Thursday 11 May 2023

Europa League 2022/23 - Referee Appointments - Semifinals (I)

 2022-23 UEFA Europa League Semifinals, first legs: referee appointments. 


11 May 2023

21:00 CET - Turin (Juventus Stadium)
Juventus (ITA) - Sevilla FC (ESP) 
Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Seidel (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn (GER) 
Fourth Official: Orel Grinfeeld (ISR)
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San (SUI)
UEFA Referee Observer: Dejan Filipović (SRB)
UEFA Delegate: Scott Struthers (SCO) 

21:00 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
AS Roma (ITA) - Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER)
Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Lee Betts (ENG)
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson (ENG)
Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christopher Kavanagh (ENG)
UEFA Referee Observer: Juan Antonio Fernández Marín (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Bakar Jordania (GEO)

156 comments:

  1. Another Eng Ref again for Roma

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  2. Huge opportunity for Siebert. Kinda particular AVAR choice in his game.
    The German appointment should not rule out a possible future (deserved) game for Zwayer, isn't it?

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    1. Absolutely, I was just thinking about the same thing, since Zwayer was the expected name, maybe even a CL semifinal second leg for him?

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    2. Oliver for rome because he can't referee gor juventus after QF ucl match in 2018

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  3. Very risky appointment for Siebert, this time I really don't understand committee choice, Zwayer would have been better. This kind of games is exactly what the German suffers... hopefully I'm wrong! In addition, he has a negative reputation in Italy. Just wishing the best!

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    1. His bad Reputation in AC Milan vs Chelsea i guess??

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    2. @Chefren

      Can you give opinion sir about Siebert game that night between Chelsea vs AC Milan?

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    3. All was about the early sending off against AC Milan. A very soft decision leading to many criticisms against referees. We can't know about UEFA official assessment, but surely the appointments of the German after that game were clear.

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    4. Ah i see Right now

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    5. With this Red Card for DOGSO he made his life unnecessary difficult. But after this situation he kept this very challenging match under full control. So he showed very often that he can handle matches like that.

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  4. Siebert's appointment just makes no sense. He really isn't in great form, get's parked in UEL/UECL this season (only 2 CL group stage matches) and then they give him this huge game in Italy of all places. It's like they are actively trying to destroy him at this rate... If they really wanted to appoint a German, Zwayer had a very decent season so far and for sure would have deserved it.

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    1. True. However, being the devil’s advocate, the Ref Com has treated 1st legs in a particular way in 2023. The most experienced and reliable referees are saved for the return games. It is possible that a UECL return is equally- or even more challenging than a UEL 1st leg.

      In addition, Zwayer refereed Sevilla recently and he can’t do Leverkusen. So, here you have the other German Elite, Siebert.

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  5. Interesting that Oliver doesn’t work with a Elite referee as 4th official, for instance Taylor. Perhaps Taylor is planned for a return game next week?

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    1. I Think Taylor is planned for the Europa League Final while Makkelie and Marchiniak will battle it out for UCL…

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    2. It is interesting, but Pawson is clearly a step above anyone else who has been an English 4O this year, being an experienced (and I'd say good) Cat 1 referee

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    3. Yes, Daniel is right, given the condition of Pawson, this argument is not so much valid. Also, in the other cases of fourth officials appointment, you have clearly names getting this role because they can't appear again as main referee, like Mariani, Greenfield, and so on. There isn't only an argument, but there can be different reasons for such assignments.

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  6. Now. I am really Curious to know what has happened with Simon Bennett as AR2. In Oliver’s Team, he has been out of Oliver’s team for the Last 6 Matches both Domestically and Internationally… was there a falling out of some Sort?

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    1. He has had a period where he has quite a few offside decisions overruled. Taylor had a period without Adam Nunn recently as well

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  7. I think that based on the last assignment we should come to conclusion that Taylor is seen in a different way now than what we are used to think, and Oliver seems to have (fully?) replaced him. Let's wait for the next appointment, but it looks like what happened for Mateu is maybe now happening with Taylor, a referee who already got many big assignments and some finals. He was not lucky in many occasions because he couldn't officiate and now there is Manchester in Champions League, but I still think that committee has a bit changed their focus. We will see.

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    1. But Anthony Taylor still 45, Oliver 38, I don’t think it was good strategy to change the status of who is ENG No.1, England still didn’t have replacement for Taylor, I mean very different with Spanish situation, beside Gil Manzano they still have Sanchez Martinez, but England? Also for UEFA, if they can’t make sure Taylor will continue his international career (keep motivating him), their crisis based on the fact that at the moment they have very narrow pool of very trusted referee will more deeply, isn’t it?

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    2. Your motivations are valid. Nevertheless, it seems not a wrong thing to say that in recent times Taylor has been treated a bit differently. What England should immediately do at moment, is to develop somebody after Taylor and Oliver... at moment the situation is really worrying, if you ask me, given also how most of referees officiate in PL.

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    3. Do you forget Rossetti management of final referees in past?

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    4. Yeah, given the Italian teams in Europa League (and no English sides), it is possible that Anthony Taylor is already planned for the Europa League final? Based on the teams in competition, it could be a very challenging one.

      And besides that, who else?
      Kovacs was a candidate, but now I’m not so sure after the insults in Italian press. Jovanovic not longer an option…

      Taylor and Marciniak could be both saved for a final?

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  8. Most interesting for me here is fully English VAR for a semi-final, maybe some trust finally shown by the committee. Attwell has had a couple of very good games recently so I would suggest deserved, just hope this can continue!

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    1. Missed one of the clearest deliberate handballs ever while on VAR on Sunday

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  9. Why is the committees doing this to Siebert?
    Why the lack of common sense? This is really unfortunate. Juventus and Sevilla are teams that are well known to put pressure on referees and don't really easily accept referee authority. This is the type of situation that cracks Siebert as he is known not to be the type that stamps authority. I wish him luck please.

    For Taylor, I agree that he has lost some momentum maybe due to age and exhaustion. But he is certainly not the ref he once was. Even in the English league, he shows that too, but the English FA keeps covering up for him maybe due to a lack of options to replace him.

    I think Oliver will definitely replace him as UEFA's no 1 ref in England by next year. Still a top referee, but I think it's about time the English begin to produce more options.

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. Nationality of referees is fully expected and make sense: a german for Juventus-Siviglia and an english for Roma-Leverkusen was more than obvious, but...... I was convinced on the more quoted colleagues: Zwayer and Taylor. Probably they will have something more, Zwayer seems very probable for Manchester-Real. What is really not understandable is the appointment of Pawson. If 4o must a n elite why not Sharer, Mateu, Bastien, Gozubuyuk Kruzliak or the compatriot Collum ?

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    1. About fourth official management, read my comment above. There can be different motivations contributing to a certain assignment. For that game in Rome, Pawson, given the experience, is OK.

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    2. Isn't Scharer injured?

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  12. Thanks to a post on the german blog, Siebert could be a replacement for Scharer (whatever reason).
    Zwayer hardly possible having had Sevilla in the quarter-final and Stieler is quite horrible domestically since March so he maybe was the only option.

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    1. Possibly! Schärer is ahead of e.g. Meler, so a semi-final Europa League wouldn't be out of place. Imho fully in line with his development this season. To add, the Swiss AVAR appointment (although that could have a political reason as well).

      Someone reported that Schärer is still injured and it is not sure he will attend FIFA U20. Not sure whether this is true...

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    2. It is very likely, given the Swiss AVAR and Grinfeed fourth official, in case of original appointment of a German referee for the game, I think whole crew would have been German (especially the AVAR). So, I think it should be a "last-day" forfeit by Schaerer who maybe until a few days ago was still likely to officiate...

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  13. Like most of you said Siebert's delegation is very risky.

    We all know and commented before that most German refs are struggling to control the match whenever they are in charge when Italian or Spanish teams are playing.

    Maybe cause in Germany they dont face that type of pressure towards refs and passion in general.
    This time we have them both combined and both of these teams are quite passionate and temperamental.

    In recent history he struggled when he handled Atl.Madrid,he struggled when he had Milan and mostly he struggled when he officiated Napoli-Granada.

    Of course,it wasn't just struggle he had succesive matches when ATM played Liverpool,when Inter played Real so it wasnt all not great.

    I'm just saying that he's too cold for these teams that are very passionate and it's not just him,but almost every German ref when he's got Spanish or Italian teams.

    In this year we can remember Stegemann when he had Lazio,Zwayer only this yr when he had Sevilla and Juve vs Benfica(not even mentioning his past),even Aytekin and Brych had problems with those teams.


    So to wrap it up,I'm not sure how smart it is to appoint him for this match,but atleast it's 1st leg so hopefully nothing big will effect final result.


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  14. Do we know when the referees for the FIFA U20 World Cup will convene in Argentina. I assume it will be this weekend as some officials are used in Europe tonight

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  15. @M, Atletic-City was extraordinary tough game and most referees would struggle. He did mistake there as most referee do he did not wanted to start early with yellow cards . Most time referees got saved in second half by result or players just calms down but that time it was not like that. We saw. Kovac in Milan same mistake .

    I follow many referee accounts on twitter and there is more and more talk that Germany has maybe best future referees at the moment.

    A lot of positive for Siebert,Schlager,Osmers and even young(32years) Jablonski. Give me another league that have 7,8 top referees at the moment? Brych,,Stegemann,Osmers,Schlager,Jablonski,Siebert are top level. I will not count here Stieler and Aytekin as they are in down trend and got with all right a lot of critics. Try to find in England or Italy 6 names of this level.

    I saw Siebert in Greece 10 days ago in 10 times tougher game then first leg Juventus-Sevilla will be and he did fantastic job.

    If this was second leg and in Seville where atmosphere is a lot tougher then in Turin for referee I would understand you, but tonight it will be no problem for Siebert.

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    1. Agree. And so far all 1st legs have been pretty calm and easy. Let's hope the best for him

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    2. Regarding your top list of current German top referees (based on domestic performances and appointments), surely Aytekin and Fritz must be on it, probably in the place of Stegemann, Osmers or Siebert.

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  16. Inter - Milan Kuipers (NED)
    City - Real Fröhlich (GER)
    Experienced referee in Manchester (Turpin., Makkelie...), surprise in Milan? It will be indeed more challenging the game in Manchester after first leg score, in Milan it can be different.

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    1. Who's your prediction sir?

      Me:
      Kovacs (MCI-MAD)
      Turpin(ACM-INT)

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    2. Vincic or Kovacs would be options for Kuipers as observer in Milan, but they come from poor performances. Nevertheless, I can't find other options. So maybe one of them.
      In Manchester I would like to see Makkelie.

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    3. Would like to see Makkelie also in Manchester, if that doesn't make him in UCL final

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    4. Indeed, Vincic has become more likely for Milan now. Kovacs is hardly possible after the Italian QF.
      And yes, in Manchester it should be Makkelie or Marciniak depending on who is reserved for the final.

      But Turpin remains an option as well, of course.

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    5. What about Zwayer in Milan? He has a domestic game already tomorrow in 2nd Bundesliga together with his usual AR Achmüller. Lupp has a match on Saturday in Bundesliga together with Brych.

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    6. Not necessarily that I predict Kovacs for this game, but Frohlich in Manchester could also indicate German VARs. Last year Kovacs was observed by Fandel (not Com. memeber which was maybe expected given the stage of the competition and the SF debut) and had German VARs. Bear in mind this scenario also.

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  17. Marciniak was appointed to a match in Polish league on Monday, but was substituted (an hour after the original appointments were published). Perhaps there was a change in semifinal appointments?

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    1. Possible, thanks for this information.

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    2. Very confusing, but I still think he (Marciniak) has the UCL final in the bag.

      Maybe they asked him to be available as back-up or try to throw dust in our eyes… :):)

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    3. He has been appointed to the Saudi King's Cup final tomorrow.

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  18. My predictions:
    INT-AC: Marciniak
    MCI-RMA: Turpin
    Final: Makkelie

    SEV-JUV: Vincic
    LEV-ROM: Makelie
    Final: Taylor

    BAS-FIO: Zwayer
    AZ-WH: Kovacs
    Final: Gil Manzano

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    1. My current ones are
      INT-AC: Vincic
      MCI-RMA: Marciniak
      Final: Makkelie

      SEV-JUV: Taylor
      LEV-ROM: Turpin
      Final: Soares Dias

      BAS-FIO: Jovanovic
      AZ-WH: Zwayer
      Final: del Cerro Grande

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  19. Replies
    1. Saw it too. My guess would be UEFA is doing some documentary again.

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    2. https://sportbild.bild.de/fussball/europa-league/europa-league/bayer-leverkusen-gopro-raetsel-in-der-europa-league-geloest-83909250.sport.html?fbclid=IwAR1NDS89nsOglung8CShU3Jzrirk272xxIZjPB0FC0OEtVbDdnTK5cA_r7w

      According to Germany Sport Newspaper Sport Bild

      UEFA speakers says about GoPro : "The camera was used to shoot a promotional video for a referee campaign. More information about the campaign, which will focus on the benefits of refereeing, the importance of referees to football and the need to retain referees, will be released in the autumn.”

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  20. Oliver showing a lot more personality than usual and is being very strict on dissent

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  21. How is Siebert doing?

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  22. Clear YC not given by Siebert now to Acuna.

    If not for pulling and SPA,then for persistent and continuosly fouling.

    Now again foul and nothing,he could lose control quickly.

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  23. Wrong YC for Diaby imo. A lot of show by Pellegrini.

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    1. He kicks a player off the ball. Of course it's a yc, whether exaggerated or not

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    2. He kicks his opponent? Come on … in this case it would be a straight red.

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    3. Pellegrini training for a 2nd career as a promising actor!

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    4. And now bad behavior by Dybala. Throwing a ball on a Leverkusen player. A few moments later slapping the hand away. Just some warm word‘s by Oliver.

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  24. Now we have possible penalty to Juventus, very curious to see what a German VAR will do. Defender was late, he hit only opponent. Enough?

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    1. No VAR intervention, I expected this choice and I can agree.
      Of course for all Italian fans this will be clear penalty and again blame on Siebert...

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    2. Do you think the decision is right or only "no VAR-intervention“

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    3. I think impossible to see for Siebert, but in case penalty should have been whistled for me.

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    4. Point of contact is studs to calf, it is late, and the only counterargument can (mayyybe?) be that the attacker kicked into the defender's studs? The studs are still too high in my opinion, penalty and yellow card for me. Surprising non-intervention.

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    5. Defender play the Ball first

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    6. For me, certainly nothing for VAR and better decision is no penalty. Defender had leg raised yes, but attacker kicked into it rather than vice versa.

      PK would have been very soft (although supportable)

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  25. I think that Siebert did alright.

    There will be talk about no penalty of course,but besides that,alright job.

    Even though I'm not his fan,I cant deny that he had decent performance.

    Of course,IMO he had some bookings missed(Acuna and Gil should have been booked,Gil way earlier)but overall good performance.

    What impressed was his calm style,no pressure and no stressing like we saw in couple of his latest matches.

    All 7 bookings are justified.

    And now Juve has scored so maybe that penalty talk will waterdown a bit.

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    1. 'No pressure' come on...

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    2. Thank for this report M. I always enjoy much seeing your reports in this blog. M + Juan are the 'héroes anónimos' of the Law 5 - The Referee, always great word by them on the referees- bravo.

      Siebert was a doubtable delegation for my also opinionn but at tonight he was well, agree to you.

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  26. My predictions:
    INT-AC: Marciniak
    MCI-RMA: Turpin
    Final: Makkelie

    SEV-JUV: Vincic
    LEV-ROM: Kovacs
    Final: Taylor

    BAS-FIO: Zwayer
    AZ-WH: Jovanovic
    Final: Cerro del Grande

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  27. https://sport.tvp.pl/69786773/szymon-marciniak-najlepszy-ale-na-final-ligi-mistrzow-jest-sedzia-trzeciego-wyboru
    Slovenian entourage of UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin from Slovenia would very much like Slavko Vincic to handle this year's final.
    I think we can expect him in Milan on next week... hard to believe that he will get final, but if Ceferin is pushing they can give him something big like a second leg semifinal, despite of the very poor performance in Manchester.

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    1. I used google translate to read this.
      This kind of PR article pushing Marciniak as the only proper candidate, doesn't deserve to be shared.
      "In the last two years, the referee from Płock refereed many more hit, difficult and prestigious matches than Taylor and Makkelie, and in addition, he was usually much better than them. A year ago, he lost to them only because of weaker diplomatic support from the national union."
      About Makkelie: "reviews of his work were not at all convincingly positive".
      About Taylor: "earlier this year Taylor had already officiated the final of the Club World Cup in which Real defeated Saudi Al-Hilal (5-3)." Suggesting he cannot do the finals.
      About Vincic: "he presented himself very poorly."
      Also "It seems that UEFA may have no choice and, contrary to its intentions, it may have to entrust Szymon Marciniak with leading the Champions League final this year ."
      Please, Chefren, I expect(ed) more from you.

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    2. My predictions:
      INT-AC: Zwayer
      MCI-RMA: Marciniak
      Final: Makkelie

      SEV-JUV: Turpin
      LEV-ROM: Makkelie
      Final: Taylor

      BAS-FIO: Vincic
      AZ-WHU: Jovanovic
      Final: Del Cerro Grande

      Zwayer/Vincic/Soares Dias/Kruzliak for UNL finals/Supercup

      How about Lahoz?

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    3. Ah I forgot Grinfeeld

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    4. I find it funny somehow. You will never find such a PR-article in Dutch about Makkelie or in English about Taylor. :D

      Having said that. If this is true, UEFA will keep 3-4 potential (UCL) final candidates away from the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. This could be a good opportunity for Kovacs. Perhaps we will see Kovacs in Manchester next week. Not sure where else he could fit..?

      1.Taylor: Indeed it looks like Taylor won't get a semi-final, pending on Man City's result. And if City is in the final, they can give him the Europa League final as well.

      2. Makkelie: the article states that he did not whistle between April 8 and May 6. That is nonsense of course... In this period I see a match in 2nd league, a SF in Saudi Arabia (including +30 min extension time) and a match in Greece. I suspect he indeed will have a Europa League semi-final, as a form test.

      3. Marciniak: it was so obvious that they gave him the most risky and challenging games. I think he won't get a UCL semi-final either. They have to keep him as reserve. And besides, he can also do the Europa league final (if Taylor has the UCL final).

      4. Vincic: if Ceferin wants something... Like Chefren stated, I can imagine that they give him a semi-final, to keep the big boss happy. Or eventually, he gets a 'final test' in the Europa League as well.

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    5. Vincic did the Europa final last year

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    6. I don’t think UEFA will keep Marciniak because he had already WC final in his achievement, if he had UCL final this year, how could guarantee that he won’t lost his motivation (he still targeting Euro 2024 to complete his achievement?), or he could easily accept offers from Middle East, nobody knows his fate would like Clattenburg, Kuipers/Mallenco, or Cakir/Kassai. So it will be rational choice for UEFA to extend as long as they can to keep Marciniak motivated??

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    7. I think WC final last year is more than enough, UEL final likely booked by Taylor (at the very least), UNL final for Marciniak it’s more ridiculous for him (semifinal UCL much better than UNL final)

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  28. Clément Turpin has been replaced by Ruddy Buquet for his domestic match on Sunday.

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    1. Ok, what about his ARs?

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    2. The whole team is replaced.

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    3. Then it is a clear signal. I think the question now is: Milano or Sevilla ?

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    4. Why not Manchester ?

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    5. It would repeat Man City two legs in a row. And I think it is easier to find another suitable referee for this game in comparison to Milano Derby. But of course, this option can't be ruled out.

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    6. I think The Com decided so late the appointments that even the national FAs were announced very recently about them. And some of them that announced in advance the domestic appointments now have to find replacements.

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    7. On Tuesday it's Turpin's birthday. A Milano derby would be a nice gift :)

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    8. I noticed that as well :D

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  29. Usually well-informed meczyki.pl informed that Marciniak has been a last-minute call for Manchester City - Real Madrid.

    https://www.meczyki.pl/newsy/uefa-zmienia-zdanie-marciniak-poprowadzi-mecz-wagi-ciezkiej-final-sie-oddala-nasz-news/211595-n

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    1. So apparently all you have to do for UCL SF is to miss all the KMIs in the UCL QF.

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    2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    3. Confirm if Marciniak in Manchester?

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    4. Sorry to "L" user, I deleted by mistake your comment written 7 minutes ago. I realized too later what you meant... not about the team but to make the referee appointment! :)

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    5. So Marciniak in Manchester, the observer would absolutely suit.
      I can imagine committee changing many times idea before an appointment, in this case even more because they waited for first leg scores. Even if we don't know what really happens, in my opinion we can easily draw this conclusion.

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    6. Marciniak with a last minute call. But, was him a replacement or simply the referees were announced about the appointments much later than usual? I think it is not impossible that the chosed referees were informed about the appointments yesterday...

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    7. Observer SEV-JUV is Deaconu (ROU), this rules out Kovacs. Observer in Leverkusen is not released yet.

      Kovacs to Leverkusen? Roma won't reject him after the UECL final last year.

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    8. Kovacs crew is split out this week. AR2 Artene has a game today, AR1 Marinescu has a game tomorrow, Kovacs is VAR also tomorrow. Each one at a different game. Of course, you can't be sure of anything but I'd rather guess that he is not planned for anything next week. Besides, wasn't Leverkusen-Porto in GS the only game when Kovacs had problems last year?

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    9. Possible line-up:
      - Milan derby: Turpin
      - Man City - Real: Marciniak

      Europa league:
      - Vincic, Makkelie, Kovacs.

      Turpin and Vincic can be reversed.

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  30. All Referee observers:

    Milan derby: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)
    MCI-RMA: Frohlich (GER)

    Leverkusen - Roma: Riley (ENG)
    Sevilla - Juventus: Deauconu (ROU)

    AZ - West Ham: Bozinovski (MKD)
    Basel - Fiorentina: Batista (POR)

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    1. The Leverkusen - Roma appointment was the last one to be publiced. Something tells me, this game was a tough nut to crack.

      A full Italian-, German- or Spanish teams is not possible.

      We have Kovacs, who regularly works with German or Italian VAR’s. This is not possible, unless he works with other VAR (e.g. a Spanish).

      Other options are Turpin [Brisard] or Vincic/Makkelie with [van Boekel].

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    2. Could Jovanovic also be an option for Leverkusen? Of course, the same VAR problem. And I am not even sure, whether a Spanish VAR would be possible with Sevilla in the other SF. Maybe one could choose Martins as consolation for being skipped in the CL SF.

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    3. How about Slovenian VAR (Matej Jug/Obrenovic)? Weren’t they trusted enough?

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    4. Letexier with a second semifinal in Leverkusen? This would also explain why committee waited until today... but yes, with so many Elite referees, this shouldn't happen!

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    5. Letexier has obligations in Argentina for the WC U20. Would be very surprising.

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    6. Tiago Martins (POR) is a good option indeed.

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  31. Don't be funny Matej Jug is a space shuttle for Rade

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    1. Best VAR in Slovenia is Nejc Kajtazovic, he is usually going on international matches with Vincic. Usually tandem Kajtazovic/Jug

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  32. Btw, reading that Mr. Čeferin is pushing Vinčić to be the UCL final referee is the most annoying thing I’ve read today. That’s ridiculous. You simply cannot sell that decision to all the other referees.

    I guess, Čeferin’s main goal is to push him for EURO 2024…

    Vinčić had an absolute shocker in Manchester (City vs Leipzig) and didn’t look good in the Inter vs Barca game as well. Being from a very small football nation, he needs to “earn” it more than anyone else, as he doesn’t officiate high paced games on a weekly basis. And besides that, Skomina had the UCL final not toooo long ago (2019).

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    1. Don't be fooled. This is exactly what Marciniak fan boys are doing now. Marciniak will not get the finals and they search someone to blame. Ceferin pushing Vincic is one of the craziest idea I've heard for a long time. Remember how long Vincic had to wait to become Elite because of Ceferin? Ceferin is doing everything to avoid any netopism allegations.

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    2. I recall that many readers here didn’t agree with Vinčić‘ UEL final nomination last season (ahead of Marciniak)

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    3. I also recall many readers stating Vincic missing 2 yellow cards as poor performance and Marciniak missing two penalties as almost excellent.
      It was actually the same last year when Turpin was almost crucified because Makkelie didn't get the final. So this year apparently Vincic is the one to blame.

      Delete
    4. @Anonymous, you cannot compare the circumstances. Season 21/22 vs 22/23, it is totally different.

      Last season, UEFA had no other choice than appointing Turpin to the UCL final. Taylor and Makkelie were not possible, due to ’logical’ arguments (Liverpool and a final in Paris). Turpin worked on a few knock-outs games without any issues.

      If Vincic is nominated for the 2023 UCL final ”ahead” of Taylor and Makkelie, it would be a big joke. First of all, the Dutch has been shortlisted for the UCL final since 2021, Taylor probably the same. For Marciniak, it’s his 2nd year. If nothing holds them back this year, you simply can’t ‘overlook’ them for the sake of Vincic.

      Secondly, I repeat again, Vincic has been rather poor after the World Cup. It would be undeserved, unfair and could demotivate the other candidates, that have waited a bit longer.

      Delete
    5. I hate readers on this blog killing the referees after one not-so-good match. Kovacs, Vincic, Marciniak, Turpin all had one.
      And it's funny for me how many people got upset after a clear PR article with many fake and made up news.
      I think this year's final is between Taylor and Makkelie.

      Delete
  33. Uefa başkanı tarafsız olmalı diğer hakemlere saygısızlık

    ReplyDelete
  34. On Thursday, at 1 p.m Marciniak was nominee for polish league, Warta - Radomiak, on Monday.

    After 2h this nomination was cancelled.

    For me, everything is clear, Marciniak & Turpin for SF

    Final CL:
    - Taylor (if MCL in final)
    - Makkelie (if Real in final)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For CL final the other way around I guess ;p

      Delete
    2. Didn't someone say that Marciniak's was replaced in Poland because he is going to Saudi Arabia this weekend?

      Delete
    3. Why he refereed yesterday kings cup final in Saudi Arabia that's no problem to referee in Poland next Monday but sure he will referee in ucl semi finals this week that's the reason to replace him in Poland

      Delete
  35. Wow,very challenging match in terms of managing players for Maresca.

    Situatin is this:Lazi are playing Lecce,they are heavy favourites but right now they are losing 1-2.

    Maresca started off with early cards,in first 15 minutes 2 cards,but then he tried to delay another one as much as he can.

    Now,Lazio are losing,Lecce are trying everything to win the match(timewasting,acting,fouls and so on).

    I was just wondering;if that was old Maresca,then we would see atleast 13 YC,s,maybe some RC and all other stuff.

    Right now 94th minute is played,we have 8 bookings and Lazio scored... :D

    ReplyDelete
  36. https://sportbild.bild.de/fussball/europa-league/europa-league/bayer-leverkusen-gopro-raetsel-in-der-europa-league-geloest-83909250.sport.html?fbclid=IwAR1NDS89nsOglung8CShU3Jzrirk272xxIZjPB0FC0OEtVbDdnTK5cA_r7w

    According to Sport Bild
    UEFA says about GoPro on Oliver: "the camera was used to shoot a promotional video for a referee campaign. More information about the campaign, which will focus on the benefits of refereeing, the importance of referees to football and the need to retain referees, will be released in the autumn.”

    ReplyDelete
  37. One week to go, so here are some predictions for MD1 of the U20WC.
    ARG-UZB: Letexier, Mugnier, Rahmouni (all FRA), Bouh (MTN) – Delajod (FRA), Godinho (POR)
    GUA-NZL: Sy, Bangoura (both CMR), Ngoh (CIV), Maza (CHI) – Al-Fariq (MAR), Toski (BRA)
    USA-ECU: Nyberg, Beigi, Söderkvist (all SWE), Al-Ali (KUW) – di Paolo (ITA), Higler (NED)
    FIJ-SVK: Nation, Duhaney, Kerr-Wilson (all JAM), Lopez (GUA) – Guzman (NCA), Escobedo (MEX)
    SEN-JPN: Schärer, de Almeida, Zogaj (all SUI), Meler (TÜR) – San (SUI), Cuadra (ESP)
    ISR-COL: Tom (RSA), Sanches (ANG), dos Reis (STP), Singh (FIJ) – Ash-Shinawi (EGY), El Fariq (MAR)
    ITA-BRA: Ortiz, Bustos, Sanchez (all MEX), Maarouf (EGY) – Escobedo (MEX), Ford (USA)
    NGA-DOM: Al-Huwaish, Ash-Shammari, As-Sultan (all KSA), Falcon (ARG) – Puudom (THA), Darwish (UAE)
    URU-IRQ: Calderon, Arrieta (both CRC), Pupiro (NCA), Rumsas (LTU) – Ford (USA), Guzman (NCA)
    ENG-TUN: Araki, Mihara, Takagi (all JPN), Ospina (COL) – Kim (KOR), Delfino (ARG)
    FRA-KOR: Maza, Urrutia, Molina (all CHI), Herrera (VEN) – Lara (CHI), Orbe (ECU)
    GAM-HON: Kawana-Waugh (NZL), Moeaki (TGA), Mutukera (SOL), Nyberg (SWE) – Cuadra (ESP), di Paolo (ITA)

    ReplyDelete
  38. OT:
    https://www.youtube.com/live/3Bl_ov21GqU?feature=share (full match)
    ‘50 VAR intervention for no card decision
    https://youtu.be/x9698SKJAsE (highlight)
    3:10
    J-League
    FC Tokyo - Kawasaki Frontale
    Referee: Yuichi Nishimura
    VAR: Ryo Tanimoto

    What do you think about that, is it correct or with UEFA standard is it clear and obvious error?

    I doubt because the players intention is it enough for RC, I mean I think it’s just missed YC from Nishimura.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Didn't know that Nishimura was still active as referee.
      I don't perceive this as clear and obvious mistake, not clear whether the contact with opponent's leg was full or not, more replays are needed, based on what I can see, YC would have been supportable, I think.

      Delete
    2. Is it the full match VOD available in your country?

      Delete
    3. Nishimura (51) still active regularly in J-League and active as VMO too.

      Delete
    4. With his facial expression and body language I think he was in doubt

      Delete
    5. Yes, the full match link works.

      Delete
  39. What happened to Michael Oliver team (Stuart Burt and Simon Bennet) are they injured or something as he is not officiating with his team.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lazio Lecce.

    Possible second YC, 19':
    https://streamable.com/4inyf2
    Maresca deliberately not whistling the foul because aware it would have been second YC?

    Then, penalty called by AR2 on the subsequent free kick:
    https://streamable.com/ubatae
    The kind of penalty that I hate, attacker puts himself ahead of defender, to get a contact. But you can't deny that and you must whistle a penalty...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I’m a big fan of these PK’s as well…. rather soft, attacker waiting for a contact, which in fact isn’t enough to bring a player down. Smart play by attacker, makes it a tough on field decision

      Delete
    2. Also,same player,Banda,when he was coming off(68'),he was told to come off asquick as he can.

      That means to the nearest out.

      He then goes to the opposite side and and then Maresca again is redirecting him.

      Ofc Lazio players wanted 2nd yc,but I dont think no ref is brave enough to do that.

      Except maybe Mateu 😀.

      Delete
  41. Regarding the final predictions:
    Obviously, UEFA wants to keep as many federations happy as possible.

    First of all, let’s start with the Europa League final. Besides Anthony Taylor, are there any other realistic candidates, with a good reputation in Italy (assuming that at least one Italian team makes it to the final)? Perhaps Marciniak, but other than him?

    If Taylor is pencilled for the UEL final, we are left with Marciniak, Makkelie and Vincic for the UCL final. And at least one of them will probably have a semi-final return. If the Polish reporting is correct and UEFA believes that i) Marciniak already had his grand final this season, and ii) that they need him for the MCI-RMA 'bonkers game' (bigger game than the final in my eyes), then you are automatically left with Vincic or Makkelie for the UCL final. This certainly wouldn’t be my prediction a few months ago…

    Regarding the conference league final, I think the Spanish influence in the Ref com will be decisive. Sadly enough Mateu and DCG are close to retirement. The UECL is a good development opportunity for Gil Manzano. Let’s see!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can imagine the political ‘fight’ behind the scenes:
      - The French will have arguments to appoint Turpin to a semi-final UCL;
      - If Marciniak won’t have a final, it is more than deserved to give him a semi-final UCL;
      - If Vincic is arranged for the UCL final, how to compensate the Dutch? And the other way around…

      Delete
  42. My predictions for European clubs competitions finals this year: - ucl : makkelie ( if man city in the final) or Taylor ( if real Madrid in the final) & uel : Taylor ( if man city in ucl final) or marciniak & uecl : carlos del cerro

    ReplyDelete
  43. Today in Kuwait

    16:45 CET
    Al-Kuwait - Fahaiheel
    REF: Bastian Dankert (Germany)
    VAR: Harm Osmers (Germany)

    19:30 CET
    Kazma - Al-Arabi
    REF: Fernando Andrés Rapallini (Argentina)
    VAR: Silvio Aníbal Trucco (Argentina)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting, that the German First Group referee is VAR and the VAR specialist from Second Group is the referee.
      I assume, the ARs are from Kuwait? Or unkown?

      Delete
    2. The remaining referees are from Kuwait.

      Delete
  44. The same referees this year in Saudi Arabia

    ReplyDelete
  45. Can anyone report how Marciniak performance in Saudi Cup final?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Two On-field reviews within ONE minute for Rapallini in Kuwait today (VAR: Trucco)

    https://www.youtube.com/live/6KnKCJ5B0zc?feature=share&t=5019

    KMI:

    Missed 2nd YC for SPA? No foul given.

    https://www.youtube.com/live/6KnKCJ5B0zc?feature=share&t=2401

    ReplyDelete
  47. OFR for Dankert (VAR: Osmers)

    Penalty given originally. Simulation after OFR.

    https://www.youtube.com/live/OZOTfJ_f8Us?feature=share&t=2127

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for having posted all clips.
      About first OFR by Rapallini, the classic "lazy" whistle about handball, based on the idea that the touch occurred, but without watching it. With both arms in that position one would never whistle. Once again, this explains us how miuch difficult is this kind of infringment to be detected. But I would suggest to all referees to avoid such calls, just thinking about a possible handball but without watching itt. Better play on if not sure, and he couldn't be sure.
      The second OFR for me can be discussed, I think, based on the video footage watched by Rapallini before taking final decision, it was for DOGSO. I think that the other defender could have made a last attempt to save the ball, changing his path. DOGSO for me to be accepted only if given on field.
      About SFP: possible to issue RC for this challenge, no doubts, but also in this case a small percentage of supporting YC.
      Dankert incident was a clear simulation...

      Delete
    2. To underline: not only the weak decisions, but the terrible style of Rapallini...

      I repeat it again: AFA, please find somebody else for 2026.

      (thanks for the clips Gylfi! :))

      Delete
  48. Guard of honor received by Mateu Lahoz today after the Osasuna-Almeria game.

    ReplyDelete
  49. https://www.youtube.com/live/kjeYjLB_haU?feature=share (full match)
    Another huge controversy involving Yuichi Nishimura (2 days in a row!)
    Kashima Antlers - Nagoya Grampus
    13’ VAR overruled goal scored by KASM (infringement before they take a corner?)
    Referee: Hiroyuki Kimura
    VAR: Yuichi Nishimura
    As a football fan from country in AFC, I’m really frustrated when I’m watching UEFA competition and AFC competition matches. It’s clear different story about controversy in UEFA and in AFC, in AFC like ESF said really out of the world. I don’t any intention to blame or doubt about experiences of referees like Yuichi but I don’t understand it at all how FA in AFC organize world of refereeing, very very poor level of management, openess, etc compare to other confederations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I mean he is Yuichi Nishimura, 2 times performed in World Cup edition, even beside his controversy he was chosen to officiate opening game of the World Cup!! like come on.. is that lack of competence or it’s only lack of briefing or it's just unlucky.

      Delete
    2. Foul before the execution of corner kick... that's horrible from a former WC referee indeed. One can maybe excuse the pitch referee who surely has less ecxperience, but this is unacceptable...

      Delete
    3. OMG... This is a circus! Horrible, I am speechless

      Delete

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