Thursday 3 November 2022

Europa League 2022/23 - Referee Appointments - Matchday 6

The last set of appointment of 2022/23 UEFA Europa League Group Stage, Matchday 6. 


Thursday 3 November 2022

18:45 CET - Herning (Arena Herning) 
Midtjylland (DEN) - Sturm Graz (AUT) | Group F
Referee: Matej Jug (SVN) 
Assistant Referee 1: Matej Žunič (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Manuel Vidali (SVN)
Fourth Official: Alen Borošak (SVN)
Video Assistant Referee: Nejc Kajtazović (SVN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Asmir Sagrković (SVN)
UEFA Referee Observer: Erol Ersoy (TUR) 
UEFA Delegate: Svitlana Shkil (UKR)

18:45 CET - Rotterdam (Stadion Feijenoord 'De Kuip')
Feyeenoord (NED) - SS Lazio (ITA) | Group F
Referee: Irfan Peljto (BIH)
Assistant Referee 1: Davor Beljo (BIH)
Assistant Referee 2: Damir Lazić (BIH)
Fourth Official: Miloš Gigovic (BIH)
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)
UEFA Referee Observer: Michaíl Argyroú (CYP)
UEFA Delegate: Tarik Shamel (ENG) 

18:45 CET - Donostia-San Sebastián (Estadio de Anoeta)
Real Sociedad (ESP) - Manchester United (ENG) | Group E
Referee: Georgi Kabakov (BUL) 
Assistant Referee 1: Martin Margaritov (BUL)
Assistant Referee 2: Diyan Valkov (BUL)
Fourth Official: Ivaylo Stoyanov (BUL)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER) 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
UEFA Referee Observer: Mehmet Murat Ilgaz (TUR)
UEFA Delegate: Rudolphe Mannaerts (BEL)

18:45 CET - Chișinău (Stadionul Zimbru)
FC Sheriff (MDA) - Omónia (CYP) | Group E
Referee: Fran Jović (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Hrvoje Radić (CRO)
Assistant Referee 2: Luka Pušic (CRO)
Fourth Official: Ante Culjak (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Fabbri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Konrad Plautz (AUT)
UEFA Delegate: Vitalii Danylchenko (UKR)

18:45 CET - Baku (Tofiq Bahramov adına Respublika Stadionu)
Qarabağ (AZE) - SC Freiburg (GER) | Group G
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (BLR) 
Assistant Referee 1: Dmitri Zhuk (BLR)
Assistant Referee 2: Oleg Maslyanko (BLR)
Fourth Official: Dzmitry Dzmitryieu (BLR)
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins (POR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Hugo Miguel (POR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Geórgios Bíkas (GRE)
UEFA Delegate: Boriana Stoycheva (BUL) 

18:45 CET - Piraeus (Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis) 
Olymbiakós (GRE) - FC Nantes (FRA) | Group G
Referee: Serhiy Boiko (UKR)
Assistant Referee 1: Valentyn Kutsev (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Volodymyr Volodin (UKR)
Fourth Official: Anatoliy Abdula (UKR)
Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk (POL)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pawel Pskit (POL)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefano Podeschi (SMR)
UEFA Delegate: Radenko Mijatović (SVN)

18:45 CET - Trabzon (Şenol Güneş Spor Kompleksi)
Trabzonspor (TUR) - Ferencváros (HUN) | Group H
Referee: Harm Osmers (GER) 
Assistant Referee 1: Robert Kempter (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Dominik Schaal (GER)
Fourth Official: Robert Schröder (GER)
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Elmir Pilav (BIH)
UEFA Delegate: Andrey Medintsev (BUL)

18:45 CET - Monaco (Stade Louis II)
AS Monaco (FRA) - Crvena Zvezda (SRB) | Group H
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük (NED)
Assistant Referee 1: Joost van Zuilen (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Johan Balder (NED)
Fourth Official: Jochem Kamphuis (NED)
Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink (NED)
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Meßner (AUT)
UEFA Delegate: Tobias Wolf (GER) 

21:00 CET - London (Arsenal Stadium) 
Arsenal (ENG) - Zürich (SUI) | Group A
Referee: Erik Lambrechts (BEL)
Assistant Referee 1: Jo De Weirdt (BEL)
Assistant Referee 2: Rien Vanyzere (BEL)
Fourth Official: Jasper Vergoote (BEL)
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Higler (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: Nina Hedlund (NOR)

21:00 CET - Bodø (Aspmyra)
Bodø/Glimt (NOR) - PSV (NED) | Group A
Referee: Donatas Rumšas (LTU)
Assistant Referee 1: Aleksandr Radius (LTU)
Assistant Referee 2: Dovydas Sužiedėlis (LTU)
Fourth Official: Robertas Valikonis (LTU)
Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández (ESP)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Xavier Estrada Fernandez (ESP)
UEFA Referee Observer: Milorad Mažić (SRB)
UEFA Delegate: Patrizia Hell (GER) 

21:00 CET - Krakow (Cracovia Stadium) 
Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) - Fenerbahçe (TUR) | Group B
Referee: Duje Strukan (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica (CRO)
Assistant Referee 2:Alen Jakšić (CRO)
Fourth Official: Ivan Bebek (CRO) Marin Vidulin (CRO)
Video Assistant Referee: Luca Pairetto (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tihomir Pejin (CRO)
UEFA Referee Observer: Michael Riley (ENG)
UEFA Delegate: Peter Oskam (NED) 

21:00 CET - Rennes (Roazhon Park)
Rennes (FRA) - AEK Larnaca (CYP) | Group B
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Fredrik Klyver (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Max Robin Wilde (SWE)
Fourth Official: Bojan Pandžić (SWE)
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Roi Reinshreiber (ISR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Jan Willem Wegereef (NED)
UEFA Delegate: Felix Grigore (ROU) 

21:00 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
AS Roma (ITA) - Ludogorets (BUL) | Group C
Referee: Nikola Dabanović (MNE)
Assistant Referee 1: Milovan Djukić (MNE)
Assistant Referee 2: Vladan Todorović (MNE)
Fourth Official: Miloš Savović (MNE)
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bartosz Frankowsk (POL)
UEFA Referee Observer: Uno Tutk (EST) 
UEFA Delegate: Michael Hughes (SCO)

21:00 CET - Seville (Estadio Benito Villamarín)
Real Betis (ESP) - HJK Helsinki (FIN) | Group C
Referee: William Collum (SCO)
Assistant Referee 1: David McGeachie (SCO) 
Assistant Referee 2: Alan Mulvanny (SCO)
Fourth Official: David Dickinson (SCO)
Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San (SUI) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Petrov (UKR) 
UEFA Delegate: Stéphanie Forde (BEL)

21:00 CET - Leuven (Den Dreef) 
Union St. Gilloise (BEL) - Union Berlin (GER) | Group D
Referee: Andris Treimanis (LVA)
Assistant Referee 1: Haralds Gudermanis (LVA)
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksejs Spasjoņņikovs (LVA)
Fourth Official: Aleksandrs Golubevs (LVA)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Guida (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fabio Maresca (ITA) 
UEFA Referee Observer: Stéphane Lannoy (FRA)
UEFA Delegate: Charles Schaack (LUX) 

21:00  CET - Braga (Estádio Municipal de Braga)
Braga (POR) - Malmö (SWE) | Group D
Referee: Ruddy Buquet (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Gringore (FRA) 
Assistant Referee 2: Guillaume Deabrt (FRA) 
Fourth Official: Bastien Dechepy (FRA) 
Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot (FRA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
UEFA Referee Observer: Iain Robertson Brines (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: Anna Kapasoglou (GRE)

162 comments:

  1. Dennis Higler as VAR at Arsenal - Zürich, interesting choice because PSV needs Arsenal to draw or lose to win the group.
    I absolutely don't doubt the professionality and integrity of Higler (or any other referee/VAR in UEFA), but it's something that could be easily avoided.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Replies
    1. Probably injured. His last game was at the end of September Greece - Northern Ireland. He was back as VAR in the Slovak league on Sunday.

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  3. So punishment for Kovacs, Siebert and Soares Dias.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, that's the first thing we can say. But... to me the performance of Stegemann in Rome would have by far deserved the same treatment, while he has been appointed in Conference League. The only "suprise" under this aspect for me, nevertheless it is also true that from Elite names better performances are always expected and there is a major focus, because they get more in terms of money and prestige.
      Interesting to make a further focus on Siebert: it was only a single incident to create all the troubles for him, but it is quite obvious that committee looked also at the recent past and they were more disappointed, otherwise he would have got at least a last game before WC in this MD6.
      Also, it seems as for some reasons Visser is out, the Lambrechts appointment seems to be the one originally planned for him. Is he out from Belgian league as well for some reasons?

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  4. Biggest games of this round to Jug and Peljto. I am not surprised as committee likes them and they are doing good in big games.
    Punishment for Kovac,Siebert,Dias and games that does not mean anything for Treimanis,Collum .

    Very challenging game Zalgiris-Slovan to Godinho who is used with this kind of games and for me good choice.

    Big games decisive games (Koln specially hot atmosphere can be tricky) for Chiffi and Grado is a little surprised for me as they don't have many Euro games behind them but ofc have bigger games domestic then this but still not same thing.

    Looks like committee is very close to promote Jug and Peljto to elite and this might be their final test.

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    Replies
    1. Well, Jug was in contention for a promotion to Elite many years ago, then it looked like committee was not fully satisfied. After that, a long period of low reputation followed, now in recent times he has been trusted again, but the path for promotion would be very particular. Why not before is the key question, and believe me, especially in the Skomina's era, Jug was extremely close to Elite and on the (previous :D) blog we were absolutely surprised that he didn't make the step.
      I want to say that a promotion in case would be very strange at that time, because I feel the referee himself also a bit abandoned the hopes, but of course it can't be excluded.
      Different case for Peljto and Dabanovic (you didn't mention him), I think that indeed both now are candidates, Rosetti observed Dabanovic while Peljto had an excellent group stage. To understand whether for committee it can be enough to consider them as "extremely high category 1" than promoting them to Elite, maybe with less perspective than other young referees. Nevertheless, what they did so far is by far better than many others Elite referees, we can't doubt on that.

      About Chiffi and Soto Grado, indeed getting immediatly such games at the debut in UECL is explained by the fact that they come from big federations and they have top clashes in their experience. Differently from all the other referees appointed in this "minor" (said with respect) competition! This is the same as why once promoted FIFA referees, the officials from the major federations got Category 2 instead of Category 3 in past as start of their international experience (now Cat. 3 abolished).

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    2. Agree about Kovacs, Siebert and Dias, looks like they are punished.
      About Peljto promotions lets wait and see, offcourse his perfomance this year was good, about Jug due the age, I have a doubt about promotion, last years he often received big matches, RefCom trust him.
      Agree about Collum game nothing to decide, but Treimanis match will decide who will go to UEL play off Berlin or Braga, will be challenging macth.

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    3. Absolutely nothing to do with punishment for István Kovács and everything to do with Vasile Marinescu , his AR1 having been out injured. He only had his first game back last night.

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    4. @bmb I don't think so. For example in Leverkusen-Porto, Kovacs was without Marinescu. However, it might be possible that his absence affected Kovacs's performance in that game.

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    5. @bmb , How much we tend to like Kovács we have to be fair and admit that he and his team did not do good enough job in Leverkusen. This is clear small punishment from committee to wake them up . But ofc this is just speculation from us. Most of us said that Vincic will be punished but instead he got crucial game today in Portugal.

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    6. @ScandinavianReferee Yes it is purely speculation and certainly not based on anything factual. The fact is that Vasile Marinescu has been out injured and only returned to action for the first time last night (he was AVAR last week in Liga 1) and there's no desire to rush him back and risk further injury so close to the WC. I prefer facts to idle speculation.

      As to the Leverkusen game, no it was not his best performance, not his worst either mind you. He knows more than all of us what mistakes he made in that game and has no doubt done extensive analysis of the game & worked hard to ensure he has learned from them. IMO his focus was not 100% and his positioning let him down a couple of times at key moments, I also said this at the time on the discussions thread.

      We all know that if Kyros Vassaras had wanted him on a game, he would have been given a game, even a low key one. Not risking his AR has been the deciding factor.

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  5. Feyenoord match is in Rotterdam and not Amsterdam. It will br a very hot match fot Peljto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for this mistake, Hans ;) I always mix up Rotterdam and Amsterdam when writing down Ajax and Feyenoord appts :)

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    2. Is it enough for Feyenoord with any win to go to playoff 1/8 or 1/16 finals? As i can see they go first after h2h then goal difference so Feyenoord needs 2 goal win. Midtjylland will be second with any win against Sturm. Film scenario, 2 very interesting game to follow.

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    3. No problem! But then it would have been an even more challenging game for Peltjo 😉

      Maybe it helps as mnemonic that Ajax and Amsterdam both start with an A

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  6. Glad to see Kabakov back to UEL, big teams, but nothing to decide, will be good match
    I'm already mentioned about Peljto and Jug, will be challenging matches and big test for bosnian referee
    Jovic under Plautz observation, seems that UEFA Com, would like to know what is his conditions.
    Kulbakov and Boiko, matches with out pressure
    Looks easy match for Rumšas, but could be challenging, and under Mazic observation.
    Good macthes and still decisive for Osmers, Dabanovic and Treimanis,
    and also for trio strong observers.

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    Replies
    1. About Kulbakov, committe found the best game to appoint him, far away form spotlights, but still important for qualification: Qarabag must win against a team that is already first-placed in the group.
      He managed to make three GS appearances in this group stage (2 EL, 1 ECL), and that's surely a remarkable achievement, given all the circumstances. I don't think he will be demoted, otherwise committee would have started to treat him differently.

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  7. I see that Visser is active in Belgium, very strange no third game for him. Maybe sometihng happened in his last appearance, but I don't remember... Crvena Zvezda - Ferencvaros...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He won't be giving a race in Belgium this weekend either. Maybe he is VAR (not 100% sure). Could also have been injured.

      UEFA wants to give him something big after New Year ?????

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    2. Yes... Strange. Maybe his 2 last performance is not convincing for UEFA... Sunday Visser whistled Leuven - K.A.A. Gent. Visser is active in Belgium. Maybe injuried during last match. I don't think Visser will be promoted in January. I hope I am wrong for him. but it seems to me very strange this situation... @chefren what do you think ?

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    3. @Chefren, would it be possible that Belgian Referee Committee Chairman Fandel is not convinced yet and having some doubts about Visser? Too many 7.9? Now, Lambrechts with Dallas ...

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  8. Ivan Bebek has been replaced with Marin Vidulin at Dynamo Kyiv-Fenerbahce game. I don't know why he has been appointed in first place knowing his problems with Fenerbahce (Braga game 2015-16 season).

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  9. I just got confirmed info for group F.

    Midtjylland need any win to be top 2. Feyenoord any win for top 2 if Midtjylland wins. Feyenoord needs win by 2 goals for top 2 if Midtjylland does not win. Lazio and Sturm ofc 100% top 2 if gets a points but it can also be enough for Lazio with lose by only one goal.
    The Kuip can be very tough for referees in this big games and when you add that it will be played under heavy rain(if we can trust weather.com :) ) you see that referees can be in trouble. I am happy that Dankert and Hernandez are in VAR,should be of big help here.

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  10. What happened with Peljto's regular AR Senad Ibrisimbegovic? He was in his team for two UCL matches this season, but replaced after that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He is still in the team but Lazić has an advantage for UEL. Ibrišimbegović was with Peljto in Bosnian Premier League, too.

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    2. he was injured for 2 months. now back in action.

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  11. Looms like Osmers gained trust by the committee, and he really had good performances, and even in Bundesliga he made a big impressing step forward, he remembers me to the young Brych.

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    Replies
    1. Agree with you about Osmers. He has improved a lot and both Frohlich and Rosseti ad very happy with his progress. He is in great shape,fantastic body language . Remind me of Brych as you said. Not like most of German referees that are very lenient , tolerate all kind of protest . He has very good feeling for game and in most games gives early cards if needed and then keep even better control of the game. Has no problem to take big decisions.Together with Stegemann and Schlager referee that has biggest progress in Germany.
      I see him promoted to elite in season 24/25 .

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    2. Btw, he has been appointed to Poland v Chile friendly (16 November in Warsaw). Assistant referees will be Robert Kempter and Dominik Schaal. Daniel Schlager will act as fourth official.

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  12. Some stats :)

    UCL

    41 referees in total handled at least one UCL game (play-offs + group stage) this season

    6 - Makkelie
    5 - Oliver, Taylor, Orsato, Marciniak, Vinčič
    4 - del Cerro Grande, Mateu Lahoz, Turpin, Zwayer, Jovanović, Schärer
    3 - Gil Manzano, Letexier, Stieler, Grinfeld, Mariani, Massa, Dias, Kovacs, Kružliak,
    2 - Peljto, Sánchez Martínez, Siebert, Ekberg, Nyberg, Meler
    1 - Ağayev, Visser, Hernández Hernández, Bastien, Frappart, Sidirópoulos, Rumšas, Treimanis, Dabanović, Gözübüyük, Eskås, Frankowski, Pinheiro, Petrescu,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for this stats, we can draw some conclusione name by name...

      Makkelie: expected high level with even more appointments than one could have gussed, big trust by committee and we will see whether this will be the good season for him for CL final.
      Oliver: estabilishing himself even more at the top, now it is difficult to find big difference with Taylor (while months ago it was different, still my opinion)
      Taylor: still 100% big trust, but definitely too many OFR, the control of games is always ensured, but lacking in crucial incidents
      Orsato: expected management for the Italian
      Marciniak: the way he has been appointed in CL GS, talks even about CL final, but for sure he must get EL final this season... otherwise full nonsense by committee
      Vincic: he gained even more credit becoming a real top like other names, further development in recent times
      Del Cerro Grande: still better than the famous past in which he lose WC call, but never 100% at the top, no significant mistakes, though, and a quite regular CL GS
      Mateu Lahoz: big name and full trust by committee, but used rather in important games for the standings than real top clashes, and especially the games involving hot teams from Italy, something like Marciniak, but the Polish was definitely better... Mateu is Mateu, we know him!
      Turpin: a normal GS for the French with maybe a small chance to achieve a further game, but after CL final.. standard for him
      Zwayer: as I already said, German Elite referees used when needed, he has been appointed as German just to get games especially when Siebert hadn't been good (unluckily, too many times), still a certain trust by committee, but just if they have the need, as said :)
      Jovanovic. clearly, further development for him, 4 excellent games and he is gaining in trust... next step try to become a real top and he is on the way to do that
      Schaerer: very similar to Serbian, personally I prefer Jovanovic, but the Swiss has beeen alwyas good and he can reach even more.

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    2. Gil Manzano: he will be first name when Mateu and Del Cerro will retire, he did well, normal management by committee, nothing to mention in particular, waiting for taking the full Spanish international scene, the moment for him is close
      Letexier: after some good assignments, and big hopes, he had troubles in Ajax - Napoli, after that he got another CL game in which he did well, maybe he will need more time than other new elite referees to develop, but he has surely skills.
      Stieler: same as Zwayer, but in this case one must start with consideration by committee, surely at first lower, absolutely lower than Zwayer. Nevertheless, this chance with LIV - NAP, again also because Siebert was out and Aytekin retired, otherwise he would have never had further focus in my opinion... we will see the plans for the future.
      Grinfeeld: committee used him in low games, trying to see whether he recovered, I think that based on the assignments he got, impossible to say he came back, or to go deep in the analysis, committee must wait and see for the next grouo stage maybe, at this point I don't know the real target of the Israeli
      Mariani: CL debut for the Italian category 1, overall one can say still satysfying but no more due to the very poor game in Sevilla - Dortmund, should be checked again in future.
      Massa: his regular assignments, a step below big games, have been confirmed, based on how committee appoints him, I would say at moment a further development is not needed for committee, stable in his position.
      Dias: maybe the most disappointing name among the Elite referees, the game in Copenhagen, on paper for a Category 1 (!) was fatal for him.. differently from other Elite referees, he has very often such extremely poor games, I remember a matvch involving Lazio in Russia, also in that case at least two OFRs and further discussions... hope he will recover but difficult to get big games in this way (still, surely he won't be demoted, though).
      Kruzliak: committee worked on him, step by step with different assignments, culminating in Bayern - Inter, most of discussions can be about the penalty for handball, the rest he did was overall OK, but still, in normal games.. nevertheless, by far better than the recent past.

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    3. Peljto: the Bosnian Cat. 1 had an excellent GS with many good assignments, and he can surely be considered for something more, in case, we will see, further development clearly reached.
      Sanchez Martinez: as fourth Spanish Elite I must say that he had the big chance to show himself in that game involving Ajax, it seems he did well, and so that's good, when Mateu and Del Cerro out, he will be nr. 2 with regular CL assignments, good path so far.
      Siebert: I think there isn't too much to add, again a disappointment after the last KO phase, committee sent him to "purgatory", he was then back at the top with Milan - Chelsea, and then something happened again, unclear what he will do at WC.
      Ekberg: after the extremely harsh analysis by committee of his EURO game and the performance he had shown, finally he recovered as very reliable Category 1, maybe nothing more will follow in terms of promotion, but surely given the experience he can talk about himself as "low Elite referee", but not on paper.
      Nyberg: the development to Elite Category followed a good path, and I think no particular incidents, he can have the chances for a promotion.
      Umut Meler: after an injury, difficult to say about the few games he handled, I think still time is needed before talking about a real Elite referees, committee will test him in EL KO stage, for knowing more, I think
      Agayev: fully unexpected CL debut, difficult to say wwhether he is in focus by committee or not, nevertheless, experienced Category 1
      Visser: I think that something happened with the Belgian, I got many Belgian queries on the blog, with people asking about him, and I can say that the refereeing in Belgium seems to be quite discussed and open (like Netherlands) than other countries, I don't know but maybe too many OFR in his recent games, indeed at least one in every game, was not satysfying for committee... if we start from Real - Sheriff one year ago, indeed we must say he was NEVER faultless... but of course we can't know more.
      Hernandez Hernandez: the Spanish got 1 game inCL, after the debut one year ago, difficult to get more due to 4 Elite ahead, like the others, he has to wait, to become nr. 3 and to get maybe more CL games, at moment I don't see him promoted...
      Bastien: regular assignments for him, Elite referee without perspective, but treated by committee as French Elite nr. 3 after Turpin and Letexier.
      Frappart: she got the game in Madrid as prepration before WC, we already said about her condition

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    4. Sidiropoulos: very lucky to get a CL game, in my opinion the performances he showed, talked always about a demotion, but it will not happen and he will be always treated like this, when possible, CL, in case of significant mistakes, EL and ECL, one must also say that after him, Greece is in a real trouble... to say it kind.. we will see the future
      Rumsas: I expected more in terms of focus after the observation for his debut in CL one year ago by Rosetti (if I'm not wrong), maybe he was not available? nevertheless, good when appointed, so development for the future
      Treimanis: a small "comeback" for the Latvian, maybe not enough in order to have chandes for something, but he was better than the controversial performances that cost him Elite promotion.
      Dabanovic: unexpected observation by Rosetti, and maybe a certain focus on him, but for me, the way is still long before something, we will see in future.
      Gozubuyuk: after the long absence lasted more than the half of GS, just a few games, and we can't say anything, a pity for the Dutch because, let's remember, how he was appointed in last KO stage, and then now a step back, but not for performances reason.. he could have enforced his Elite status
      Eskas. the hope for Norway, it seems he did well, and let's see whether he will get the promotion after the debut in CL
      Frankowski: focus by committee on him sees a bit over, don't know exactly why, maybe he can become a regular experienced Cat. 1 trusted for a few CL games and nothing more, we need to understand more in future
      Pinheiro: looks like he is on excellent path, with a good game under the eyes of Rosetti and a CL debut with Velasco.. I think the focus on him was even bigger due to Soares Dias disappointments... ready for promotion for sure, because only one Portuguese referee at the very top in all these years is definitely not enough...
      Petrescu: unexpected CL debut, unknown what committee has in mind.. difficult to think about a promotion, I also reasoned about Hategen possible retirement (still unknown), in case both him and Fesnic could be promoted, but I think that it should be done for the young referee, we will see... maybe this debut was just a gift...

      Delete
    5. I forgot Kovacs!
      Good assignments for him in the context of becoming Romania nr. 1 after Hategan possible retirement, all good unless last game in Levekusen and a small problems in preliminary rounds, but surely no problems and the expected path to have some chances at WC. Maybe a very small step below the 100% extremely trusted Elite, but we are very close...

      Delete
    6. Very interesting statistic and Excellent analysis as well. Thanks a lot

      Delete
    7. Brilliant analysis, thx a lot!

      Delete
  13. It has been reported that Olympiacos - Nantes will be the last international game for Serhiy Boiko (UKR).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First Cat referees who are already 45 years old and might retire internationally on winter:

      Bebek (born May 1977), Buquet* (Jan 1977), Stavrev (Mar 1977), Stefanski (Jul 1977), Aranovsky (Oct 1976), Boyko (Jun 1977)

      Plus, Madden & Gestranius (both 44) already confirmed their international retirement on summer.

      *Buquet has been confirmed for 2023 French FIFA list, Pierre Gaillouste will take the FIFA badge left by Frank Schneider that was 'unoccupied' for two years.

      Delete
    2. I guess that also Orsato will leave international refereeing end of this year after the WC. @Chefren, do you think that Sozza will replace him on international list ?
      And what about Hategan ? anybody knows if he can come back on the pitch after his heart disease ?

      Delete
    3. The rumors say Irrati out and Sozza in, this seems something already decided according to a journalist who very often anticipated all the choices by AIA.
      Then, there is the chance that Orsato leaves, maybe even after WC next month, it is possible, but nothing is known so far, and making this public before WC would be inopportune.
      Both Fabbri and Pairetto are options for leaving, but I think rather the former due to his quite long experience as FIFA referee without results.
      The second name that is reported possible as FIFA referee this season is Marinelli, as I already wrote on the blog, while surely Ayroldi will have to wait at least a further year, but his nomination as FIFA is quite sure in future, no doubts on that.
      One year ago AIA published the choices already at the end of September, this time nothing because the situation is difficult and the choices are really strong, once released they will have more impact than the past. We will see.

      Delete
    4. Have england got any spots. We got quite a few oldies. Anthony Taylor is 44 (one year away) and Craig Pawson is 43 (2 years away).

      Delete
  14. UEL

    54 referees in total handled at least one UEL game this season

    3 - Jorgji, Lechner, Peljto, Kehlet, Pawson, Tohver, Osmers, Jug, Al-Hakim
    2 - Ağayev, Lambrechts, Kuĺbakoŭ, Kabakov, Strukan, Brisard, Frappart, Kruashvili, Stegemann, Sidirópoulos, Bognár, Reinshreiber, Di Bello, Treimanis, Dabanović, Gözübüyük, Eskås, Raczkowski, Stefański, Pinheiro, Collum, Obrenovič, Aranovsʹkyy, Boyko
    1 - Visser, Jović, Kavanagh, de Burgos Bengoetxea, Hernández Hernández, Sánchez Martínez, Bastien, Buquet, Maresca, Rumšas, Stavrev, Frankowski, Martins, Feșnic, Petrescu, Beaton, Simović, Glova, Nyberg, Meler, Palabıyık

    ReplyDelete
  15. Correct PK + YC by Kulbakov in Azerbaijan, you can hardly get a PK as clear as that. Maybe close to SFP (?)

    https://streamja.com/v6a1N

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed extremely close to RC for SFP for excessive force, but I think correct by VAR to support in this regard.
      The VAR check, I heard, was extremely long: difficult to understand whether inside or outside the box and then the assessment about the foul itself.

      Delete
    2. Very close, I agree, but you are right, Chefren, it is OK to support the YC decision (although I cannot say I wouldn't like to see a RC here).

      Delete
    3. Two VAR interventions in second half in Baku for offside matters. At first annulled penalty, whistled by Kulbakov, then disallowed a goal scored (still the same player from Qarabag involved). All by AR2, but the second call was very difficult.

      Delete
    4. Also a 4th(!) VAR intervention in the game to upgrade a YC to RC (SFP).

      Delete
    5. It looks so ugly, "scissors", contact with ankle and achilles tendon, extremely high intensity, absolutely no control over the body... When I read it it is RC. And I guess live it looks even worse.

      Delete
  16. PK + YC (reckless challenge) by Gozubuyuk in Belgrade.

    https://streamja.com/nz5Vp

    ReplyDelete
  17. Correct penalty Crvena Zvezda and YC after reckless late tackle in Monaco, spotted on field by the referee Gozobuyuk (53’).
    But IMO SFP (62’) missed after that. Studs on calf was punished with only YC for Serbian Srnic.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Feyenoord goal: careful check by VAR. Possible foul on keeper. This is more than crucial for qualification.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great decision by Peljto.

      Delete
    2. Correct decision by VAR to allow goal.
      Exact reason of Lazio protest was a possible foul on a defender with the latter then colliding with the keeper. But this can't be called with VAR.
      Video:
      https://streamable.com/w0o8zg

      Delete
    3. I would say it's a good call by Peljto, I cannot see any wrongdoing by the attacker here.

      Delete
  19. 76' great simulation decision by Peljto! Now Lazio trying everything.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some mass confrontations right now...

      Delete
    2. 2 yc in 10 seconds now. Romero gives Peljto no choice

      Delete
  20. Good game by Kabakov. Trying to manage home team.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't watch the game but I saw many comments of people fuming about Real Sociedad/Spanish teams' anti-fair play, time wasting and exaggerating contacts in order to earn bookings and referee falling for it, eerily similar to the famous Getafe-Ajax tie from 2020.

      The incident below seemed by far the most 'outrageous' one, but tbh I think the decision seems fine as Martínez is the one who (despite touching the ball first) makes a high force challenge on the opponent. It's just 'unpopular' that the player who got hurt instead of the one who left seemigly unscathed got the YC.

      (I swear I'm not a Real Sociedad supporter despite being Spanish - and Basque myself :D)

      https://dubz.co/v/v43dc1

      Delete
    2. I have a lot of doubts in this case. I am Basque too :-)

      Delete
    3. For me correct dicision. And thats what i meant. Too much time wasting and four pretends for nothing. In my opinion management was good and correct.

      Delete
    4. Difficult situation. Actually both players act recklessly, so I would like to see both booked.
      Restart is tricky then: Either drop ball (for Manchester), because of simultaneous offences, or direct free kick to Sociedad, if you consider their player's action only as dangerous play, i.e. an idF offence, I think.

      Delete
    5. They both surely did act recklessly, I can fully agree on that. Perfect decision would have been a YC for both, Philipp is right here IMO. But I would strongly prefer the restart to be a dropped ball for Man Utd because I see both offences as equally serious (reckless in nature) and simultaneous.

      Delete
    6. Very unconvincing Kabakov again. He did lots of mistakes, missed yellow cards and lost completely control of the match in some situations. No personality, no leadership at all. Another poor performance by him. Sadly, because he got so many chances by the Committee. And he keeps failing all the time. Again and again and again.

      Delete
  21. UEFA website:
    23' Mustafazade (Qarabağ) concedes a penalty
    VAR – decision confirmed
    50' Vešović (Qarabağ) is flagged for offside
    VAR – No penalty
    54' Vešović (Qarabağ) is flagged for offside
    VAR – decision confirmed, no goal
    59' Medina (Qarabağ) is penalised for a foul
    VAR – red card

    ReplyDelete
  22. First intervention VAR didn't change decision, but it was a very long check, for the reasons explained above, second and third VAR intervention no Kulbakov responsibility (penalty was OK I think), then all is about the last decision, changing in red card...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Rather soft penalty for Roma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For me correct decision. Careless foul from behind and clear contact. I support.

      Delete
    2. Now second penalty. Clear pushing on purpose in the back. Also correct decision.

      Delete
    3. Forget to mension - good onside decision by AR1 and correct YC for SPA.

      Delete
  24. Dabanovic: in my opinion first penalty clear, there is even a chance for second YC to player involved for reckless, but we know this argument is refused by referees when they whistle penalty. Clear kick on opponent. Second penalty rather soft, but VAR can't discuss on it. An argument is that the push from behind was on the back and not a shoulder-shoulder contact, but it is a penalty almost never whistled in reality in all cases.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now OFR, clear contact but accidental. Player continued two tree steps and then fell on the ground theatratically. For me not a clear OFR.

      Delete
    2. I understand some doubts, but IMO it would be mistake if referee did not whistle.
      For me it is clear penalty, pushing from behind...

      Delete
  25. Now OFR for disallowing 2-2 for a reckless use of arm,absolutely under the eyes of referee, he should have spotted it by himself. This is a significant mistake.

    ReplyDelete
  26. UECL

    76 referees in total handled at least one UECL game this season

    3 - Godinho, Walsh
    2 - Xhaja, Gishamer, Schüttengruber, Weinberger, Bel, Jović, Krogh, Delajod, Vad, Lukjančukas, Lindhout, Saggi, Feșnic, Schnyder, Palabıyık, Griffith
    1 - Cabarov, Məsiyev, Lambrechts, Van Driessche, Verboomen, Kuĺbakoŭ, Kabakov, Bebek, Orel, Kjærgaard, Kristoffersen, England, Madley, de Burgos Bengoetxea, Cuadra Fernández, Martínez Munuera, Munuera Montero, Soto Grado, Hyytiä, Viljanen, Bastien, Buquet, Kikacheishvili, Kruashvili, Schlager, Stegemann, Papapétrou, Bogár, Bognár, Farkas, Harvey, Kristjánsson, Frid, Leibovitz, Reinshreiber, Chiffi, Maresca, Kastrati, Muntean, Stavrev, Farrugia, Kamphuis, Jakubik, Raczkowski, Nobre, Veríssimo, Barbu, Petrescu, Beaton, Clancy, Collum, Robertson, Milanović, Simović, Obrenovič, Aranovsʹkyy, Balakin, Boyko

    ReplyDelete
  27. ELITE

    6-0-0
    Makkelie

    5-0-0
    Oliver, Taylor, Orsato, Marciniak, Vinčič

    4-0-0
    Turpin, Zwayer, Jovanović, del Cerro Grande, Mateu Lahoz, Schärer

    3-0-0
    Letexier, Stieler, Grinfeld, Massa, Soares Dias, Kovacs, Kružliak, Gil Manzano

    2-1-0
    Sánchez Martínez, Meler

    2-0-0
    Siebert

    1-2-0
    Sidirópoulos, Gözübüyük

    1-1-1
    Bastien

    0-2-1
    Kuĺbakoŭ, Collum

    0-0-0
    Hațegan (recovery), Karasyov (suspended)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he counted also the playoffs. But indeed, I don't know how relevant they are for these statistics.

      Delete
    2. Without CL play-offs:
      4-0-0
      Jovanović, Schärer, Makkelie, Oliver, Orsato, Vincic, Taylor, Marciniak

      3-0-0
      Letexier, Stieler, Grinfeld, Massa, Kovacs, Kružliak, Gil Manzano, del Cerro Grande, Zwayer, Mateu Lahoz, Turpin

      2-1-0
      Sánchez Martínez, Meler

      2-0-0
      Siebert, Soares Dias

      1-2-0
      Sidirópoulos, Gözübüyük

      1-1-1
      Bastien

      0-2-1
      Kuĺbakoŭ, Collum

      0-0-0
      Hațegan (recovery), Karasyov (suspended)

      Delete
    3. Very impressive 4 games for Scharer. Nice developing!

      Delete
  28. FIRST

    3-0-0
    Mariani

    2-3-0
    Peljto

    2-1-0
    Nyberg

    2-0-0
    Ekberg

    1-2-0
    Ağayev, Frappart, Treimanis, Dabanović, Eskås, Pinheiro

    1-1-1
    Petrescu

    1-1-0
    Visser, Rumšas, Frankowski, Hernández Hernández

    0-3-0
    Jorgji, Lechner, Kehlet, Pawson, Tohver, Osmers, Jug, Al-Hakim

    0-2-1
    Lambrechts, Kabakov, Kruashvili, Stegemann, Bognár, Reinshreiber, Raczkowski, Obrenovič, Aranovs'kyy, Boyko

    0-2-0
    Strukan, Brisard, Di Bello, Stefański

    0-1-2
    Jović, Feșnic, Palabıyık

    0-1-1
    Buquet, Stavrev, Beaton, de Burgos Bengoetxea

    0-1-0
    Kavanagh, Martins, Glova

    0-0-3
    Walsh

    0-0-2
    Schüttengruber, Weinberger, Vad

    0-0-1
    Bebek, Veríssimo

    0-0-0
    Guida (injured), Ivanov (suspended)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent job! Very good!
      And what about the second group has this work done?

      Delete
    2. SECOND

      0-1-1
      Maresca, Simović

      0-0-3
      Godinho

      0-0-2
      Xhaja, Gishamer, Bel, Krogh, Delajod, Lukjančukas, Lindhout, Saggi, Schnyder, Griffith

      0-0-1
      Cabarov, Məsiyev, Van Driessche, Verboomen, Orel, Kjærsgaard, Kristoffersen, England, Madley, Hyytiä, Viljanen, Kikacheishvili, Schlager, Papapétrou, Bogár, Farkas, Kristjánsson, Frid, Leibovitz, Chiffi, Kastrati, Farrugia, Muntean, Kamphuis, Jakubik, Nobre, Harvey, Barbu, Clancy, Robertson, Milanović, Cuadra Fernández, Martínez Munuera, Munuera Montero, Soto Grado, Balakin

      0-0-0
      Hamiti, Teixeira, Ghaltakhchyan, Hovhannisyan, Nalbandyan, Altmann, Ciochirca, Jäger, Dzmitryjeŭ, Kourgheli, Šymusik, Boucaut, Laforge, Lardot, Bilbija, Kaljanac, Chinkov, Davidov, Draganov, Popov, Stoyanov, Pajač, Zebec, Dimitríou, Neokléous, Sotiríou, Theoulí, Berka, Klíma, Machálek, Pechanec, Petřík, Burchardt, Putros, Sundberg, Attwell, Bankes, Coote, Tierney, Frischer, Jaanovits, á Høvdanum, Troleis, Al-Emara, Hämäläinen, Munukka, Abed, Millot, Pignard, Kvirikashvili, Dankert, Dingert, Jablonski, Barcelo, Diamandópoulos, Fotiás, Koumbarákis, Manoúchos, Papadópoulos, Berke, Karakó, Árnason, Jónasson, Þórarinsson, Fuxman, Levi, Fabbri, Irrati, Pairetto, Kýchın, Qarabaev, Saxı, Sarıev, Kasumi, Nuza, Anufrijevs, Spasjonņikovs, Valikonis, Durieux, Kopriwa, Sabotic, Barbara, De Gabriele, Farrugia Cann, Banari, Orlic, Bošković, Savović, Higler, Kooij, van der Eijk, Jakimovski, Stojčevski, Davey, Marshall, McNabb, Robinson, Hagenes, Hansen, Kringstad, Moen, Steen, Musiał, Sylwestrzak, Nogueira, Correia, Ferreira, Doyle, Hennessy, McLaughlin, Bîrsan, Chivulete, Bezborodov, Kukulyak, Levnikov, Matyunin, Meshkov, Moskalyov, Zani, Munro, Lukić, Minaković, Dohál, Kráľovič, Očenáš, Kajtazovič, Šmajc, Karlsson, Ladebäck, Pandzic, Sjöberg, Cibelli, Dudic, Fähndrich, San, Tschudi, Bitigen, Kardeşler, Küçük, Uğurlu, Derevins'kyy, Kopiyevs'kyy, Romanov, Shurman, Jenkins, Owen

      Delete
  29. Aleksei Kulbakov in Qarabag - Freiburg.

    23' Penalty and YC, decision confirmed by VAR
    https://streamable.com/9fbb9m

    34' reckless challenge
    https://streamable.com/bgstvd

    50' penalty revoked due to offside
    https://streamable.com/jkycj3

    54' Disallowed goal by VAR after NO FLAG by AR
    https://streamable.com/jyuzcs

    59' YC for reckless changed in RC for SFP
    https://streamable.com/npw1b7
    Difference with first incident (penalty in 23') is the point of impact.
    I think Portuguese VAR officials had a very good game.
    And yes, to answer to a question above, I think most of these things happen in Kulbakov game due to his lenient style, then looking at the isolated challenges we can always see rough fouls and cards. Indeed, apart from the 34' incidents, there were other similar situations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 54' one thing is the disallowed goal, but what about that potential foul on the passing player?

      Delete
  30. If you are involved with refereeing (referee, assistant-referee, observer, ex-referee) how can an UEFA Elite Referee consider the flying tackle in minute 59 as 'reckless'?
    Unacceptable !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This belongs to Kulbakov extremely lenient style, since he is officiating games in this way by years, committee should be happy with that. Otherwise, something would have already happened...

      Delete
    2. Yes, this is Kulbakov's style, but also an evident and pretty bad mistake in this particular situation. This tackle has to be punished with a RC for SFP, anywhere in the world, by any referee, IMO. I can agree to support Kulbakov regarding the 23' situation (PK + YC), although I definitely prefer a RC there as well, however this was just a mistake. One which he and/or AR1 had to see IMO.

      Delete
  31. Germany:
    Here is a controversial incident in yesterday's Bundesliga match Borussia Mönchengladbach - VfB Stuttgart, handled by Matthias Jöllenbeck [VAR: Tobias Welz].

    Violent Conduct? YC issued and upheld after OFR:
    https://streamable.com/m0ornh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely particular situation, I can understand both the call by VAR to OFR and the decision to confirm YC after rewatching it. One can assess the movement by player just as reaction after what had happened, without force, but, going extremely by book, RC is OK. So here you have VAR with an idea, referee with another one.

      Delete
    2. Well... RC for VC, IMO. I fully understand your explanation, Chefren, but I also see a pretty nice swing by the arm here. There was certainly some force used, I also see this as a somewhat frustrated retaliation. VC for me, but I understand anyone with a different opinion on this matter.

      Delete
  32. Interesting appointment in Croatian league: a very important clash Hajduk-Osijek (2nd vs. 3rd) has been given to young Cypriot Menelaos Antoniou.

    It shows that Croatian committee has serious problems with referees, since this appointment comes after many mistakes (mostly in in favor of Hajduk) in last weeks.

    And also, it shows that Antoniou has a lot of trust from Milorad Mažić to be a part of referees exchange for such a big game in hot atmosphere.
    The game is scheduled for today, 17.30 CET.

    Meanwhile Bebek has an appointment on Cyprus this round.

    ReplyDelete
  33. https://ibb.co/dK4XxSW

    Decision is onside hahah

    ReplyDelete
  34. Three RCs given by Hernández Hernández in the injury time of Getafe-Cádiz for separate incidents, wow :D

    RC for DOGSO (handball) in 90+5' after OFR (offside given previously)
    streamja.com/eEbLO

    2YC (dissent?/not respecting wall distance?) in 90+7'
    streamja.com/5q7nq

    2YC (reckless elbow) in 90+10
    streamja.com/OG7Qp

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DOGSO and second YC for reckless correct decisions, while the second YC in 90'+7 I think for dissent and very similar to the one he showed in CL game. This is his style, while most of referees always try to keep players on the field... he belongs to a different category. And as you know, I will always like that. Let's call him the Spanish Maresca :D

      Delete
    2. Looking at the match report I can confirm the 2YC in 90+7' was given for dissent.

      (Again, I'd love to see UEFA or other big leagues making the match reports of public domain like in ESP!)

      Delete
    3. 2YC in 90+7 looks like he forgot he had booked Portu 20 mins earlier so it took him little bit longer.

      Yep,Spanish Maresca we can call him like that...
      Also ,Figueroa Vasquez has similar style this season so he can also fit that Maresca category...

      Delete
    4. Chaotic end to a thrilling match in Bergamo in Atalanta vs Napoli. Atalanta furious with Maurizio Mariani for not adding more time to the 4 mins stoppage time after some delays. Mariani showed a couple of yellow for dissent to Atalanta players and had to immediately walk off the pitch after full time whistle after being surrounded by Atalanta players and coaching staff.

      Delete
    5. What an end...

      90+5': Correct decision and very good intervention by the VAR. Clear DOGSO scenario IMO.

      90+7': I love this decision, if given for dissent. We definitely need more "Marescas" in modern football, IMO. Players get away with way too much.

      90+10': Another correct decision, IMO. Elbow to the face, nothing to discuss.

      Delete
  35. Mariani had a good game excluding one or two minor errors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We could have talked about a very good performance in a really challenging game... but... something happened in the end!
      Let's start with OFR in first half:
      https://streamable.com/allf3n
      I think almost impossible to spot live, nevertheless when he officiates big games, he is very unlucky about that, for some reasons there are always VAR interventions and OFRs.
      He had overall an excellent control of tense moments, especially in second half, when game was open.

      The rest, until the last minutes of second half had been close to faultless in one of tjhe most intensive and challenging games, with referee respected by players...
      A pity what happened starting from the added time of second half: a more than blatant corner kick missed "in cooperation" with AR2. Of course we know that's very often not an important mistake in refereeing, but this was so blatant that maybe you can't believe that. Mariani immediately indicated goal kick and had to book two players for protests. Meanwhile some substitutions in added time and further wasted time.
      The original decision of 4 minutes was not changed, he whistled end at 94:16, that's simply unacceptable if you ask me. In addition, immediately after final whistle he was surrounded by Atalanta players and he had to run away to dressing room. After a so good game, an extremely poor imagine. But referee could have avoided that by being more alert, apart from the corner, I really don't understand why some referees decide not to pay attention to added time. This is, if compared to other stuff, an easier thing, but some referees almost never do that.
      So the final picture is the same of Mariani by years, good, very good, but still missing in such maybe "minor" (but extremely important) skills, to allow people to talk about excellent performances. He seems to be missing in the very last step, and this is by years, in other big games this was evident with some missed cards, in others with OFR for more relevant missed situations (in this game in Bergamo you can't blame too much him for that, as said, but still another OFR...).
      Also, the end of Bergamo game is a typical Italian standard, when we talk about different cultures of refereeing, if you compare who come from Italian / Spanish backgrounds to other referees from other countries...

      Delete
    2. You're right about everything,IMO he improved masively this year,he adapted his style.

      He is no more that lenient ref that refuses to show cards,he is maybe now Italian number one when Orsato will no longer be there as active ref...

      Of course there is still room for improvement,this chaotic end is unacceptable,by him and by Atalanta players and staff.

      Delete
    3. I watched the game in full and completely agree with Chefren's analysis: this was a very good performance up until the very end of the 2H. I do not blame him for the OFR in the 1H at all, simply an understandable mistake not to have seen that handball (it certainly fooled me initially, with all the benefits of a TV broadcast). Optimal foul selection for this game IMO, two very good YCs for reckless challenges just when the game needed it not to boil over, full control of the game and respect by players.

      However, then comes that unfortunate mistake, with a missed corner for Atalanta, which was so blatant I couldn't even understand what was the exact reason for players protesting initially. Of course, you now have a team giving their best to score an equalizer and it's no wonder players reacted furiously (although such behaviour is certainly not justifiable, but still). It was a minor mistake which, IMO, took control over Atalanta's side away from him. However, I think it would have all settled down had he just taken appropriate care about the added time. This was the main reason for Atalanta's reaction after the game and, as Chefren correctly stated, it's simply unacceptable to "lose" a game over such a simple issue (although it seems everything but simple for some).

      I was also pretty disappointed by his immediate "flight" to the dressing room after the final whistle. Maybe I'm overreacting, but is it so difficult to face criticism like a professional? You made a mistake, but so does everyone, mistakes are an integral part of every profession. I understand that he probably tried to avoid any troubles, for the benefit of everyone involved, but it simply sent a wrong message to the general public, IMO, a bad image.

      On the other hand, this seems to be Mariani's season: many top games in Italy (with quite good performances, IIRC) and 3 CL GS appointments (being a CL debutant, which is pretty remarkable). Were all these appointments justified? I'll leave the answer to more expert contributors than me, however I expect his promotion very soon (with Guida out for a long time and slowly turning to VAR duties, IIRC). This bad image tonight is therefore all the worse.

      Delete
  36. Spot on Chefren. He just need the finesse and focus to finally get up to true elite level and he needs to do so quick otherwise he risks stiff competition from some talented Italian referees coming through the ranks

    ReplyDelete
  37. M.City vs Fulham Darren England. VAR (S.Attwell)
    Two penalty +RC whistle by England and supported by Attwell produced a lot of comments especially the PK at the end of the match for City.
    25' PK +RC FUL https://streamable.com/3xzolp
    90+4' PK CITY https://streamable.com/4tnefd
    close replay https://streamable.com/33ul9v

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. About PK in extra time very soft. Watching live I was expecting an OFR, i thought VAR would use the first contact by attacker to overturn field decision.

      Delete
    2. Soft, but at the same time I can`t say that 100% there was no contact. Why there is not a replay from the left side? I searched on the whole Twitter and all I found was from the centre or centre-right, which is not useful at all.

      Delete
    3. 25': I understand why this decision could be controversial in England, however I think it is correct. Cancelo quite literally barged into his opponent. He reasoned it was a shoulder to shoulder contact, but, for me, running into someone with a force like this is a foul. Then again, if whistled, it should be a RC for DOGSO w/o a genuine attempt to play the ball, IMO. Cancelo was never interested in the ball in this situation.

      90+4': It is soft, however there is a certain "bump" into De Bruyne's heel, am I right? I think I definitely saw a contact, also not completely insignificant. Firstly, let me be clear: I don't like this penalty and if I had been the referee here, I wouldn't have called it. This contact is not enough, IMO. Also, De Bruyne's reaction/fall seems a little bit too much, like a sophisticated attempt to "win" a penalty (and look at Guardiola's reaction after he "won" it). However, I think this is one of those unfortunate situations where we can apply the criterion of existing contact to justify the absence of VAR intervention. That's probably what Attwell had in mind. Frankly, I would have probably done the same. Therefore, it's a mistake from England, but not from Attwell, IMO.

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    4. IMO 90+4 is one of those situations, where everyone agrees that it is a soft penalty, and nearly everyone doesn't want soft penalties to be whistled, therefore it is a clear error in spite of the contact. The contact is simply not strong enough to seriously hinder the attacker to continue playing, let alone to make him fall down.
      I hope, that at the WC and in CL KO stage, VARs would intervene for something like that.

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    5. Totally agree with what you have wrote about WC Philipp. I hope the same thing as you

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  38. What an ending for Fabbri actually last 10 minutes of the Milan-Spezia match were very challenging,plenty fights,lot of YC'S and Giroud managed to get RC in the most comical way,repeatimg Piatek's "mistake".

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  39. Utterly epic match in MLS Cup Final for Ismail Elfath today in Los Angeles. 3-3 after extra time, including goals in the 124th and 128th(!!!) minutes, with LAFC winning on penalties. In general, he was his usual super-calm self, a good fit for this occasion where players were happy to remain relatively behaved, for fear of game-changing punishment. He was often very quick to blow the whistle, leading to one instance where he should have played advantage (he immediately apologized to the LAFC team).

    Two major incidents to highlight:

    52' striking foul by Jack Elliott of Philadelphia, who was already booked and who would go on to score two of Philadelphia's goals. Possible reckless second yellow card: https://streamable.com/cytbsd (I included some minutes during the injury assessment as well to show how Elfath manages players. Apologies for the very low quality of video and no volume.)

    Then perhaps the biggest play of the game from a refereeing perspective, Maxime Crepeau's tackle on Corey Burke in the 110th minute. This seems to be a clear DOGSO, though Elfath originally shows a yellow card and gestures that the ball was moving far away from goal. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper also broke his leg on the play, which can be seen as Elfath is showing this yellow card. During the injury stoppage, Elfath changed his decision to red card on the advice of on-field match officials without VAR intervention. He exchanged some words with Crepeau and a handshake before showing Crepeau the red card as he was being carted off, six minutes after originally showing yellow.
    Viewer discretion is advised due to the broken leg: https://streamable.com/70s5zk

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    1. 52' is technically a clear yellow card for an elbow to the face - not very strong, but the clear movement is enough. Whether you have some sympathy for not wanting to decide the game and to give only 120% sending-offs, is anyone's choice.

      110': First remark is, that he was too quick with the yellow card for two reasons:
      - He should have waited for the input of his teammates, who obviously had something valuable to say
      - He shouldn't have shown the card to a player on the floor (and in pain)
      Then one can discuss, whether the change from YC to RC would have been cleaner with an OFR. I mean, at some point he knew, he had to change it somehow and there was enough time to execute it anyway. I know, that it is not required, if the officials on the team could agree on a RC themselves, but given the importance and the circumstances, one might prefer the pictures to be seen by the referee himself. (And that's benignly assuming that the VAR didn't actually play a role in the process...)
      However, the most important and a positive thing is, that they got the decision right in the end.

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    2. 52' I agree with Philipp.
      110' Philipp described everything well but let me say that showing a YC for SPA in this scenario is a shocking mistake at any level and this from a WC referee.

      To be honest, I really don't know what they see in Elfath apart from his fitness. His applying of the LotG is too often not enough at high level. I really wonder what he can reach on the WC but we know how powerful US sponsors can be at WC (Faghani).

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    3. 52': Clear YC for me as well. As for the sympathy Philipp rightly mentions, I have to say I have none. Therefore, it's a mistake for my taste.

      110': Fully agree with Euro Soccer Ref's view on this situation. And yes, Philipp is fully right regarding procedural aspects of this situation: too quick YC, however maybe his intention was to prevent any possible feuds between players and/or dissent, feeling that this tackle was something more than just reckless. Then again, deeming it as SPA only is even more bad. And just a small remark: GK's leg was broken? Then I sincerely admire his calmness and pain tolerance level in this scene.

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    4. I agree the yellow card was shown quickly as a means of selling the call. I also don’t think he recognized that the goalkeeper was injured right away; he shows the card and gestures the direction of the ball before really looking closely at the goalkeeper or waving on the trainers.

      Delete
  40. Hello my best chefren where are the predictions for the appointments for wc 2022 ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are working on many things about World Cup, expect the first posts to be published soon, on next days!

      Delete
  41. RC in Atletico Madrid - Espanyol. Foul or not? (replays from 0:37)

    https://streamin.me/v/52121f5c

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    1. Pulido Santana is the only referee I know that keeps the RC (well any card whatsoever) in his left back pocket :D

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    2. Very interesting incident! Thanks for sharing.

      Well, quite unpopular decision given the nowadays approach to impeding the progress of an opponent. The referee read the intention of the defender very well and should be praised for correctly applying the LotG, imo.

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    3. Ironically IMO Pulido Santana is one of the weakest LaLiga referees in terms of technical accuracy (remember his sonorous missed advantage in Valencia-Elche several weeks ago)

      However he has other strengths: Very friendly type of referee & very good at keeping the players' acceptance and control even when he makes unpopular decisions (and that's a hell of a strength if players still 'believe in him' when he takes unpopular decisions/makes mistakes)

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    4. I agree that it's an unpopular decision, however I still think it's the right one: impeding the progress of the opponent. As the context of this situation is a DOGSO scenario, it's also a RC for the offender. Good decision for me.

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  42. Penalty or not. There was no VAR intervention
    Referee: Jasper Vergoote
    VAR: Erik Lambrechts

    https://twitter.com/i/status/1589334173696856064

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    1. Due to character of the contact (full arm push in the back), penalty and YC is the expected call, imo. However, looking at this incident in real speed, one can have a gut feeling that the fall is quite strange / not related to the push. And most likely that's why VAR stayed silent.

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    2. Fully agree with Euro Soccer Ref, perfectly explained. It should have been a penalty, but I wouldn't have whistled it live, from the referee's position. As for the VAR, missed intervention for me personally, but I'm sure there will be readers who disagree on that.

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  43. What a fiery couple of minutes for Sanchez Martinez in Seville derby.

    Dangerous foul by Montiel first asawswd as foul for YC,after VAR RC was shown and thwre we hadsome ugly scenes from Sevilla players ,protesting the call .

    However,I think that Martinez dealt with that really well.

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    Replies
    1. And now 2nd straight RC,I dont know about this one,I think that the impact of injury conviced refereeing crew to call Martinez to the monitor and then to issue Fekir RC.

      But wow,1st half is not done,already 2 RC's.

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    2. 2 RCs after OFR already. Fekir sent off for VC.

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    3. Agreed. But honestly i am very very surprised about that red card for fekir. What are the arguments for the red card? For my taste I see that foul 2 or 3 times per game and it ist always a yellow card. I think if this is a red card he hast to give a red card for every arm in the near of face

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    4. Blood on Papu's face conviced him and his crew imo...

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    5. I guess excessive force/arm used as a weapon.

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    6. Now third time OFR and red card for betis. This time clearly correct in my opinion, but Sanchez Martinez could have spotted it live

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    7. 3rd RC shown,I did not see that,maybe someone else can tell me what happened.

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    8. There is nothing to complain about the first RC, IMO. It seemed like a pretty clear SFP to me, but I have to say it's just awful to see players protesting like this (especially Montiel).

      As for the second RC, well, it can be given, but I'm with JD on this one. Expected decision is YC for me (also a mandatory YC). There is definitely no VC, but I also cannot detect a proper "excessive force" scenario. Of course, M is probably right in his assessment about the impact of injury prompting the VAR crew to propose an OFR, but I'm definitely against such procedure. However, some elements for the RC do exist. On the other hand, is this situation worthy of VAR intervention? The answer is clearly negative for me, this should have been left to the referee's discretion.

      I failed to catch the third incident because I was late returning from the Juventus - Inter game, so I can't comment on that one.

      Delete
    9. OK, I've just seen a replay now and it's definitely an SFP RC, tackle on the ankle/Achilles tendon. And I agree with JD again, Sanchez Martinez could and should have spotted it live.

      Delete
    10. I agree that the Fekir RC at least didn't look like a clear and obvious mistake, but the other two RCs were good VAR interventions.
      And of course not good, that Sanchez missed 2 or (in his opinion) 3 clear SFP offences live.

      Delete
  44. What a handball has found VAR in Juventus-Inter. Incredible, for sure it will be debated.

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    Replies
    1. Yep,watching that I cant still figure out why it was overruled,and I'm Inter fan.

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    2. Danilo sent the ball to his arm, before the goal, a replay showed that, but this was an absolutely unimportant deflection and the position of the arm was also consequence of the action by defender. 100% controversial, but since you can't score with arm as last touch, it was disallowed. The LOTG must be changed, because it is simply impossible to accept such decisions. Nothing would have changed and it is against the spirit of football, nevertheless, you can't blame VAR, he did what he had to do. But Iì'm sure in other countries, VAR wouldn't have intervened at all...

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    3. Also,Doveri with his usual leniency like always...

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    4. I was lucky to catch this situation during a break from Betis - Sevilla and maybe I'm wrong, but I would be ready to bet on seeing contact between the ball and the player's arm on that last replay after the VAR intervention. But I do hope VAR crew had a better proof for this, because I'm still not 120% sure.

      Delete
    5. Lotg are clear, so it can be counted as a correct intervention at the end of the day. A later replay with zoom, and not the one immediately after the goal was cancelled, showed that it was a touch indeed. But yeah, I agree that sometimes the laws led to absurd situations.

      Delete
    6. The irony makes that the hand that touched the ball was effectively held by Inter's defender. So even if Danilo wanted, he was not able to reatreat it :))

      Delete
    7. Here a clear replay sent by VAR in the last minutes of the game, not enough for calling a foul and penalty, but at the same time a goal can't be scored by hand... what should referees do?
      https://streamja.com/K51XX

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    8. Thank you very much, Chefren and matei14.

      Oh my God. That's pretty much all I can say. Yes, matei14 describes the situation perfectly. Such an unfair situation, but at the same time correct VAR intervention and final decision, IMO. I've never seen a situation like this since the rule change and it's pretty debatable if situations like this can be fixed by another change.

      To add, I don't see a possibility for a foul by the defender here, it's just not enough. But I would certainly like to read as many opinions of the blog contributors as possible, this situation is really perplexing.

      Delete
    9. Well the big advantage and purpose of that law is, that we have a black-and-white situation instead of the usual grey with handballs.
      BTW, I have the impression that the touch with the hand actually made a significant difference, because the ball had otherwise hit the defender (leading to an unpredictable deflection).

      Delete
    10. In that situation, I'd give a penalty kick. No advantage can be given because that holding makes the attacker's touch with the hand unavoidable, and as Chefren said, no goal can be scored with the hand. So let's take it to the previous infraction. Is it enough? In another context, surely not. But in this case, I think it is the best solution.

      Delete
  45. https://nos.nl/video/2451324-makkelie-vertrekt-dinsdag-al-naar-qatar-focus-vooral-op-leveren-sportieve-prestatie

    Can our Dutch friend translate what Makkelie said in this video?

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    Replies
    1. Summary: The matchday preperations are the same for a hot clash like ajax psv as a lower profile game. The purpose is always to make the right decisions in every game. It was a busy period with a lot of games national and international, also 4 CL games. We are fit and young so it is not really a issue. Tuesday we go to Qatar and get instructions and guidelines from the refcom of the FIFA. We are early also for VAR test, the climate, stadiums and other preperations. Ofcourse there is a lot of discussion about Qatar as host, but we go for the sportive aspect and want to deliver good prestations. It is my first WC as referee after 2018 as VAR. I am proud to be there as a referee.

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  46. Facundo Tello with 10(!!!!!!) sendings-off in the Torneo de Campeones in Argentina!

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  47. I already predict Orsato and Marciniak for PSG-Bayern. Anyone who want to bet? :))

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    1. First leg for Taylor/ Oliver and Marciniak/ Orsato on 2nd leg with the other on the second leg of Liverpool vs Madrid. Makkelie on the first

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    2. I don't think so, that Orsato will continue in UCL.I think, the WC in Qatar is his last big tournament. He will be 47 years this month. Some refs, will retire after the competition in Qatar.

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    3. I read online multiple reports. Some of them that he will retire at the end of the season, others that after Qatar. We'll see.

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  48. Any predictions for the K.O stage?

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