Second legs of 2021/22 UEFA Europa League Quarterfinals, referee appointments.
14 April 2022
18:45 CET - Bergamo (Stadio di Bergamo)Atalanta BC (ITA) - RB Leipzig (GER)
Referee: Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Pau Cebrián Devís (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Roberto Díaz Pérez del Palomar (ESP)
Fourth Official: José Luis Munuera Montero (ESP)Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (ESP)
UEFA Referee Observer: Karen Nalbandyan (ARM)
UEFA Delegate: Luca Zorzi (SUI)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Giacomo Paganessi (ITA)
21:00 CET - Barcelona (Camp Nou)
FC Barcelona (ESP) - Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)
Referee: Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias (POR)
FC Barcelona (ESP) - Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)
Referee: Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Rui Licínio Barbosa Tavares (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Paulo Alexandre dos Santos Soares (POR)
Fourth Official: Fábio José Costa Veríssimo (POR)
Video Assistant Referee: João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro (POR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins (POR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Michael Riley (ENG)
UEFA Delegate: Dennis Cruise (IRL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Antonio Uzcudun Gómez (ESP)
UEFA Referee Observer: Michael Riley (ENG)
UEFA Delegate: Dennis Cruise (IRL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Antonio Uzcudun Gómez (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) - West Ham United FC (ENG)
Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1:
Assistant Referee 2: Bekim Zogaj (SUI) Jan Köbeli (SUI)
Fourth Official: Davide Massa (ITA)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello (ITA)Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Domenico Messina (ITA)
UEFA Delegate: Marcin Stefański (POL).
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Jean Marc Salza (FRA)
21:00 CET - Glasgow (Ibrox Stadium)
Rangers FC (SCO) - SC Braga (POR)
Referee: François Letexier (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stavros Tritsonis (GRE)
UEFA Delegate: Miroslaw Ryszka (POL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Stewart Shearer (SCO)
Rangers FC (SCO) - SC Braga (POR)
Referee: François Letexier (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni (FRA)
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard (FRA)
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stavros Tritsonis (GRE)
UEFA Delegate: Miroslaw Ryszka (POL)
UEFA Referee Liaison Officer: Stewart Shearer (SCO)
Definitely Letexier has won Bastien, and is more reliable from UEFA.
ReplyDeleteNot convinced yet by that statement if I'm honest as PSV v Leicester arguably equal. I do think that he is going to potentially be a top UEFA official!
DeleteBastien is a very good referee in my opinion - he showed many times the ability to assure match control in challenging clashes (why you always see him paired with Turkey). That being said, two decisions internally assessed as mistakes by UEFA in 18/19 group stage started his trouble internationally (missed penalty in Galatasaray vs. Schalke, too soft decisive penalty in Olympiakós vs. AC Milan). I have the feeling he struggles a bit to adapt to more modern chilled/fluent games maybe. My idea is that UEFA will push Letexier for le numéro un français, whilst keeping Bastien still for these more-challenging-than-sonorous games, which they know he can solve effectively.
DeleteDo not forget his big problems from Basel - Cluj...
DeleteExpected appointments for Mateu, Schärer and Letexier in this round.
ReplyDeleteSoares Dias less expected after no EL KO matches in this season so far. But also not a huge surprise given his experience (and the lack of alternatives).
Schärer repeats West Ham after the previous round, which seems rather unnecessary - but again shows the shortage of options.
Indeed one could say that Soares Dias appointment is the only one less expected than the others, but still with his experience, in an overall context, a "normal" game for him. Hope he will do well.
DeleteMateu Lahoz again with an Italian team and in a very important game, to follow good games for Schärer and Letexier.
It's very strange to see that despite of potentiality, capability he didn’t get matches in KO both in CL & EL. Now justify his reputation and expect to be the 10th candidtes for Qatar.
DeleteChanged Referee Appointment by Team Schärer between Lyon against West Ham :
ReplyDeleteAR1 : Bekim Zogaj (SUI)
AR2 : Jan Köbeli (SUI)
Any ideas what happened to both assistants?
Delete@Alex: Almeida got sick
DeleteWhat happened to Karasev?
ReplyDeleteWhere do you live? Surely not on the earth?
DeleteI don't live on earth, that is true; I live in the world of football, and I don't think about politics when I'm in footballland. I feel bad for Karasev, because he was really good.
DeleteGuys, we should do a blog exclusively to put our final list of REF for Qatar. And in the end compare the lists with the final that FIFA gives. What do you think of Chefren?
ReplyDeleteNice idea, we will work on it, thanks!
DeleteDo we know when FIFA will release the list?
DeleteMy comment on Mateu's first half in Bergamo:
ReplyDeleteAn "easy" game to manage, there have been no controversial situations, you can see the respect the players have for a referee like Mateu.
I liked the fluidity that he has given to the game, plus he has an enviable physical condition.
Wow, Antonio Lahoz with a rejected OFR, felt it was wrong from Lahoz as it touched and outreached wrist.
ReplyDeleteYes, brave and unexpected decision. Debatable, but IMO it should have been a pk.
DeleteBut very refreshing to see a referee not change his mind!! I dare say what happened in Rangers with Ricardo de Burgos and a goal he didn’t want to rule out was definitely playing on his mind there as before he went for the OFR he told the players it had struck the shoulders and when he did go he saw arguments for and agains and he played the narrative to suit what he earlier explained that it did strike the shoulders and the wrists.
DeleteAgains an Italian team??? We won’t hear the last of it😂😂
DeleteCorrect no-handball in my opinion.
DeleteNow very controversial situation,even with VAR I cant decide wether it's handball or not...
ReplyDeleteMateu decides that there was no punishable handball,but his management is excellent.
Oh my god, what did lahoz do, such a clear penalty
ReplyDeleteHe is saying that it first hit hand that was glued to the body and them the impact of that hand moved the other hand,so it seems that it was handball.
ReplyDeleteOnly Mateu Lahoz can make an OFR with such "courage", if you understand what I mean, all the other referees would have whistled a penalty without even looking at video. I think that he is not 100% wrong, but all expected penalty there. Of course, easy to guess, there will be big discussions in Italy after this choice, and if Atalanta out, strong reactions against UEFA, committe, etc. etc... the same as always...
ReplyDeleteThat's why Mateu is Mateu.
DeleteBrave,not afraid of big moments and unexpected calls,with such unique style.
That's why we love him.
We love Lahoz because he is an excellent referee, not because of clear mistakes like this one....
DeleteI would support Mateu in this situation. The main argument, in my opinion, is, that the ball firstly touch the left shoulder and then deflected to the arm and that's why it's not punishable. Brave desicion and good management.
ReplyDeleteBut the game is heating a bit,mybe needs to show some cards to regain control again.
ReplyDeleteHe is loosing control a bit after few unexpected decisions.
DeleteNow 4 quick YC's to regain control of match.
DeleteVideo: https://streamable.com/b8v6y6
ReplyDeleteChefren, what's your opinion?
DeleteIt's great that one can hear and understand the conversation :D
DeleteTranslation would be appreciated. :)
DeleteI think, the right arm is close enough to the body and in a rather natural position, therefore supportable to not give the penalty. A contact with the left arm would have been more critical.
@Philipp S That's exactly what Mateu is saying to Martínez Munuera. If the contact had happened with the left arm it would be a PK, but the right arm is in natural position.
DeleteImo, the right arm of the player is legal and there is no good evidence that the ball also touches the left arm, which would be illegal. Supportable, if not even correct call.
DeleteIf the ball doesn't hit the defenders left hand/wrist. There is no doubt that the shot goes through on goal. So that is a stonewall PK and Yellow Card.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, as soon a Lahoz was sent for the OFR. It was clearly visible in his body language that he wasn't happy about it. Having seen that type of attitude from him, I am not surprised that he outright talked his way out of having to call the PK by inventing a reason and seeing only what he wanted to see.
This is not a "brave" decision. This is a referee being bullish, stubborn and too arrogant to change his wrong decision.
But is it clear, that it hit the left hand/wrist?
DeleteFurthermore, it is not really relevant, whether the shot goes toward the goal or not according to the LotG (only for the YC, but not for the penalty).
Clear? Uh yeah!
DeleteDoes the hand/wrist not fly backwards after being struck by the ball? The answer is, yes. #PK
Could as well be a domino reaction that the left hand was struck by the right hand which was struck by the ball. I don't see any good evidence that the ball hit the left hand directly.
DeleteI agree Kaer! Mateu again shows to be cut above the rest with his simply FORMIDABLE mental strength in this scene! Is a 'tragedy' that in refereeing, like many hierarchical environments, such brilliant strong officials often get lost in favour of less able, more bureaucratic-type people. I hope that Mateu doesn't pay for this excellent decision, but I fear...
DeleteNow penalty to Leipzig, 100% correct decision.
ReplyDeleteThe NO PENALTY call will represent another chapter of the famous story Italy against UEFA...
Siebert can learn from Mateu 's managament of players.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to point out that Mateu Lahoz was convinced about his choice even before the OFR and immediately after the incident, he immediately indicated the position of the arm, close to body, showing it to players. Then, he was called to OFR and, as we discussed, he argued that the right arm was in a natural position. After the OFR, he ensured to a player that he had seen and assessed it without doubts. So, we can draw the conclusion that the strong arguments in his mind, in all cases, prevailed over the rest. For this reason, almost impossible that after the OFR he would have changed decision.
ReplyDeleteYou can have a different idea, but surely you can't say that he was not convinced about his choice...
It is also important to say that many referees interact with VAR in a totally different way: they just accept passively every correction, in some cases without even looking at video (this happens for some referees in serie A as well).
I think the correct approach to VAR should be a middle way between these two "borders": not to be convinced at all cost to stay with original decision, but most important, not to change decision in all cases without having a closer look at the incident again.
It is not easy because I think there are many different mental approaches to this matter.
Common Chefren, this is clear PK, defender makes his body bigger. Hi is on the wall and clearly takes a risk by putting his hand in that position. Look at the other def hands position. Clear PK
DeleteOverall, a regular job from Mateu. The only black point in his work was not sanctioning PK in favor of Atalanta, if it had been a goal, it would have changed the game. 7/10
ReplyDeleteLive from Bergamo, Mateu so far better as actor than as ref. Unacettable pk not given, very clear live. And from then hundreds of yellow card in a very correct game. Worst performance so far this year in Bergamo
ReplyDeleteEarly goal in Glasgow. Could be a challenging night for Letexier
ReplyDeleteCorrect penalty to Frankfurt by Dias Soares
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.com/v/207672
DeleteVery brave penalty call by Soareas Dias, I think not all referees would have taken this decision at the beginning of the game.
ReplyDelete2nd goal for rangers disallowed after intervention for handball
ReplyDeleteSoares Diaz to Jakic (Frankfurt), "I'm the boss, not you!" I love it! #AUTHORITY
ReplyDeleteSoares Dias trying to keep the game under control, many fouls and many warnings, we'll see if he succeeds
ReplyDeleteSo very refreshing to see a referee finally punish a defensive player for something that they get get away with on each an every set play into the penalty area. More calls like these and just maybe defensive players will think twice before doing all that dirty tactics.
ReplyDeleteI agree, unluckily such calls are very rare, but in UEFA definitely by far more common than Italy. In Italy all defenders are always allowed to do that...
DeleteThat's disheartening Chefren. It's anti-football.
DeleteUntil now (30 min/1st Half) I have loved Artur Dias, the penal sanctioned 100% correct and the personality that he offers very good. If he continues like this and the game doesn't get out of hand, he's a candidate for the first leg of LIV-VIL imo
ReplyDeleteYes. He didn’t get any KO game in this season despite have the capacity to handle big matches. Now lets see what Rosetti think!
DeleteLahoz should have just saved timed and spared everyone from wasting match time. By simply initially dismissing the invite for an OFR. As he had clearly already made his mind up without even bothering to see what the VAR saw.
ReplyDeletePenalty and red card in Glasgow. Slightly soft perhaps but completely supportable imo
ReplyDeletehttps://streamja.com/293Bw
DeleteAbsolutely spot on!
DeletePushing the attacking player in the back is in no way shape or form a genuine attempt to play the ball.
Bravo Mr. Letexier!
Letexier issued a RC for DOGSO for a foul inside the box in a situation in which most of referees show YC becuase they assess this kind of intervention as genuine. Contact from behind that one could have read as attempt to play ball, the French Elite decided for a not genuine action.
ReplyDeleteThis is another brave choice and I really like it, because nowadays these decisions are very rare.
I fully back Letexier and TBH I am impressed by his no nonsense approach to punishing this incident severely and more importantly correctly.
DeleteHowever I am now left to wonder if Mr. Rosetti will view it in the same manner. My gut tells me that he won't and we'll probably not see Letexier for a good while.
It was a push more than a charge IMO, which would necessitate a red card. I think his decision is more correct than a yellow would have been.
DeleteBrilliant Soares in quite demanding 1st half.
ReplyDelete"Easy" game for Sánchez Martínez
ReplyDeleteI think Soares Dias is gonna have quite challenging 2nd half..
ReplyDeleteBarca will for sure score and then we can expect anything,not scenes like yesterday,but then again you never know.
Well, one Italian will be very happy to have a strong argument against Mateu Lahoz before the WC selection! Because prior today there were no arguments to select another Spaniard instead. And now you can be almost sure that either del Cerro or Gil Manzano will be selected over him. Sad.
ReplyDeleteSadly, Lohoz brought it upon himself. His stubbornness and arrogance finally caught up with him. His teammates tried to help him. But he simply dismissed their opinions as if they had no merit. He showed that he's an individual and not a teammate. As referee's we can't do it alone. We are part of a team and all opinions matter.
DeleteI disagree - Mateu's mental strength is simply a cut above the rest, absolutely brilliant what he did here, look at how he was a real LEADER, clearly-thinking, in the whole scene. It is a shame on 'us' in refereeing if we discard such brilliant mavericks and 'outsiders' (in a culture where mediocre sycophancy is so rewarded) as Mateu because they upset the bureaucracy. Knowing that Atalanta are from Italy, one can fear for the super Spaniard.
DeleteNo man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.
DeleteNow penalty appeal in Barcelona and technical issues for Artur Dias.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunate for Soares Dias, this is always hard to deal with and does not look good
DeleteWhat is this mess Barcelona? Way to kill the momentum of the match.
ReplyDeleteI like the calm of Soares Dias, he is above the game right now
ReplyDeleteAs of now that's 6 minutes of added time the Soares Diaz must add.
ReplyDeleteI dont understand why Soares Dias didnt have a CL KO Match
ReplyDeleteBecause the referee committee has a limited group of "favorites" and others from "BIG" nations that must be assigned also to appease said "BIG" nations.
DeleteMeritocracy? Not in UEFA.
Given Orsato situation and lack of options for CL SF's, there is an increased chance for Soares Dias in LIV-VIL, as long as tonight ends without controversy...
DeleteSoares Dias DESERVES LIV-VIL
DeleteThe main thing is always about performance, however referees should always look professional. So, is it really a problem if the referee has the same socks as one team, or the same shirt as one GK?
ReplyDeleteTonight, Letexier has blue socks with black kit to avoid sock clash with Rangers, however is there any need? And this is one of the better combos, I remember recently seeing blue, black and yellow all in one kit.
I am a regular EPL viewer where often referees and one team will have black socks, or perhaps the ref will wear same colour as one GK - it is never a problem. Why are UEFA so strict to the point where kits are mixed and matched, leaving sometimes ridiculous looking kits?
It's ridiculous for referee's to have to take into consideration sock colors, GK jersey colors. What's next? Color of their shorts?
DeleteAs long as the referee's jersey is different from both teams. Play the game.
We have a new candidate for SF from CL: Artur Soares Dias.
ReplyDeleteMAGNIFICENT PRESENTATION IN BARCELONA
siebert without sf in el
ReplyDeleteLetexier doing well. Very calm. Excellent management of head knock situation, identifying that it wasn't a foul. Calmed both sets of players
ReplyDeleteAgree, good referee
DeleteI don't know if you agree, but for me Soares Dias already has the ticket for Qatar as central referee
ReplyDeleteWhy? Only because of one good game? We should look at the whole season, overall.
DeleteCurrent form should matter more that past glories.
DeleteSoares was in the Olympic Games (4th referee in the final) and if Rosetti had given him more confidence this season (more games) he would be much better off. But today he is showing why they trusted him with the game in Barcelona.
DeleteAccording to Anonymous, what matters is the present.
DeleteSadly Soares Diaz has 2 things against him.
Delete1. Not a "BIG" name in the eyes of the committee.
2. Not from a "BIG' nation.
Bro, PORTUGAL is not a big nation?
DeleteHmm Benquerenca and proenca bag to differ ;)
DeleteI think Portugal is a big nation in football and refereeing.
DeletePortugal's presence at the top level of refereeing in the last forty-ish years is quite exaggerated compared to the quality that they presented, if anything.
DeleteI am quite excited to watch Soares Dias tomorrow morning reading the comments!
Barcelona players doing a lot of extra stuff off the ball. Soares Diaz has seen it happen as it letting it go. Frankfurt players not liking getting hacked. Dembele has gotten away with way too much up to this point.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute agreement! I'm not happy with Soares Diaz's line in yesterday's game. Many of Barcelona's unsportsmanlike actions were ignored by the referee. After Jakić received a yellow card in the 25th minute, the referee should have followed that line to the end on both sides. The second penalty and the sending off were also rather questionable for me. The referee also ignored the incident in the 81st minute, when a Barcelona player bumped into assistant 1 and there was even a war of words afterwards. Please don't get me wrong, overall a good performance from Soares Diaz. But nothing more.
DeleteI am watching a variety of games, but looks like a challenging game in Scotland for Letexier to handle.
ReplyDeleteEven harder now that Braga have equalized. A couple precarious moments where players have been emotional, but Letexier has done well to intervene and maintain calm and order.
DeleteSCHÄRER REPORT: In a very complicated game, he has been able to take it on the right track. We hope it doesn't get out of hand because it's very hot (the game is already defined LYON 0-3 WH, but the French are always very difficult to referee)
ReplyDelete9 minutes from Soarez Diaz.
ReplyDeleteGood to see a referee not short change the teams in regards to added time.
Hmm, Siebert gave yesterday only 8 minutes, of I am not mistaken. If this game has 9 minutes, Siebert should have showed 12-15 then.
DeleteI must say this has been an outstanding performance by Soares Dias.
ReplyDeleteYes, He deserves other match (SF)
Delete+1
DeleteMasterclass by Makkelie in Thessaloniki. Full control and acceptance. He’s so calm en still strong in body language. A pleasure to watch him. Two yellow cards only.
ReplyDeleteSo unfortunate that we might not see English referees both in Europa league and Conference league!! The English teams are everywhere except rangers lose the European season is probably over for the English referees!
ReplyDeleteVery unlucky for them. Perhaps Feyenoord-Marseille could be for Taylor or Oliver, most likely Taylor between the two of them. That will be surely be a hot game in difficult conditions given the fans of both teams.
DeleteExcellent SYC Letexier. PERFECT, also in line with UEFA vision.
ReplyDeleteWhen we compare to confrontational Sánchez Martínez vs. Fekir, or even Taylor vs. Vidal, this is a scene where the referee correctly punished an idiotic player and has absolutely nothing, even looking on the highest level, to reproach himself for as ref. What a brilliant image for us as referees, thank you Mr Letexier.
DeleteLetexier is one brave ref very idiotic action from that braga player for shouting in the referees face, deserved red card again!!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent from Letexier. I've been seriously impressed by him
ReplyDeleteLove love love love love the second yellow card there by Letexier, brave decision. Finally a referee who is not afraid to hold player behavior to a higher standard.
ReplyDeleteGreat 2YC for dissent for BRA45, bravo Letexier.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly saw today a magnificent night in terms of refereeing in Barcelona. One of the best referees I've seen in recent times, made by someone who, because he's not one of Rosetti's favorites, doesn't have many high-level games. Brilliant performance by Artur Soares Dias, in all aspects. He was present at the 2020 European Championship, at the Olympic Games, even being Fourth Referee in the Final, and, after this performance, I point him to a Liverpool-Villareal. And if you have that game, I think we can start printing the ticket to Qatar.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Dias had an excellent performance but don’t over estimate things, he isn’t getting a UCL semi Final after not even getting a single Round of 16 game and he is highly unlikely to go to Qatar, this is just a one of match from UEFA and it won’t go a long way in terms of the Referee committee!! If you follow them you should know by now.
Delete+1
DeleteAgree.
DeleteToday I got confirmation that Letexier is a very brave referee and a talent, he has a similar style to Turpin for some aspects, very different from Bastien. I can easily imagine that Letexier will get soon very big games, he deserves that.
ReplyDeleteAlso, about Soares Dias I wanted to say that when a referee is so focused and strong in a game, you can maybe not even consider if a penalty is soft or not, he gave this impression to me, a full control in a very challenging game, being strong when needed.
Maybe Schaerer in Lyon was the least challenged today... but not his fault of course.
I can imagine him in Conference league final if Marseille gets knocked out in SF.
DeleteHaba why do you guys do this to yourself for goodness sake😂😂 a referee that was just promoted hey a final, even Seibert won’t even dream of getting a final!! Considering Letexiers age I am surprised that you could even say he gets a final!! Even Seibert who is highly regarded of all new elites won’t even get it irrespective of yesterday’s performance
DeleteMy predictions:
ReplyDeleteManchester City - Real Madrid: Clément Turpin (FRA)
Liverpool - Villarreal: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
Real Madrid - Manchester City: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Villarreal - Liverpool: Slavko Vincic (SVN)
CL final: Danny Makkelie (NED)
West Ham United - Eintracht Frankfurt: Danny Makkelie (NED)
RB Leipzig - Rangers FC: Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP)
Eintracht Frankfurt - West Ham United: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Rangers FC - RB Leipzig: Artur Soares Dias (POR)
EL final: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Feyenoord - Olympique Marseille: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
Leicester City - AS Roma: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Olympique Marseille - Feyenoord: Anthony Taylor (ENG)
AS Roma - Leicester City: Daniel Siebert (GER)
ECL final: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
3 referees from Spain since 2 referees from England is not possible (only 1 tie available) and I don't see options with other federations, due to the absence of Karasev, Hategan and Çakir I have had to appoint the candidates for the finals as well (although giving a few referees double appointments is also possible)
I'd swap Soares and Kovács.
DeleteSoares for Liverpool-Villarreal 1st leg and Kovács for an EL SF 2nd leg.
My predictions for semifinals:
DeleteManCity-Real: Vincic / Makkelie
Liverpool-Villareal: Kovavs / Turpin
Leipzig-Rangers: Jovanovic / Gil Manzano
West Ham-Frankfurt: Meler / Mateu
Leicester-Roma: Letexier / Soares Dias
Feyenoord-Marseille: Zwayer / Schärer
I think so, he should be! He over took Michael Oliver when he was promoted. Oliver was 33 when Collina promoted him while Letexier was 32 as at his promotion.
ReplyDeleteSemifinal Predictions
ReplyDeleteLiverpool-Villareal: Turpin/Kovacs
ManCity-Real Madrid: Vincic/Orsato
Leipzig-Rangers:Meler/Artur Dias
Westham-Frankfurt:Del cerro Grande/Letexier
Leicester-Roma: Schaerer/Zwayer
Marseille:Feyenoord: Taylor/Marchinak
UCL:
DeleteLiverpool-Villarreal: Soares/Turpin
Manchester City-Real Madrid: Vincic/Orsato
Final: Makkelie
UEL:
Leipzig-Rangers: Gozubuyuk/Kovács
West Ham-Eintracht: Letexier/Del Cerro Grande
Final: Marciniak
UECL:
Leicester-Roma: Scharer/Gil Manzano
Marseille-Feyenoord: Zwayer/Taylor
Final: Del Cerro Grande
My candidates for the three finals at moment are the same as yours, Quilava. In addition, I almost agree on every name you selected for semifinals. If Orsato not available, then Marciniak could get a CL semifinal before EL final, but in that case committee should try to find the best option, still difficult, but surely the second leg of Liverpool - Villarreal is my first idea.
DeleteMy predictions:
ReplyDelete***UCL
MCI-RMA
1° Turpin
2° Orsato
LIV-VIL
1° Soares Dias
2° Kovacs
FINAL: Makkelie
***UEL
WH-FRA
1° Del Cerro
2° Makkelie
LEI-RAN
1° Jovanovic
2° Vincic
FINAL: Marciniak
***UECL
LEI-ROM
1° Umut Meler
2° Gil Manzano
FEY-MAR
1° Marciniak
2° Mateu Lahoz
FINAL: Del Cerro
Too many Spaniards for me. Maybe Peljto, Nyberg or JMSM from Group1?
DeleteOh mate, Peljto looks like a great opcion for UECL.
DeleteI don't know when UEFA invented those categories. But shouldn't Peter Mikkelsen have been an Elite referee during the World Cup 1990 at the age of 30?
ReplyDeleteI must say that I have not seen any referee performance nearly as good as the one by Dias tonight.
ReplyDeleteFrom start to finish, not only did he have the match under control, he simply made not mistakes, he did not care about big names, he was just a really, really good referee.
Very, very happy.
My prediction final daniel orsato
ReplyDeleteOne thing is clear: Dias had a chance last night and he used it at maximum. The observer was a pretty important name, so in case of a good report Dias can hope at great things to come. But don't let the heat of one good game make you exagerate. European finals? Already sealed a place in Qatar? Not later than yesterday he was considered to have a poor season. Besides of that, we all know that politics are slightly more important than performances for the big boss. Okay, now with the crisis of trusted referees for semifinals, we should see Dias with a game in UECL/UEL.
ReplyDeleteOh, and we tend to be very excited when a referee takes a "brave" decision. For example Letexier yesterday ( I would have prefered YC and not RC / maybe even Lahoz, even though I agree that no penalty was the correct decision - and I praise him for his brave). UEFA might asses this moments different and then we are upset that we not see anymore a particular referee.
Agree. In our life politics has a great role indeed( example:look around the world). Performance, game control, big name, big game that matters with politics to get opportunity.
DeleteYes in absence of Karasev & Cakir, he is favourite as 10th candidates from UEFA.
ReplyDeleteI find it really interesting how everyone seems to be very excited by Soares Dias performance last night. I watched only the 2nd half, but what I saw is his usual style, which seems a bit absent minded at moments. Very calm, but lacking clear gestured, face mimics and authority that we see from Lahoz, Marciniak, Taylor, Makkelie etc. Yes, the game was under control, he didnt influence the flaw of the game too much and the decisions were right, but somehow I could imagine things going out of control completely with someone like PSG or Inter on the pitch instead of Barcelona.
ReplyDeleteHowever, a very good performance in the end and a good FIFA-style refereeing suitable for WC.
I can add some arguments that maybe can help you in understanding this point of view you mentioned: at first, whistling the penalty in the early minutes of the game, a kind of infringment that very often goes unpunished, is something very remarkable. Then, facing pressure of players, unexpected outcome, not being influenced by crowd, added time, calmness, firmness... it wasn't easy. You should realize that we are talking about Barcelona - Eintracht Frankfurt 2-3, nobody expected that.
DeleteUCL
ReplyDeleteMCI-RMA: Vinic
RMA-MCI: Soares Dias
LIV-VIL: Turpin
VIL-LIV: Orsato or Marciniak
Final: Makkelie
UEL
WHU-FRA: Del Cerro Grande
FRA-WHU: Kovacs
RBL-RAN: Makkelie
RAN-RBL: Manzano
Final: Marciniak
UECL
FEY-MAR: Taylor
MAR-FEY: Siebert
LEI-ROM: Schrarer or Marciniak (Dep on Orsato fitnes)
ROM-LEI: Lahoz
Final: Turpin or Vinic (dep on results)
Without Jovanovic in the semifinals?
DeleteThink they will go safe in the semi's tbh
DeletePredictions
ReplyDelete*CL Final: Makkelie.
This one seems quite obvious. His appointments have been a bit different since EURO 2020. Many ‘potentially difficult’ but not-too-much-in-spotlight assignments. Then, in first knock-out round, it was Real-PSG under the eyes of committee member. After that, he is completely in the shadow. No WC play-off game. A QF game in conference league between two teams from countries that are no longer active in CL (Greece and France). In the weekends before the CL QF matches, Makkelie was appointed in Eredivisie on a Sunday twice. I think, this implicates that committee didn’t want to use him in a QF CL game. Not even as a ‘reserve’. Normally, the football association always appoints its refs with CL duty on saturday (I guess this is important in case of last minute swaps). After the medical and physical issues of Hategan and Orsato, committee had all the reasons to appoint him in CL, but didn’t do it. Instead, it was his compatriot with the hard name to spell.
Besides the appointment strategy, the final ref almost always has the semi-final experience. Moreover, I think his season was pretty steady. The same applies to the assistants and VAR (v.Boekel). No ‘Atwell-ish’-controversies so far.
*EL final: Vincic.
I don’t fully exclude Marciniak though. But my gut feeling says, it will be Vincic.
First argument is development purposes. Committee follows the same patterns every year and used to think about future perspectives. Marciniak already officiated the Supercup; the logical ‘next step’ is a semi-final CL. If committee appoints Vincic to the EL final, he can do a semi-final CL next year, etc. etc. Marciniak – after officiating a semi-final CL – will be one of the CL final candidates next year (together with Turpin who should also get a semi-final CL).
-Besides the development purposes, I think Marciniak’s assignment in the Quarter final CL was a replacement and initially, he had to be "saved" for the semi-final CL, based on the pattern I described.
-Finally, Vincic had a very important observer in QF CL, was the 4th official in last year’s EL final (strong signal) and has the advantage of attending the EURO 2020.
*UCL final: Del Cerro Grande.
This one is a bit more complicated to predict. My preference is to assign a young talent to the conference league final, also for development purposes, but for sure, it is possible that Carlos DCG well get it, after a long serving carreer as a final honour.
Let's see. It is exciting for sure.
OT
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to say it but Mark Clattenburg should resign immediately from Greek refereeing.
Yesterday a SL observer was sentenced to 2 years in prison for forgery and some other offences.
Today Clattenburg appointed him again on Atromitos - OFI. Well done mr clattenburg.
In Italy there are strict rules about that, I think that mostly all is about regulation. A referee / observer getting this sentence should be at least suspended, if not totally dismissed. Of course, this only after the very last degree of the process.
DeleteIf there aren't specific rules in the refereeing association, it is not easy to take decisions.
Unfortunately the story is true. This observer comes from the same town with a former referee committee member.
DeleteThe thing is that noone is interested. Clattenburg collects his pay-check and only appoints referees. No development, nothing.
I think that this is visible on UEFA appointments. Sidiropoulos got 2 FO appointments on CL QF. Only 1 CL this season. Papapetrou had the catastrophic performance at Roma and didn't receive another appointment. As for the rest of the FIFA refs: Chaos.
I am very pessimistic about the situation in Greece.
Absolutely true. I think though , based on his performances this season, Sidiropoulos deserved at least one more knock out game. Unfortunately for Papapetrou, I don’t think he has any luck as long as Rossetti is in charge. Wrongly , as he is a very good referee. As Siebert deserves more chances , all refs deserve a chance to recover from a bad day . For Rosetti, this works rather selectively.
DeleteI would like to add this: Papapetrou disappeared after a game In Italy and Diamantopoulos-number 3- disappeared after an u21 Slovenia-England match last November . Sidiropoylos have been in the Black list since a knock our game in Naples when he missed a penalty without affecting the result. Coincidences ..?
DeleteI don't think that we should blame Rosetti for the (non-existent) appointments of Greek Referees. When you can't whistle a derby in your country, you can't develop, you can't be trusted with big matches in Europe. Simple as that.
DeleteThis thing started with the catastrophic season with Tritsonis and Koukoulakis in charge and then continued with Pereira and his (easy) solution to bring foreign referees.And Clattenburg continues the same stupid mistake.
UEFA Referee Categories were introduced after 1995.
ReplyDeleteIn the event both English teams are knocked out, any chance Taylor will get the final?
ReplyDeleteMakkelie Will no doubt have opportunities in the future
Since there is just ONE game possible for the referees from England in all three competitions (i.e. Feyenoord - Marseille in the Conference League) and since Anthony Taylor just handled Feyenoord last month, I am starting to think about the option that UEFA could appoint Michael Oliver for that game and exclude Anthony Taylor from any semifinal appointments with the chance to get ANY of the three finals - which ever might become possible.
DeletePeter/Vienna
If makkelie is not getting the CL final he should at least be included in one of the Man City Real ties. However i guess Taylor has to wait this year. CL final unlikely due to Makkelie who is undoubtetly the best UEFA has to offer right now IMO. And the other finals depend on the english teams.
DeleteBased on performances Makkelie should be the final referee, however it’s possible of course that in case of two Spanish teams in the final Taylor can be appointed. I even think that when Liverpool and Man City reach the final Taylor can also be appointed.
ReplyDeleteHistorically referees don’t officiate internationally teams from the same domestic country
Delete@Refsav
DeleteI'm simply pointing out that there are exceptions in the past, even in 2010s. When both of clubs are from the same country, CONMEBOL tend to appoint referees from that country. They don't do this now.
https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2012/03/29/south-america/copa-libertadores/cd-universidad-catolica/union-espanola/1240862/
https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2013/02/14/south-america/copa-libertadores/clube-atletico-mineiro/sao-paulo-futebol-clube/1426120/
https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2015/05/08/south-america/copa-libertadores/club-atletico-river-plate/boca-juniors/2030217/
It is reported that UEFA will introduce VAR in Conference League starting from semifinals and not only in final.
ReplyDeleteGood decision
DeleteRade Obrenovič in UYL quarter-final Sporting CP - SL Benfica:
ReplyDeletehttps://send.cm/d/A9IL
I liked his performance. Maybe a couple of underpunished reckless challenges, but correct DOGSO RC in 64' and IMO a very (very) good job in management and prevention of incidents, a Lisbon derby (and in U19 category) can be a nightmare to referee if the official is not prepared.
DeleteI liked his very strong body language and his ability to reach the players. In this aspect he was ELITE - world class, no doubt about that!
DeleteRegarding disciplinary control, I think it was not optimal in some scenes. The second Benfica's SPA-like foul in 37' should be sanctioned with a yellow card. A (excellent, btw!) warning for blaaatant dissent by gesturing at AR1 in 56' was another mandatory YC missed. Also possible if not mandatory 2YC to 6 SPO in 71' for reckless tackle not given. On the other hand, a very good red card decision as you mentioned and equally good YC for provocative goal celebration in 29' (what about possible offside here?).
Thank you for this work! I mostly agree with you as well, correct crucial call with DOGSO, in addition important signals of excellent management of players, including YC for provoking celebration, but at the same time some points for improvement in disciplinary control with possible YC not issued. Overall, a performance that shows he has a certain potential.
DeleteThe results of the poll about Siebert and his assessment in Atlético - City.
ReplyDelete8.0-8.2 A performance with important areas for improvement, including missing disciplinary sanction(s)
97 votes
7.5 - 7.7 Below expectation / poor match control / Poor disciplinary control
56
8.3 Good but with one area for improvement
31
8.4 Good. Expected level of performance
15
6.0 - 6.9 Unacceptable performance
14
7.8 One clear important mistake, otherwise 8.0 - 8.2
14
8.5 - 8.9 Very good. Important decision(s) correctly taken.
13
9.10 - 10.0 Excellent performance
11
7.0 - 7.4 Disappointing with one clear refereeing mistake or a performance with two or more clear refereeing mistakes
7
7.9 One clear important mistake, otherwise 8.3 or above
3
With all the respect, but that shows that many voters either didn't watch the game or don't have a clue about marking system.
DeleteI re-watched the game in full and below are my observations.
I) I missed discussion about penalty incidents:
23' - handball: ball played from a long distance, time to avoid the contact, hand widely outstretched in order to be in contact with an opponent. Penalty should have been given, IMO.
77' - careless tripping; it's maybe not black-and-white for VAR (even though I disagree) but the optimal decision is a penalty, IMO.
II) Foul detection and disciplinary control was good in general but the missed mandatory yellow card to 18ATM in 12' is quite big mistake. Fortunately, a YC to this player was smartly shown for his next, more careless than reckless, foul in 24'.
III) Even taking into account all instructions Rosetti gave to referees, nobody prevented Siebert from being more preventive and more 'present' in this game. He should have talked to Simeone earlier in the game as he dissented and gestured several times without reaction of the referee. The YC in the added time was really useless. Siebert clearly 'lost the battle' with Simeone.
The very calm manner in which Siebert tried to handle this game was absolutely unsuccessful. There was no verbal contact between him and players. And at the end, Siebert knew that he lost this game. You can see his body language, totally resigned man. You won't earn respect on the pitch looking like that.
I guess he tried to slow down the game a little bit by using injury treatments (really long breaks) but it just made Atlético furious with lack of reaction towards time wasting. This tactic totally failed.
Then, the German had no authority to get back on track and the violent conduct by 18ATM came exactly in this moment. Siebert's reaction was very late and far too calm. This combined with the red card shown as the last card suggests that he didn't see the incident. Who helped him then? Zwayer? VAR? Why VAR didn't intervene regarding violent conducts in the melee? Well, that was a very bad image of a referee being totally clueless in the dying stages of the game.
IV) In a nutshell: technically it wasn't the worst performance if you support both penalty area incidents but approach, management, reaching players, BODY LANGUAGE showed it was too early for Siebert to be appointed to such a game. Yes, UEFA successfully tried him in many big clashes before, but well... Atlético fighting for advance at their stadium while being only one goal behind need someone like Orsato. The options were very limited, to be fair to Rosetti, though.
All in all, I would mark this performance 7.6 (surely in the 7.5-7.7 scope).
Your Argumentation partly convinced me, though my thoughts were very different at first. All your Points 2-4 you argued so Well, that i have to adopt some of your opinions. But your Argumentation in 1) is not that Strong from my Point of View. Particular the second penalty appeal is definetely no penalty imo.
DeleteFirst cancelo kicks clearly the Ball,thoug it is not the cleanest of kicks, ant then There is a little contact with His opponent but AFTER playing the Ball. Additionally the contact with His opponent is not that strong and the way attacker goes down shows that he he just wants that.
To the potential handball: both decisions should have Been supported - penalty and Play on.
Argument for penalty: the arm of llorente not in a natural position.
Argument against: He obviously does not see the Ball.
I think most football fans definetely do not want a penalty for this, but of course from a referee perspective it would Not be wrong
@ ESR, that once again shows that there is only one top referee at the moment and he is Orsato. Because only a top referee can manage teams like PSG, Atletico or Benfica. And by no means these teams should be blamed for the way they play because most of the football fans want to see exactly that kind of excitment during the game. The only ones that should be blamed are the referees because for one reason or another they refuse to follow the LotG. Orsato is one of the very few who are not afraid to follow the LotG and that's why he is a top referee. Anyone who is following dubious instructions or for some personal reasons does not follow the LotG sooner or later should be hold responsible.
DeleteOrsato and Makkelie are currently the top referees in Europe.
DeleteCraig Thomson and Martin Atkinson have set up a Spain based travel company.
ReplyDeleteSite:
https://whistletours.co.uk/about-us/
Some clips from the CAF Champions League quarter-finals:
ReplyDeleteAl Ahly SC (EGY) vs Raja (MOR) 2-1 | Ref: JEAN JACQUES NDALA (RDC)
8' - Penalty for Al Ahly after VAR intervention (phantom handball?)
https://youtu.be/j4aK_OGF1zI?t=44
59' - 2nd pen for Al Ahly and straight RC for Raja (handball)
https://youtu.be/j4aK_OGF1zI?t=403
Belouizdad (ALG) vs Wydad (MOR) 0-1 | Ref: PACIFIQUE NDABIHAWENIMANA (BUR)
7' - RC after VAR intervention for away team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ_Jw1vtLNI
Petro Atletico (ANG) vs Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) 2-1 | Ref: Jerry Sikazwe (ZAM)
4' - Possible DOGSO, missed RC?
https://youtu.be/0HiuiEEDG2k?t=22
75' - 3-1 goal disallowed for offside:
https://youtu.be/0HiuiEEDG2k?t=264
93' - 2-2 goal disallowed after VAR intervention (foul):
https://youtu.be/0HiuiEEDG2k?t=300
I have seen the situation in the 8' minute on r/soccer... It is probably the worst VAR intervention that I have seen. The referee on the field can be somewhat excused, as he was shown video angles that suggested a handball (even the commentator agreed, that it must be a PK). But in the end one angle clearly shows, that the ball hit the leg and not the arm.
DeleteIncredible appointment in Coppa Italia semifinal, with Mariani assigned again to Milan - Inter after having handled first leg.
ReplyDeleteIt is the first time since I follow refereeing that I see such choice, I remember the appointments made by Collina for the same referee in two CL semifinals (2016), but this one for sure is above all the rest. Big problems for Rocchi in this end of season with many crucial mistakes and a difficult management. At the same time, I'm very happy for Mariani who deserved that. In the other game, as expected, Doveri in charge of Juventus - Fiorentina.
Who do you think will be the final referee chefren?
DeleteMy wish is Guida, as long time FIFA referee (2014), he never officiated a domestic final (Cup and Super Cup), but what happened in Torino - Inter doesn't play in his favor, especially considering that there will be a team from Milan in final.
DeleteThe prediction therefore should be different, I think Valeri could be an option. It is difficult to find other names, if not the same referees again and again like Orsato and Doveri, but I don't wish that.
Also, I think this semifinal second leg between Inter and Milan was originally planned for Massa, but he couldn't attend it after Torino - Inter and his work as VAR. At moment both him and Guida have returned in serie A but only appointed in important relegation's game.
Chefren do you think Di Bello could have some chances? He had a good season so far IMO.
DeleteI forgot to mention Di Bello as strong candidate as well, but after having officiated big games almost every matchday, it seems quite unlikely to see him in Cup Final as well... but he must be mentioned for sure. He is getting everything thank to the fact that he is almost the only FIFA referee coming from a neutral region and without any geographic interdiction to officiate big teams. Not the same for the other referees, mostly from Lazio and Rome, and the others are having poor season (Fabbri, Pairetto...).
DeleteI remember in 1990 Pietro D'Elia was appointed to officiat first and return leg of Coppa Italia final. At that time coppa Italia final was played with 2 matches. It was a small recognition/comprensation for D Elia not selected for WC 1990
ReplyDeleteIndeed, D'Elia was an excellent referee and very unlucky to miss out on WC 1990. You can find some more details if you are interested in this article that I wrote here:
Deletehttps://wc90ref.blogspot.com/p/in-focus-match-15-yugoslavia-vs.html
Turkish Referees Committee resigned. As a result, Cüneyt Çakır will most likely be assigned to the matches in the remaining 5 weeks.
ReplyDeleteSource?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=285&ftxtID=37496
Deletehope for the best for cüneyt cakir.
DeletePlease who is the AR2 in Taylor’s game as Adam Nunn was first reported but it’s not him there at Wembley.
ReplyDeleteI am not 100% but I believe it's Nick Hopton, who was originally the reserve AR. Unlucky and hopefully nothing serious for Nunn
Delete