just to make them suited to the high pressure situations and to see their ability to perform under pressure in big games... Although solid performances in the PL are a testament to that but it needs to be carried on to UEFA games!!

      For now I'll put my trust on the ever reliable old horse Martin Atkinson for a UCL knockout this year!! :)

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    9. My predictions are:
      Bayern - Besiktas: Collum
      Chelsea - Barcellona: Marciniak
      Shakhtar Donetsk - Roma: Mateu Lahoz
      Sevilla - Manchester United: Cakir

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  5. OT : international exchange between french and swiss refs authorities with Jérôme Brisard officiating in Basel - Saint Gall in Switzerland and Sandro Scharer in charge of Caen - Rennes in french Ligue 1. Both refs will travel with assistants from their respective country.

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  6. It seems that finally Atkinson didn’t attend to the winter course in Malta, so I don’t expect him in the coming KO games.

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    Replies
    1. Why not?? Like Oliver, Taylor and Pawson there was a break for Atkinson during the time when the seminar was held... So presumably he attended the seminar, didn't he??

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  7. I also heard Atkinson did not attend course so I would suggest this is the end of the road for this fine referee who really turned his career around in his veteran years.

    The top English referees seem to be going well at the moment though I'm unsure we will see Oliver or Taylor in CL, more likely an EL game prior to a EL QF.

    I couldn't believe the penalty missed by Attwell at Manchester following the course, a really big mistake for me. He will be hoping to find form in his second spell at FIFA.

    It was suggested to me Kuipers did not sit the fitness test so to my knowledge(what I have read on here) that would see him excluded from appointments.

    I also must say I have never seen such a varying opinion on one referee as there is on Mazic. To my mind he is a fine referee and very steady. On here though people think he is either the best or truly awful. Very strange.

    Pre season here in the US and looking forward to the MLS getting started. I have high hopes for this season!!

    That will be me for another few weeks. Good luck to all officials in knock out football.

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    Replies
    1. As far as the news I received 2 weeks back, Kuipers would be ready to take the fitness test in another week from then as it was a minor injury... So if that went according to plans then he might have already run the test already... Either way he will be ready for a match as soon as he runs the test even if that's a 2nd leg match!!

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    2. Good news then. I'm sure Uefa will be keen to take their team to Russia fully fit and in good form.

      When the season concludes I'm sure discussions will begin on each confederations ranking and potential progress, I look forward to that!!

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    3. Let's see where it goes... Fingers crossed that they all remain fit and fine for the World Cup!!

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    4. If Atkinson didn't attend the course in Malta by taking a deliberate decision, then I don't understand why he decided to go on as FIFA referee and UEFA Elite. Of course committee wont demote him, as signal of respect, but at the same time it is not possible to get games if you don't do / pass physical tests.
      One year ago Clattenburg didn't attend the Winter Course as well, because he had already in mind to leave Europe, and we all know what happened after that. However, he was assigned to an EL game, as farewell. Maybe, the same will be for Atkinson... but then, after that? He has to stay on the list until December.

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    5. Maybe he plans to retire in June?? Like Rizzoli did last year??

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    6. Only reason I see why Atkinson would stay on FIFA list is that England has no referee who would replace him. There is only Chris Kavanagh (all other English non fifa referees are older than 46), but this is only his first season. So if Atkinson retired England would lose one place on FIFA list, maybe they wanted to avoid that.

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    7. But that's really a bad thing if that's indeed the case... Really illogical thing done by the FA if at all that's what they've actually done!!

      Btw how many years a newcomer referee needs to ply his trade in the highest League of the country before he can be nominated to the FIFA List??

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    8. Until a few years ago, the standard was 2 years of officiating at top level of domestic country.
      Now, something has changed.

      https://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/administration/02/90/46/55/circularno.1594-2018fifarefereeinginternationallists_neutral.pdf

      This is the circular for 2018.
      You can read: "Each candidate must be ranked based on the marks obtained for officiating games at the national
      level during the 12 months prior to being nominated to the list of international referees. Please do
      not put the nominees in alphabetical order."

      It is just reported that a candidate must be ranked based on his marks of the last year, but it is not specified "at top level", so I think even a referee from second or third division could get the badge. The only criterion seems to be the minimum age: 25.

      To make a comparison, this was the circular for 2016:

      https://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/administration/02/67/14/74/circularno.1497-2016fifarefereeinginternationallists_neutral.pdf

      "The proposed referees shall have officiated regularly at matches in the highest division in their country for at least two years."

      So, everything has been made easier.
      In any case, I want to add, English FIFA list was already missing of some names in last yers, with empty spots... if I'm not wrong they are entitled at moment of 10 referees, like Italy, Spain, Germany and so son... therefore I don't think this was the reason for confirming Atkinson.

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  8. I don't know any other reason, all in all there is no logic: Atkinson on FIFA list, no attending seminars and no matches but regullary appointed in England ?! Bu considering spots on FIFA list: If I am not wrong, it happened once (15, 20 years ago) that Croatia nominated only 5 referees out of 6 spots, not sure why, and Croatia lost sixth spot for next 4 or 5 years.

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  9. Ericsson looks thinner, do you agree?

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  10. Next FIFA seminar will be in Dubai from 12-16 March. It seems FIFA has already sent the invitations, for all 36 referees and 72 assistants (my guess). On the internet, I was able to find the confirmation of the Honduran Christian Ramires, and the list of the 12 African assistants: Etchiali Abdelhak (Algeria), Hmila Anouar (Tunisia), Camara Djibril (Senegal), Samba El Hadji Malick (Senegal), Birumushahu Jean Claude (Burundi), Range Marwa (Kenya), Achik Redouane (Morocco), Ahmed Waleed (Sudan), Dos Santos Jerson Emiliano (Angola), Siwela Zakhele Thusi (S. Africa), Safari Olivier (I. Coast), Ssonko Mark (Uganda).

    http://fenafuth.org.hn/christian-ramirez-candidato-a-dirigir-en-rusia-2018/

    https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2001269611/hope-as-kenya-s-referee-shortlisted-for-2018-fifa-world-cup-in-russia

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the info, hopefully we will manage the full list of invited trios.
      In that week (12 - 16 March) we will have European cups, and, among other games, Barcelona - Chelsea. Very difficult to make a prediction, having to rule out all the preselected referees for WC. If everything will be confirmed, we can then expect a big surprise there.

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    2. Danny Makkelie or Felix Zwayer... Or maybe even Ovidiu Hategan or they have to reach for someone like Viktor Kassai

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    3. Maybe this time the seminar will be split in two weeks? I would find more reasonable to call European referees the week later (19 - 23 March).
      I'm in trouble to think that with many important games in both Champions and Europa League, UEFA should renounce to all big names...

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    4. There would be more than 100 referees, most likely to be split in two or three weeks.

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  11. Geiger and Marrufo are both going from the USA. Geiger with Joe Fletcher and Frank Anderson. Marrufo with Corey Rockwell and Ian Anderson.

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    1. Confirmation that they both will function as main referees at WC. Surprising.

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    2. I'm not sure if it's confirmation, yet. If Marrufo works as a 4th and a VAR, Rockwell and Ian Anderson could easily serve in the AVAR and Reserve AR roles. American ARs have more experience with the VAR system than most other ARs.

      I selfishly hope that both crews get to work on the field, but I am not convinced this is confirmation.

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    3. Agree with Usaref, I think we can't be still 100% sure, but in any case the presence of two assistant referees for Marrufo is a very important signal.

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    4. Mr. Jair Marrufo doesn't deserve to be in the middle for a World Cup in a million years... Just not upto the required standard as he showed in the Brazil v Germany U17 WC match... How he is even under consideration is absolutely baffling!!

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    5. Ha. Well, everyone seems to be focusing on that one call in the Brazil v Germany match. The fact remains that FIFA liked his performance OVERALL in that tournament.

      And if you are going to hold up referees who aren't up to the required standard, I keep telling everyone that Aguilar will eventually fail and fail spectacularly. Also, let's not forget Irmatov whistled for a penalty before a goal was scored and then just pretended like he didn't and instead allowed the goal. There are "weak" (meaning they have a lack of courage, not lack of skill) referees among some of the world elite. Let's hope that none of that shows at the actual World Cup.

      As for Marrufo, he is a difficult person to get along with and he has a big ego. He thinks he's much better than he is. Is he good enough to be at the World Cup? I don't know. Some games he is great, other games he seems to avoid cards at all costs. I can see why Busacca might like him, honestly.

      I will say that Rockwell and Anderson are both great ARs. The question of Marrufo aside, I hope you get to see those two on the field--particularly Rockwell.

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    6. Pol
      It
      Ics
      :-)

      Absolutely no question who is the better of Lopez Castellanos and Marrufo, even considering what happened in Panama City.
      But if he's 'just' a VAR, I can accept that.

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    7. Mikael is right... If you ask me Marrufo doesn't deserve to be anywhere close to a World Cup... Just not a good enough referee anyway... Aguilar is miles better than him and even Lopez Castellanos is better than him... I just don't rate Marrufo at all!!

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    8. I've followed Marrufo's career from the beginning. And I'll stay off by saying that he chose wisely to make his referee career in the referee depleted USA instead of in Mexico where his father did. He's not nor has he ever been anything special. He's like a frustrated wannabee US version of Marco Antonio Rodriguez. But he was never really able to pull it off, for he's never been a great referee. It's not very becoming of an International Referee when said referee begs a player (Cuauhtemoc Blanco) for good jersey. But it goes further than this incident or a single missed call at an international tournament. His is a laundry list of errors and of controversies.

      But in a way I get it. Perhaps this is FIFA's consolation gift to the US for missing or on the Cup. Let's not forget that US Soccer is currently a sinking ship disaster. So yeah, I can see how FIFA would feel sorry for the Yanks. Soham is absolutely spot on. Both Lopez and Aguilar are miles ahead of Marrufo in regards to referee ability. For those of you hoping and praying that Aguilar eventually fails. Keep dreaming because he's is going to continue to do great this and thus disappointing you. Furthermore If any country deserves to have 2 referees on the pitches in Russia. That would be Mexico. Because I'd bet that nobody would choose Marrufo over Roberto Garcia Orozco.

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    9. Actually Marrufo being in the list ahead of Orozco is a huge surprise in itself... Plus from the CONCACAF region I think all of Geiger, Aguilar, Ramos Palazuelos, Pitti as well as Montero are all country miles ahead of Marrufo...

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    10. You guys are hilarious.

      Look, Sheriff, I actually agree with you on your basic overall assessment of Marrufo. He has not been my favorite and I'm not going to suddenly pretend that he is just because it means a second American at the World Cup. With that said, two points...

      He has performed well at the FIFA tournaments he's been to. The missed foul in Germany v Brazil at the U17s was a single missed foul. He had a great tournament overall according to the people who matter. If we were to cast aside referees for a single missed free kick, every referee in the world would be ineligible for the World Cup.

      As for Aguilar, it's not that I hope he fails. It is that he has. Most readers here only see his recent USA v Mexico matches. In those matches, he has been pretty good because both teams and both sets of players are both used to him. But his past is checkered and he is, at his core, a weak referee who lacks courage. I've watched him for a decade. He has gotten better (like Marrufo, honestly) but he still, at his core, is a referee who is capable of being influenced and intimidated. Awhile ago I posted the clip from the end of the Panama v Mexico qualifier from last cycle. Did anyone watch it? He put his whistle to his mouth and raised his arm, starting to blow for full-time, only to allow play to continue down field because Mexico suddenly generated an attacking opportunity. This match was in Mexico City and he allowed Mexico to try to score a goal just because he was intimidated. Aguilar is not the referee who you all think he is.

      This is a phenomenon not limited to Aguilar. As I said, I put Irmatov in the same category. Yes, he's had good matches at the top level. Yes, he's got better over time and he can often be a safe pair of hands. But the Confed Cup incident where he whistled for a penalty and then allowed the goal to be scored, without insisting the penalty to stand, should have been disqualifying.

      It's one thing when a referee misses a call. It happens to all of us and it happens to every single Elite referee in the world. I understand that. But with Aguilar and Irmatov, there is something different. They have the man management skills and the foul recognition to be top referees. However, there is something in their character that shows they are not as strong personally as their colleagues. I understand I am making a surprising argument here (many of you would say Aguilar is the best in North America and Irmatov is the best in Asia), but I am confident in my assessment. It's very possible both of them make it through the World Cup without any big mistakes, because big mistakes are rare. But if either of them screws up, I won't be surprised at all.

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  12. 19-23 March in Dubai
    Szymon Marciniak with Paweł Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz

    12-16 March in Dubai // seminar for VAR from Asia, America and Oceania
    Paweł Gil (most likely as a VAR from pioneer VAR country)

    19-23 March in Dubai // seminar for VAR from Europe and Africa
    Paweł Gil

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    1. Thank you so much. More than helpful infos!

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    2. Maybe it separates only referees and assistants, and the invited as VAR, go in both?

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    3. What about the other UEFA refs, Ray??

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    4. The week for UEFA referees is 19 - 23 March as I guessed without knowing it :D

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    5. I'm relieved that they will be available for important games :D

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  13. Correct YC for Neymar in 14 min - reckless

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  14. Very hot start of the game for Rocchi. YC for Neymar, absolutely correct decision for a reckless challenge.

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  15. Was the free kick and YC at 25' correct?

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    Replies
    1. At least in one replay it seemed like a slip and barely no contact, so I have strong doubts about the correctness of the call.

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    2. Exactly the reason why I questioned it... I had similar doubts on seeing one of the replays as well!!

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  16. Rocchi is starting to get a bit inconsistent in foul detection and his decisions... Now that can make him lose the plot very quickly 😕

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  17. Soham, what are you saying? Please...
    It’s a clear foul!

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    Replies
    1. Umm I was just enquiring about the situation at 25'... And my two comments are not relayed... I subsequently thought Rocchi got a bit inconsistent... Not for that call particularly!!

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  18. Minute 34 did Ramos throw the ball at the opponent in front of everyone after the foul? If that was the case it should be a straight red. Need a video. Looked like he threw it at his face.

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  19. Probably Sergio Ramos could've been booked (at least) for his petulant behaviour?? 🤔

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    Replies
    1. I didn’t see it properly but throwing the ball at someones face (if that is what I saw) after a foul should be violent conduct.

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    2. But as I said I didn’t see it properly and a replay would be great.

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    3. It was a Red Card for a Turkish player for doing something similar to Brazilian Rivaldo at a World Cup

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    4. That obviously was a wrong devision the Rivaldo one IIRC...

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    5. Leaving Rivaldo's embellishment out of it, why was it a wrong decision? I know neutral fans didn't like the decision, but the Turkish player deliberately kicked the ball at an opponent with force at a stoppage. What SHOULD the decision have been?

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    6. Sherrif. The Turkish player got a yellow card (2nd yellow) which is 100% correct for shooting the ball at Rivaldo. It wasn’t a straight red. Obviously Rivaldo should have had a yellow too for simulation. But what Ramos did was the same as Fabregas did a few seasons ago when he threw the ball at a player and got a straight red.

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    7. Kicked the ball https://youtu.be/JrzhV6mzW30

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  20. Correct penalty for RMA in 44 min.

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  21. 44' : Penalty awarded to Real Madrid... Looks to be a correct decision!!

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  22. What is your opinion about this penalty whistled to Real?
    My first impression, to be honest, is that it looks like a quite soft call.

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    Replies
    1. It’s one of those uncomfortable situations. The attacker exaggerates but at the same time the defender puts his arm on his neck.

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    2. I agree, of course penalty can be whistled and Rocchi is very harsh in penalty area, so consistent with his style.

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    3. Soft but correct IMO... I'll back Rocchi as an observer!!

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    4. Maybe soft, but acceptable for me.
      But I would have expected a (2nd) YC for SPA here.

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    5. YC would've been too harsh there... I'm okay with the no YC

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    6. I can even agree, but it is absolutely a foul surely, quite a significant pull of the shirt.
      A soft call but also a fairly clear foul, if you understand my words.

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  23. Correct penalty
    Correct no YC for SPA
    But not ideal way to deal with protests

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    Replies
    1. Yeah a caution or two could've been issued for Real Madrid players for show of dissent...

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    2. Match preparing. Spanish teams are specialists for dissent, if you start with discplinary too soon or too often...

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    3. Fully agreed- no card clearly wiser and sensible. But his gestures a little too passive, for my taste anyway.

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    4. In this regard I would take Cakir's approach as he did in Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid last year...

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    5. It's off topic but it's very interesting how they use psychological tricks to influence the referee :)

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    6. I'm sure like the referees, the players also do a bit of the homework :D

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    7. http://www.psych-ref.blogspot.com/

      :-)

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  24. OT :

    Does anyone have any update on Bjorn Kuipers' injury?? Any current update available on his fitness??

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  25. Dive Neymar? Rocchi has whistled that so it has to be 2nd YC

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    1. He whistled a throw-in, no?

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    2. There were mi picture - If so, sorry

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    3. I also think, a throw-in was given. But a YC for diving was at least possible there.

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  26. 60-61' : If Rocchi didn't award the penalty, surely he must have seen that Neymar dived there? Could've been a sending off there!!

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  27. Wrong call from Rocchi to give FK to RMA. Dive from Modric.

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  28. Better gestures this time, they reached their targets and were more determined. Neymar did 'dive', but I cannot think of an Elite referee that gives a YC->RC.
    And now he whistles a zero foul, a dive by Modric, incorrect YC for Rabiot.

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    1. If he whistles the dive there is no Otter Option —> YC

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    2. Probably that should've been a 2nd YC... I don't know what others would've done but for me it's a sending off!!

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    3. For sure in case of a (indirect) freekick whistled, Rocchi has no other option.
      A strong, quiet warning seems the best solution IMO.

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    4. Even I'll accept that call... But personally I would've sent him off I think!!

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    5. The CL matches, especially ones like this, do not require refereeing "by the book". Excellent decision of no 2nd YC to Neimar for dive, but wrong YC to Rabiot - no foul over Modric.

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  29. 64' : Absolutely joke of a free kick awarded to Real Madrid and completely incorrect YC to Rabiot... Not a hugely polished performance by Rocchi, I'm afraid!!

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  30. 63' Pff...dive by Modric and unfair YC to Rabiot. Missed by Rocchi. Hope won't be crucial.

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  31. 69' : Oops looks like Rocchi is hurt 🤕

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    1. All good.. Just a minor hit on the ear!!

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    2. One of examples of poor positioning tonight :(

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  32. 80': wrong offside by AR1. Stopping (at least) a promising attack.

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    1. Just not a polished display by the team as a whole!!

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  33. Missed foul by Ronaldo before goal?

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    1. Looked okay on watching some replays...

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  34. Liverpool v Porto return leg will do with a relatively lower profile name!!

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  35. For Rocchi my mark will be around that 8.1/8.2 area!!

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    1. Couldn't agree more

      + Good feeling for upcoming conflicts
      + Crucial decision at least acceptably evaluated, courage
      + Good management of the early minutes, including best moment for the opening YC

      - No real clear line in YCs (including blantant mistake(s))
      - Not that convincing management of dissent, he seemed sharper than usual (older version of Rocchi), missing a stepped approach
      - Positioning

      So absolutely around 8,1/2 area, not the best arguments for his WC, but no disaster either.

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    2. This type of performance would be okay upto WC group stage at best!!

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  36. I didn't watch the game but reading that Porto - Liverpool ended 0-5, without cards, with a low number of fouls, I would dare to say it was a piece of cake for Orsato. In case, good for him.
    Second leg should be open even to a Category 1, in this case it is difficult to think that Porto will score 5 goals in England... we are not talking about a game like Barça - PSG :)

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    1. Some possible names for the return leg??

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    2. Makkelie, Zwayer, Jug, Karasev, Kulbakov

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    3. Before the World Cup selection I can't imagine Karasev getting Liverpool v Porto having 1st leg results 5–0... Rest of the names are all right and maybe we can include Hategan in place of Karasev in the list...

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  37. Rocchi: in my opinion neither a bad performance, but of course nor a very good one. Several points for improvement, disciplinary control could have been better, however he can be backed regarding all crucial decisione. Definitely, we are in the 8.2 area. If we want to be harsh 8.1, I think but I would prefer 8.2.
    At the end it can be OK, because first important thing in such games is to assure control and to avoid very blatant / significant mistakes.

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    1. Fully agree. Overall good control of the game

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    2. I agree. In overall, it was a solid performance. Rejected penalty appeals (2', 54' - Ramos' handball) are acceptable decisions. We all know that simulating players are punished mainly (if not only) if their act has place in or close to the penalty area. Rocchi tried to keep cards in the pocket as long as possible. He 'managed' some fouls that would have been sanctioned with a YC in old Rocchi's days. The only real mistake was a yellow card to Rabiot for Modrić' simulation. 8.2/8.3 from me.

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  38. Come on. Inconsistent refereeing by Rocchi and disciplinairy gestion very Weiss : phantom foul and YC for Rabiot instead of simulation, YC forgotten for Kroos at the end of first half. No disciplinairy YC for time wasting at two times. Clearly not convincing for me. And furthermore perhaps foul by Ronaldo prior to 2-1. Wait for replays.

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    1. 8.1, my friend... Can't go below that... And no crucial mistakes here and he had decent enough overall control...

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    2. Agree Soham but for a future WC ref, not at this best in my taste ;)

      Delete
    3. I would say that the mark for this match started from 8.5. In that case, 8.2 is acceptable, with several points for improvement.
      And the way that such experienced elite AR uses flag technique in ECL match is inappropriate. At least...

      Delete
  39. I have read in Saudi media that after the World Cup Clattenburg could be replaced by Collina as referees' boss in Saudi Arabia and that Al-Mirdasi could be out of World Cup 2018 if he is still not appointed in Saudi Professional League (from some months - Christmas time aside - there are only foreign referees appointed by Clattenburg...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Even I heard the same from a friend... And I'm fairly shocked I must say... He left England for this job with such pomp and now he get to hear this...

      Delete
  40. 8.2 for me also. I guess Dallas could go for 8.3

    Not a very good performance but not a bad one. Mixed feelings from yesterday's match.

    I think that he is still in the picture for something big this year.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Some videos from Real Madrid - Paris

    02' - penalty incident
    https://streamable.com/v9qon

    06', 08' - Management of two fouls at the beginning
    https://streamable.com/picjt

    14' - YC Neymar
    https://streamable.com/flbdn

    17' - Nacho's handball
    https://streamable.com/ibi56

    24' - alertness of the referee at the goalkick
    https://streamable.com/5kn4k

    25' - YC Lo Celso
    https://streamable.com/c6a79

    44' - Penalty for holding
    https://streamable.com/1injc

    54' - Ramos' handball
    https://streamable.com/3riv5

    61' - Neymar's simulation
    https://streamable.com/uhu7a

    64' - YC Rabiot (Modrić' simulation)
    https://streamable.com/yjw9k

    83' - 2-1 goal, Ronaldo vs Kimpembe
    https://streamable.com/g7kb1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wanted to see the Ramos incident at minute 34.

      Delete
  42. So Kuipers for 2nd leg if he is not injured?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A referee coming back from injury with PSG v Real? Won't it be risky?

      Delete
    2. Chefren, Mikael, RayHD please share your views!!

      Delete
    3. Personally I think Skomina is the best name for Paris, suiting to his style, with regards to the final etcetera.

      Depends on whether Kuipers attends EL next week IMO, but I tend towards he doesn't get such a big clash yet.

      Delete
    4. I'm also of the opinion that he should do a good UEL game first and then return to high profile UCL matches in QF and SF stages for which he is obviously a candidate!!

      Delete
    5. Çakır I want him Man Utd v Sevilla

      Delete
  43. Hello guys. Lot of polemics in France with Rocchi performance. Last one may that Kroos is clearly offside prior to correct penalty given to Real.
    http://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/real-psg-kroos-etait-il-hors-jeu-avant-de-provoquer-le-penalty-1375162.html

    ReplyDelete
  44. Ka Boom! There was a clear offside prior to the penalty kick missed by Di Liberatore...

    https://pasteboard.co/H7UUuf8.png

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWHk3lNW4AERdCu.jpg

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had read this somewhere, but I forgot to report it on the blog. Definitely a poor performance by Di Liberatore, in addition to this missed offside, we must mention again also the wrong flag against PSG a few seconds before Real Madrid goal in second half. So, at least two of the three goals scored by the Spanish team were origined by wrong assessments by assistant referee.
      If Rocchi can be backed in all crucial situations, given also the difficulty of the game, it is not the same for AR1. VAR would have solved everything there.

      Delete
    2. Not a great match to falter with Dallas in the house... He won't be impressed... Also with ARs not performing well, Rocchi won't go far in the World Cup either!!

      Delete
  45. AR on this level can not afford such a BIG/crucial mistake.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Mateu Lahoz officiated yesterday in La Liga, I think that this could mean he has CL on next week. Bayern - Beşiktaş is suitable.
    I remember that Velasco Carballo in KO stage was very often appointed with the German team because there weren't other matches available (all Spanish teams...). Maybe this time it is the same.
    Well in case of appointment for him we have only two options: Bayern or Shakhtar.

    About Chelsea - Barcelona, assuming that a preselected referee for WC should be there, the choice is only between Cakir and Marciniak. No other options, given that Kuipers is coming back (hopefully for him) from an injury, there aren't other big names.
    So, coming to a conclusion I would say Mateu Lahoz and maybe Marciniak for Tuesday's games.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Considering the past of Chelsea and Barcelona matches my guess is that two names appointed for those matches are most trusted by UEFA at the moment. Cakir and probably Skomina or Mazic.

      Delete
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