Thursday 6 July 2023

2023 UEFA Under-19 Championship - Referee Appointments for Group Stage

Referee appointments at 2023 UEFA Under-19 Championship. 


Monday 3 July 2023

Group A
18:00 CET - Paola (Hibernians Stadium) 
POLAND - PORTUGAL 
Referee: Juxhin Xhaja (ALB)
Assistant Referee 1: Dojando Myftari (ALB)
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Morim (LUX)
Fourth Official: Ishmael Barbara (MLT)
UEFA Referee Observer: Frank De Bleeckere (BEL) 
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed (DEN)

Group A
21:00 CET - Ta'Qali (National Stadium) 
MALTA - ITALY
Referee: Yigal Frid (ISR)
Assistant Referee 1: Yossi Babayoff (ISR) 
Assistant Referee 2: Denis Ševcenko (LVA)
Fourth Official: Genc Nuza (KOS)
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Hansson (SWE) 
UEFA Delegate: Fiona Pförtke (GER)

Tuesday 4 July 2023

Group B
18:00 CET -  Ta'Qali (Centenary Stadium) 
NORWAY - GREECE
Referee: Joonas Jaanovits (EST)
Assistant Referee 1: Aron Härsing (EST)
Assistant Referee 2: Robert Kempter (GER)
Fourth Official: Sven Jablonski (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Emil Bozinovski (MKD)
UEFA Delegate: Fiona Pförtke (GER)

Group B
21:15 CET - Ta'Qali (Centenary Stadium) 
ICELAND - SPAIN
Referee: Gergo Bogár (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Theodoros Georgiou (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Facundo Rodríguez (ARG)
Fourth Official: Yael Falcón (ARG)
UEFA Referee Observer: David Elleray (ENG) 
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed (DEN)

Thursday 6 July 2023

Group A
18:00 CET -  Ta'Qali (Centenary Stadium) 
PORTUGAL - ITALY
Referee: Sven Jablonski (GER) 
Assistant Referee 1: Robert Kempter (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Aron Härsing (EST)
Fourth Official: Joonas Jaanovits (EST)
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Hansson (SWE)
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed (DEN) 

Group A
21:15 CET -  Ta'Qali (Centenary Stadium) 
MALTA - POLAND 
Referee: Yael Falcón (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Facundo Rodríguez (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Theodoros Georgiou (HUN)
Fourth Official: Gergo Bogár (HUN)
UEFA Referee Observer: David Elleray (ENG) 
UEFA Delegate: Fiona Pförtke (GER)

Friday 7 July 2023

Group B
18:00 CET -  Gozo (Gozo Stadium) 
GREECE - SPAIN
Referee: Yigal Frid (ISR)
Assistant Referee 1: Yossi Babayoff (ISR)
Assistant Referee 2: Deniss Ševcenko (LVA)
Fourth Official: Ishmael Barbara (MLT)
UEFA Referee Observer: Frank De Bleeckere (BEL) 
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed (DEN) 

Group B
21:00 CET -  Paola (Hibernians Stadium) 
ICELAND - NORWAY 
Referee: Juxhin Xhaja (ALB)
Assistant Referee 1: Dojando Myftari (ALB)
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Morim (LUX)
Fourth Official: Genc Nuza (KOS)
UEFA Referee Observer:  Emil Bozinovski (MKD)
UEFA Delegate: Fiona Pförtke (GER)

Sunday 9 July 2023

Group A
18:00 CET -  Ta'Qali (National Stadium) 
ITALY - POLAND
Referee: Gergo Bogár (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Theodoros Georgiou (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Dojando Myftari (ALB)
Fourth Official: Juxhin Xhaja (ALB)
UEFA Referee Observer:  Emil Bozinovski (MKD)
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed (DEN) 

Group A
18:00 CET -  Gozo (Gozo Stadium) 
PORTUGAL - MALTA 
Referee: Joonas Jaanovits (EST)
Assistant Referee 1: Aron Härsing (EST)
Assistant Referee 2: Yossi Babayoff (ISR)
Fourth Official: Yigal Frid (ISR)
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Hansson (SWE) 
UEFA Delegate: Fiona Pförtke (GER)

Monday 10 July 2023

Group B
21:00 CET -  Paola (Hibernians Stadium) 
GREECE - ICELAND
Referee: Sven Jablonski (GER)
Assistant Referee 1:Robert Kempter (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Morim (LUX) 
Fourth Official: Genc Nuza (KOS)
UEFA Referee Observer: David Elleray (ENG)
UEFA Delegate: Fiona Pförtke (GER)

Group B
21:00 CET -  Ta'Qali (National Stadium) 
SPAIN - NORWAY 
Referee: Yael Falcón (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Facundo Rodríguez (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Deniss Ševcenko (LVA)
Fourth Official: Ishmael Barbara (MLT)
UEFA Referee Observer: Frank De Bleeckere (BEL) 
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed (DEN) 
at

99 comments:

  1. Euro Soccer Ref1 July 2023 at 19:32

    Deniss Ševčenko is from Latvia ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren1 July 2023 at 19:37

      Sorry I even read that but indeed you can easily undestand my mistake while writing :D

      Delete
  2. Philipp S2 July 2023 at 00:11

    Gold Cup MD3
    USA-TRI: Escobar, Ventura, Panjoj (all GUA), Encarnacion (DOM) - Pineda, Montero (both CRC)
    JAM-SKN: Escobedo, Espinosa, Diaz (all MEX), Herrera (CRC) - Brown (HON), Perez (MEX)
    HON-HAI: Nation (JAM), Zeegelaar (SUR), Kerr-Wilson (JAM), Vazquez - Ford, Chapman (all USA)
    MEX-QAT: Fischer (CAN), Nesbitt (USA), Barwegen (CAN), Dickerson - Jurisevic, Penso (all USA)
    CRC-MTQ: B.Lopez (GUA), Parker, Atkins, Villareal (all USA) - Santander, Miranda (both MEX)
    PAN-SLV: W.Lopez (GUA), Corrales (NCA), Feliz (DOM), Radix (GRN) - Pacheco (MEX), Brown (HON)
    GPE-GUA: Calderon, Mora (both CRC), Pupiro (NCA), Parchment (JAM) - Pineda (CRC), Cornejo (SLV)
    CAN-CUB: Herrera (CRC), Brown (USA), Wales (TRI), Guerrero (MEX) - Ford, Jurisevic (both USA)

    Two more 4th officials promoted to main referee (B.Lopez and Herrera). Vice versa, Parchment, Vazquez and Villareal don't get a second match, but work as 4th officials and "lose" their ARs to Lopez and Herrera.
    Also notable, that (as a consequence) three referees from Guatemala are appointed and none from USA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. smala0173 July 2023 at 05:45

      Check out the YC given in MEX-QAT after Fischer was sent to the monitor for a clear-and-obvious missed red card. Madness.

      Delete
    2. Chefren3 July 2023 at 10:19

      From 7:45 in this video:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJEjaP_O-KY

      Delete
    3. Euro Soccer Ref3 July 2023 at 11:17

      Hahahahahahahahahhaahhahahaha! (I can't comment it in a different way)

      Delete
    4. Elliot3 July 2023 at 11:51

      There is one thing if you are swinging because you're trying to get out of the hold, there is another thing swinging like an idiot with your arm streched out like that. Completely agree with ESR, I cannot believe how Fischer opted for only a yellow at the monitor

      Delete
  3. Anonymous2 July 2023 at 18:55

    OT: In Neman Grodna - BATE Borisov, Aleksey Kulbakov back with his compatriot Dzmitry Zhuk, Oleg Maslienka for the first time since April 2023, maybe a signal for him to get early assignment in UEFA.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Quilava3 July 2023 at 20:04

    Any report about Xhaja in POLPOR?

    I could only watch from the 2nd goal of Portugal, and very little happened.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fortify 3 July 2023 at 20:37

      Nothing special about the match,no KMI.
      All YC correct ,1 for SPA others for reckless play.
      Foul detection very good in a boring match

      Delete
  5. Chefren3 July 2023 at 21:10

    Frid with an early penalty appeal, to be rewatched, he was close and made signals that nothing had happened.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren3 July 2023 at 21:26

      In 18' a correct penalty for handball, whistled a few later (maybe he was waiting for the end of the action).

      Delete
    2. Chefren3 July 2023 at 21:34

      31': second penalty to Italy, holding, you can support this call, but for my taste not a big penalty.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous3 July 2023 at 21:39

      It's not enough for a penalty!

      Delete
    4. Chefren3 July 2023 at 21:44

      39' Third penalty to Italy, I missed this one :D

      Delete
    5. Anonymous3 July 2023 at 22:28

      If nothing happened why did he make a signal??

      Delete
  6. Anonymous3 July 2023 at 22:50

    Poor performance

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous3 July 2023 at 23:21

    Very good 4 penalties by Frid, courage referee to take so many crucial decision

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous3 July 2023 at 23:24

      Your notice Arena absolutly false!

      Delete
  8. Chefren4 July 2023 at 08:27

    Yigal Frid (ISR) in Malta - Italy: all was about... penalties.
    Please find below the clips of crucial incidents in this game.

    3' Penalty Incident
    https://streamable.com/pelhfu

    6' Penalty Incident
    https://streamable.com/zzoclo
    https://streamable.com/90l9tm (replay)

    18' First Penalty, Handball
    https://streamable.com/i6hoin

    32' Second Penalty, YC for SPA (not genuine)
    https://streamable.com/40fae6

    38' Third Penalty, Second YC for DOGSO (genuine)
    https://streamable.com/fhffw9

    90'+2 Fourth Penalty
    https://streamable.com/swdss1

    Honestly, one can discuss about all the incidents, unless the factual handball. Especially in the sending off scene for second YC, I don't know how much defender was responsabile of an active action, it looks like attacker goes deliberately against him and maybe he even avoid the contact with that leg? Not clear... but surely a situation that is extremely difficult to read. One shouldn't blame referee.
    Second penalty, for the holding, can be assessed as extremely soft as well, if not wrong, but at least in this case you have defender's blatant and naive action. The attitude of Italian players to exaggerate the contact was very visible in this game... I must say.
    Then one should even discuss about the YC decision for DOGSO in the sending off, for me, given the other defender, whistling without card would have been maybe better.
    Finally, some words about the context: all decisions acccepted, players always fair, no closer replays... you can see this is the scenario for a youth tournament, differently ffrom Under 21, and nobody will ask about VAR, but maybe this was what committee wrongly expected from under 21, without appointing VAR...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6 July 2023 at 03:28

      For me the hold and arm over the shoulder in the 6th min is DOGSO RC.... Is such holding not assessed as such? What are other opinions

      Delete
  9. AR14 July 2023 at 11:36

    Press in Russia states that Karasev has received an invitation to the Elite UEFA referees seminar (if it's true, it's the first call of RU ref after the war had started)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren4 July 2023 at 18:29

      A situation that must change in some way, indeed, sooner or later...

      Delete
  10. Euro Soccer Ref4 July 2023 at 17:24

    Juxhin Xhaja in POLPOR

    1) Two Poland's penalty appeals waved away. Rather correct decision in the first case (18') and no replay of the second (handball) incident (89'). Possible 2nd YC to 5POR (if I am not mistaken about the player committing an offence) for SPA impeding in 90+3'.

    2) No reaction against kicking the ball away after whistle by 5POR (6'). Good two warnings after charging offence of 4POR and dissent of 10POL (12'). Possible YC to 6POL after careless-reckless challenge (16'). Two harsh opening yellow cards for illegal use of arm of Portuguese players. I don't think any of them was mandatory (41', 43'). Possible YC to 9POR for studs challenge (45+3') and mandatory YC given to 2POL for reckless SPA tackle (45+3').

    3) Problems in dealing with stealing metres at throw-in by Polish side. At first, no reaction in 20' and then ordering the throw-in to be retaken twice(!) instead of changing the direction (41')...

    4) Missed careless studs challenge (49'). Correct YCs to 6POR and 6POL for reckless kick and reckless tackle, respectively (54', 56'). Rather correct no-YC to 10POL for holding (57', neither SPA nor LoR). Difficult to explain why the game was stopped in 58' when POR was going with an attack. Possible YC to 7POR after step on foot (61')

    5) Missed advantages after fouls in 16' and 56'. On the other hand, a very good advantage in 76'.

    6) Not sooo quick reaction after strong head clash (collision or foul by POR?) in 87'.

    7) Good lost time compensation in the first half, three minutes rightly added. Unfortunately, the six minutes added to the second half were not enough. I counted at least ten minutes to be added.

    All in all, a performance with some clear points for improvement (advantage use, stealing metres, lost time compensation, card selection).

    Highlights:
    https://we.tl/t-ZFQQevH3b1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren4 July 2023 at 19:31

      Thanks for this report!
      About the penalties, OK to play on in the first case, while impossible to judge on the handball at the end of the game.
      In 6', maybe referee was not focused on the reaction of the player, considering that game was also at the beginning, but still he could have even boooked him. In my opinion with common sense, a warning, maybe strong, in this case would have been OK.
      In 90'+3 second YC could have been indeed issued, deliberately obstructing opponent. We know that these situations are difficult to assess as objective so one can keep an idea, for me better to book.
      In 49' indeed a clear YC for reckless challenge was missed and in 58' impossible to understand why he stopped the game, even UEFA live report doesn't suggest anything before the substitutions. Maybe he stopped the game because teams were asking for that, but big mistake, in case...
      Yes, the referee has some very clear points for improvements, basically he showed certain good skills, but definitely more is needed. One can still say no evident crucial mistakes and supporting him on everything, but he should work better in next game.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous4 July 2023 at 20:41

    Wow quite shock with the final score NOR-GRE, any report for Jaanovits performance?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4 July 2023 at 21:14

      Normal match, with one significant mistake - back play to GK which incorrectly whistled, and leads to a Norway goal

      Delete
    2. Mikael W4 July 2023 at 21:35

      https://streamin.one/v/b2606feb

      Well I don't think it was 'wrong' per se, actually rather correct, but given that the defender had won the position and was deliberately given a push by the attacker in order to disturb the former's co-ordination - a defensive freekick for that would be the better decision imo. However, I guess only an AAR would really have any chance to detect that push en praxis.

      A more detailed analysis about the game would also be great, too ;)

      Delete
    3. Euro Soccer Ref4 July 2023 at 21:57

      And it will come in next two days :)

      Delete
  12. Anonymous5 July 2023 at 12:46

    Someone has a Clip of the last offside of AR2 in the Match POL-POR MD1? (90+5‘)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Euro Soccer Ref5 July 2023 at 13:13

    Yigal Frid in MLTITA

    1) I never saw such irresponsible behaviour of the team inside their penalty area like Malta's today. It started with three penalty incidents during first ten minutes: correct play-on in 3', preferable penalty for SPA/DOGSO holding by 5MLT in 5' and clear off-the-ball impeding in 9' (yeah, you can rarely see such penalty given but still the offence by 5MLT was too clear to be ignored, imo).
    Based on replays we got from the broadcaster, we can't be sure about the handball penalty awarded in 18'. Second penalty awarded for holding/impeding was fully correct, in my opinion - again, it was too blatant action of 6MLT to be ignored (32', also correct YC). Third penalty awarded for rather late and lame attempt to play the ball by 6MLT (38') - quite tricky action as it seems there was no or marginal contact but impeding was surely enough to award it; another question is disciplinary sanction - was the second YC to 6MLT mandatory? no, due to another defender you can classify it as SPA-attempt to play the ball. Fourth penalty for careless step on foot was well-detected by the referee (90+2').

    2) The Israeli had a very lenient approach both regarding foul selection and disciplinary control. Potential SPA impeding by 13ITA (play-on, 3'), quite weak warning for the second of two careless-reckless tripping offences by Maltese players in 14'/15', lack of either strong verbal warning or yellow card for blatant holding by 18MLT in 45', rather correct YC to 3ITA for reckless tackle signalled by AR2 in 49', possible YC to 16MLT for rather reckless charging offence in 50', no reaction against attempted DtR in 60', missed YC to 20ITA for blatant SPA holding in 70', possible YC to 17MLT for kicking the ball away after whistle, play-on after rather reckless challenge by Maltese GK (no replays, 90+4').

    3) The biggest problem of Yigal Frid is his shy, almost nonexistent body language and feeling the moment when to jump in with STRONG warning or booking. All his disciplinary actions were made without reaching the players involved. Such laid-back approach is asking for trouble. You know that nowadays you have to be lenient at times but on the other hand, being a (very) strong manager is required.

    To sum it up, four penalty kicks awarded against the home team - three correct and one not clear decisions. The second yellow card at third penalty could've been avoided. Two other penalties possible or even preferable. Very weak body language and too laid-back approach. Missing disciplinary actions against unsporting behaviour (holding!). Not the best performance by the Israeli.

    Highlights:
    https://we.tl/t-jmtzUpoQfU

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fortify 5 July 2023 at 14:17

      I like a lot your analysis @ESR but this time even Yigal Frid will be very surprised when he read how well he handled all the penalty area situations.
      To say he did well in all 4 penalty decisions and in the 6' is a preferable PK when in reality is a clear penalty and RC DOGSO is beyond imaginary.
      Also IMO is very wrong for us as referees to support such soft decisions like 2 and 4 PK or better saying non existing rather then soft. I know this blog is not to kill the referees but sometimes we have to be more in the side of reality.
      Thank you for the highlights

      Delete
    2. Euro Soccer Ref5 July 2023 at 19:58

      Well, I didn't say I was satisfied with this performance but I really don't think the second and fourth penalty were wrong. Re 2nd PK, such blatant stupid action by defender had to be punished, imo. And re 4th PK, step on toes is still a foul, just careless and not reckless. As for the penalty incident in 5', I can agree with you. It was a foul and DOGSO for me as well.

      I remember Frid's UEFA debut in one of the qualifying games of Lech Poznań. Very poor performance. And I will be honest, I don't see any progress by the Israeli. I thought he improved since then as UEFA focused on him but again he totally disappointed me in MLTITA. Even more by his general approach than by KMIs.

      Delete
    3. Fortify 5 July 2023 at 20:21

      I didn't say that you described a great performance of Frid. I read it and watched all the highlights you prepared and thank you again for your time.
      My point is to not support some soft decisions especially by the old members here.
      About second penalty, yes maybe the action of defender is stupid but did that hand caused the fall of the attacker (never) even attacker was grabbing def shirt from behind.
      And for the stamping, in every uefa seminar it says that should be a full stamping not by side not on the toes( example sterling in Euro) Just look the attacker falling down how ridiculous it is.
      At the end everyone has his taste about penalties but as i remember you're not from the guys who like soft penalties that's why I was surprised and made a reply

      Delete
    4. Euro Soccer Ref5 July 2023 at 20:27

      No problem from my side :) It's always good to have a discussion.

      Delete
    5. Daniel G5 July 2023 at 20:53

      BTW, Frid is already appointed to GRE - ESP...

      Delete
  14. Anonymous5 July 2023 at 22:05

    The general approach by him might be because of the score and the three penalties in less than 20 minutes(which were correct in my opinion).
    We should wait to see how he perform on GRE-ESP as I think he is very talented ref- from several matches I watched him

    ReplyDelete
  15. Euro Soccer Ref6 July 2023 at 13:18

    Joonas Jaanovits in NORGRE

    1) Three key match incidents: three penalty incidents correctly waved away in 21' (charging, looking for a contact by attacking player), 64' (nonexistent handball) and 90+4' (ball clearly played). The most debatable call will remain the indirect free kick for Greece' goalkeeper catching the ball deliberately played to him by defending player (14'). I would support the call (and no call, too) as there is no foul by attacking player (shoulder-to-shoulder challenge -> inventing a defensive FK in order to avoid a bigger call would be a dangerous precedent) but one can discuss if that was REALLY a deliberate backpass or not by the Greek defender. He deliberately performed the kick but whether he decided to pass the ball to the GK or it was a 'miskick' because of the pressure by attacking player we couldn't be sure.

    2) Disciplinary control was decent. Jaanovits started with EXCELLENT warning to 16GRE for kicking the ball away after whistle (1'). He rightly issued two yellow cards to frustrated Greek players (4:0 on the scoreboard) for holding and very reckless tackle in 42' and 43'. The Estonian lost his focus on the beginning of the second half though - allowing too much in 47' and making a very, very late FK call in favour of Greece in 48' having to book a Greek player for another foul afterwards (most likely good alertness by AR1). But he quickly returned to good shape and rightly assessed the incident in 53', issuing a YC to 16GRE for SPA kick. Another YC, to 17GRE, followed in 75' for a very similar offence. Two further Greek players could've been cautioned - 6GRE for holding in 77' and 4GRE for unsporting behaviour in 84' but Jaanovits decided they were not necessary and one can agree with him.

    3) I really liked the Estonian's style. Cool, easily communicating with players but also firm when needed. I saw a talent in him and am sure that first category is not his maximum.

    Highlights:
    https://we.tl/t-c4oVSJ74IE

    ReplyDelete
  16. Chefren6 July 2023 at 18:51

    Big call by Jablonski, second YC to an Italian player for a kind of reaction against the opponent. I must say this YC can be discussed, the intensity can talk in favor of careless. Still in my opinion arguments to support, but maybe harsh decision.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren6 July 2023 at 18:59

      It seems it was a straight red card, referee assesed it as deliberate violent conduct.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6 July 2023 at 19:05

      Conscions swinging movement. Red card correkt.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6 July 2023 at 19:07

      Conscious

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6 July 2023 at 20:13

      Yes, direct red card…is red too Hard? For me, yes

      Delete
    5. Anonymous6 July 2023 at 20:14

      Definetly no violent conduct

      Delete
    6. Anonymous6 July 2023 at 20:32

      Red card is correct. Conscious Action against head.

      Delete
    7. Fortify 6 July 2023 at 21:28

      POR - ITA RC for VC

      https://streamable.com/pwy8yb

      Delete
    8. Fortify 6 July 2023 at 21:36

      Illegal use of arm in a reckless manner can be supported. VC with no intensity at all, never.
      IMO looking the very low intensity I'm more in favor of careless then reckless.

      Delete
    9. Chefren6 July 2023 at 21:57

      That's my idea. Borderline careless - reckless, I think no evidence it was deliberate action. Ok with YC for reckless, never straight RC.

      Delete
    10. Mikael W6 July 2023 at 22:20

      Come on, you can't compare an action in a duel for the ball to a frustrated hit out with the ball already having long been passed (and striking opponent in the face). Correct RC imo.

      Delete
    11. Quilava6 July 2023 at 22:23

      I would perfectly 'buy' a 2YC, but straight RC feels harsh if not wrong.

      Delete
    12. Lutz6 July 2023 at 22:54

      @Mikael W: +1

      Delete
    13. Anonymous7 July 2023 at 08:16

      Never a straight red card IMO, I agree with Chefren.

      Delete
    14. Lutz7 July 2023 at 10:32

      Mikael W is absolutely right.

      Delete
    15. Anonymous8 July 2023 at 11:02

      @mikael: what are the elements for violent conduct, in your opinion?

      Delete
    16. Lutz8 July 2023 at 12:51

      conscious and therefore intentional.

      Delete
    17. Eric van Marwijk8 July 2023 at 14:09

      MikaelW is fully right, according to the laws.... its nothing less than red, i don't understand people who would issue a yellow,
      because in the laws Violent conduct is:
      Violent conduct
      Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or
      brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person,
      regardless of whether contact is made.
      In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately
      strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or
      arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.

      Delete
    18. Anonymous8 July 2023 at 15:47

      I can read the LotG by mylsef, eric...but thanks for clarification...I think that many of us neither see excessive force (no full swing that would mean "excessive") nor brutality (i.e. a strike with the fist). There is only little movement, as also the attacker is moving towards the hand/arm of the Italian player...there is no full swing nor a strike, only little movement, which - in my and many others eyes - can only be considered as reckless at most...hence, a second yellow card would be the correct sanction...however, the player should have been sent off anyways so I ask my fellow commentators here: what is the mark then? 7,9 in my eyes too hard, as there was no send-off missed? what do you think would be adequate?

      Delete
    19. Chefren8 July 2023 at 19:29

      In UEFA, when a straight RC is missed, but referee issues second YC and the player is sent off,the crucial mistake for the missed straight RC remains and it is 7.9. Indeed VAR should intervene as well in these situations to correct a second YC in straight RC, in case.

      Delete
    20. Anonymous9 July 2023 at 11:01

      thank you chefren for the info. so in this case "practically" the sent-off, however "technically" it is wrong and would have been a var-intervention to "reduce" it to a second-yellow-card instead of a straight red card...thats why a 7.9 would be issued...

      Delete
    21. Anonymous9 July 2023 at 15:35

      It's wrong! Not VAR.

      Delete
    22. Andrasch Neunert9 July 2023 at 15:53

      For me a clear and correct RC without doubt.

      Delete
  17. Quilava6 July 2023 at 22:37

    Already 2 RCs for Falcón in MLTPOL, wow.

    Very curious to watch the clips.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fortify 6 July 2023 at 22:59

      2YC
      https://streamable.com/u1yyde

      RC_SFP
      https://streamable.com/ktv7yk

      Delete
    2. Quilava6 July 2023 at 23:07

      Thank you. Straight RC for SFP is an excellent decision, however I'm not sure about the 2YC, looks quite harsh in my book, like the Maltese player was searching the contact with POL14 when he saw the leg going up.

      Delete
    3. Chefren7 July 2023 at 04:51

      Excellent spot with the straight red card, indeed, thank to the best positioning for seeing the point of contact.
      About the second YC, not a foul for me. Once whistled, assessed as SPA...

      Delete
  18. diego6127 July 2023 at 18:54

    Predictions for the WWC?
    My prediction:
    NZL-NOR:
    REF: Alves Batista (BRA)
    A1: Back (BRA)
    A2: Moreira (BRA)
    4TH: Fernandez (URU)
    VAR: Muniz (BRA)

    AUS-IRL:
    REF: Borjas (HON)
    A1: Perello (HON)
    A2: Ramirez (MEX)
    4TH: Araya (CRC)
    VAR: Guzman (NCA)

    I hope the blog shows interest in this World Cup and I hope the same dynamics we did in Qatar, otherwise it would be very disappointing and very annoying.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S7 July 2023 at 19:04

      Still quite early, isn't it?
      I am certainly interested in predictions and analyzing appointments.
      Watching the games will be difficult due to the timezone.
      For those two games my predictions are:
      NZL-NOR: Borjas, Perello (both HON), Boudreau (CAN), Fernandez (URU) - Chenard, Fischer (both CAN), Fritz (GER)
      AUS-IRL: Koroleva, Nesbitt, Mariscal (all USA), Fortunato (ARG) - Villareal (USA), Guzman (NCA), Hernandez (ESP)

      Delete
    2. Chefren7 July 2023 at 19:32

      Posting appointments will be ensured, then of course I can't control the participation, only thing I can do is to keep allowed,if possible, anonymous comments during the whole tournament. In 2019 Women's WC edition we had only one discussion for full group stage, more participation in KO stage. For Women's CL final this season, no comments at all. Furthermore, as Philipp wrote, the games to be watched will be a real problem due to timezone, at least for Central Europe.

      Delete
  19. M7 July 2023 at 22:22

    ISL-NOR

    64'Very soft penalty given in favour of Norway,could be the decider that puts Norway in SF.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Euro Soccer Ref8 July 2023 at 21:07

    Gergő Bogár in ISLESP

    1) Big calls correct/acceptable. Interesting Spain's penalty appeal in 15'. The referee assessed the Icelander played the ball and awarded a corner kick. Without better replays we have to believe the referee. In 62', most likely good offside call by AR1 before a penalty incident - no replays at all. In 81', potential 2nd YC to 7ISL for SPA holding - wouldn't be wrong, to be honest but I think not 100% mandatory nowadays.

    2) Disciplinary control was insufficient, especially in the first half. The Icelanders were constantly fouling their opponents and the referee failed to prevent it by either connecting with players or choosing right moments to caution them: at least strong public warning for off-the-ball impeding should've been issued to 9ISL in 3', good chance to open cards in 17' after SPA tripping by 7ISL - at least strong warning was issued but having that in mind to simply award FKs after holding by 9ISL (24') and SPA by 3ISL (28') afterwards was really poor. It seems that somebody told Bogár during the half-time break that he should be more proactive and he quickly issued a YC to 7ISL for standard foul in 52' (not explaining the reason to surprised player, not showing the 'persistent infringing' gesture, though...). Another YC came four minutes later, to 10ISL, for cynical (quite reckless) impeding. In 81', 7ISL could've got a second yellow card for SPA holding. as pointed above, but he didn't escape the sending-off after reckless-SFP studs challenge six minutes later ('only' second YC is correct given current instructions). In the meantime, 17ISL was cautioned for dissent.

    3) The Hungarian is a big man preferring to stay in the background. Such approach could work well in case of having a good rapport with player what, unfortunately, was not the case in this game. Totally isolated, just making calls and not looking for any connection. No big mistakes is the most important but on the other hand not the best overall impression. Nonetheless, waiting for Bogár's second game to see something different.

    Highlights:
    https://we.tl/t-PWxhLUmlmf

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren8 July 2023 at 22:01

      Thanks again for such detailed reports.
      About crucial incidents, in my opinion correct or at least supportable due to lack of replays the play on in 15', it seems that after a touch on the ball before, there is also a possible touch on opponent after, but not clear.
      62' should be a correct offside call, but very strange management by broadcaster, not showing so crucial decisions, indeed this didn't happen at under 21, and for this reason mistakes were more evident. In this case I think correct decision was taken. 81' not a clear YC for SPA.
      What I can point out, related to disciplinary control and the management in first half, is the extremely short duration of the whistle by referee, indeed this means that he doesn't want to be in the sportlight too much, but in some situations he definitely needed to do something more. Nevertheless, second half was definitely better as I can see and maybe the next game will be different for him. Italy - Poland big assignment.

      Delete
  21. Andrasch Neunert9 July 2023 at 16:06

    So, predicting Womens' WC 1st round group stage...
    NEZ-NOR Batista BRA
    AUS-IRL Penso USA
    PHI-SVI Makalima SAF
    NIG-CDN Olofsson SWE
    ESP-CRC Fortunato ARG
    ZAM-JPN Caputi ITA
    ENG-HAI Karboubi MOR
    DEN-CHN Koroleva USA
    USA-VIE Staubli SVI
    NED-POR Frappard FRA
    FRA-JAM Fernandez URU
    BRA-PAN Deaza ESP
    SWE-SAF Yu-Yeon SKO
    ITA-ARG Jacewicz AUS
    GER-MOR Marcotte CDN
    KOL-SKO Welsh ENG

    ReplyDelete
  22. Euro Soccer Ref9 July 2023 at 21:51

    Sven Jablonski in PORITA

    KMIs
    12' - Penalty incident: handball. Studying the replay, it seems the Portuguese defender played the ball with head to his right arm. Therefore, no penalty would be a correct call. Looking at Jablonski's reaction, one can say he wasn't aware what exactly happened, though.
    43' - Red card to 15ITA for violent conduct: striking in the head. Much discussed incident where we can see 'by the book' and 'commonsensical' approach of users. I think the most important is the perception of what happened. The well-positioned referee saw 1) the arm movement towards the head of an opponent and 2) the fact that the arm hit the head of an opponent. However, given the context (strong holding by 8POR, trying to keep balance / repulse holding, no clear swing of arm against the opponent, arm hitting the collarbone area first), the straight red card is a wrong decision. One can even discuss if a (second) yellow card was mandatory, to be honest. In addition, to award a FK to Portugal was very wrong - the holding of 8POR should be punished.
    90+4' - Possible RC to 11ITA for violent conduct. The frustrated Italian wildly attacked his opponent after a period of long-lasting ball possession of Portugal. He committed a strong step on foot and striking-like hands contact with an opponent's neck. Yellow card shown by the referee is sufficient, of course, but for my taste a red card was an option, too.

    Disciplinary control:
    The first YC came already in the 8th minute as 15ITA was rightly booked for SPA holding. Jablonski hesitated a little bit but - maybe under pressure of Portuguese players - made the right choice. It was easy to balance cards in 25' and 39' but the referee opted for warning to 5POR (late challenge) and play-on after illegal use of arm by 6POR. No mandatory cautions, though. In 42', a correct YC to 3POR for reckless use of arm was given. One minute later, the above mentioned RC to 15ITA for alleged violent conduct followed. The first half ended with a crystal clear YC to 18POR for SPA holding in 45+3'. In the second half, Jablonski issued two good preventative warnings for tackle (54') and dissent (62') but - after series of doubtful defensive FKs against Italians - he had to caution 20ITA for dissent by action (throwing the ball in anger) in 72'. Three minutes later, an excellent YC for late challenge was issued to 8ITA what calmed down the atmosphere untill the 90+3', when 11ITA was cautioned for above mentioned late challenge / step on foot.

    General
    The performance that someone could limit to the most discussed RC incident but there were some other factors I would like to highlight. At first, Sven Jablonski is an excellent mover and his preventative skills are enormous. In the highlights, I included many incidents in which he anticipated and prevented potential conflicts or delaying the restarts by skillfully running towards the action / adequately using the whistle.
    On the other hand, some very soft (and sometimes also very late) free kicks were annoying to neutral spectators and surely to the suffering team. I had the gut feeling that he tried hard to adapt a UEFA style, both with disciplinary control and LotG application, and for German referees it's quite difficult.
    One has to add that the lost time compensation was not a problem for Jablonski. Six and five minutes were rightly added (and extended well in the first half, as needed).
    So, although I disagree with the RC issued to 15ITA, I really liked the performance of the German referee, especially his anticipation and prevention. Looking forward to watch his second game!

    Highlights:
    https://we.tl/t-jMXz8diLfh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quilava9 July 2023 at 22:29

      Thanks a lot for the detailed report!

      Guess this year UEFA will have to decide whether to put Jablonski or Schlager in focus.

      Delete
    2. Herbert10 July 2023 at 06:09

      In the last 2 saisons of german Bundesliga was Jablonski the best referee (kicker sportmagazine). He is better as Schlager.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10 July 2023 at 09:59

      According to DFB observation notes, however, Schlager are ahead

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10 July 2023 at 10:45

      It's not true!

      Delete
    5. Chefren10 July 2023 at 12:24

      I must say that rewatching the situation in 12', indeed in the live action one can be deceived, perceiving a possible violent conduct by elbow. Only the closer replay gives the correct solution, which is the one you explained (borderline no card and YC) and I agree with you. This was my original assessment as well, but I must say, live it was tricky for Jablonski. Nevertheless, he missed the possible foul before and he had only a partial idea of what had happened.
      About the penalty appeal in 12', impossible to say, rather no penalty, but in my opinion only VAR stuff in case of punishable touch, too difficult to see.
      90'+4 YC fully agree with you as well, surely in case more red card than the previous incident, because here you have evidence that the target of the player is only opponent.
      How much the possible crucial mistake (of course we can't know about observer assessment) will influence the chances of the German for KO stage? We will see...

      Delete
  23. Fortify 10 July 2023 at 11:07

    Any detail report for Joonas Jaanovits yesterday match @ESR?
    I was watching highlights couldn't watch much there. Only the Malta goal it seems to be disallowed for handball offense.
    https://streamable.com/dm3v3b

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Euro Soccer Ref10 July 2023 at 11:41

      Well, I have some delay in covering this tournament as you can see. All reports will be delivered but it takes some time ;)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10 July 2023 at 23:22

      Actually it was confirmed. Looks like the correct decision was to disallowing this goal

      Delete
  24. Euro Soccer Ref10 July 2023 at 13:23

    Yael Cristian Falcón Pérez in MLTPOL

    KMIs
    09' - Penalty incident: illegal use of arm by 11MLT. You can debate whether it's careless or reckless striking but it's a penalty that should've been awarded.
    21' - Second YC to 14POL for SPA impeding. Difficult to assess if the Pole moved his body in Maltese player's running path. Based on available replays we can say he was keeping contact with another Maltese but was also focused on the second opponent who, seeing the Pole, anticipated contact and fell down. Controversial call but I wouldn't assess it a 100% wrong decision without a replay behind the goalline. Once whistled, it was indeed a SPA offence.
    51' - Penalty incident: tackle. Correct assessment, fair tackle.
    61' - RC to 10MLT for SFP tackle. Excellent spot by closely positioned referee! He instinctively tried to play an advantage but quickly figured out how dangerous tackle it was.
    73' - Penalty incident: holding. 5MLT shortly but strongly pulled the shirt of his opponent in the penalty area. Fortunately, there were no complaints from the winning side and the broadcaster didn't focus on that incident. However, a very risky action by the Maltese defender (again at this tournament)

    Disciplinary control
    The Argentinean saved his munition early in the game by not cautioning 10POL and 17POL for SPA-like fouls in 2' and 6', respectively. In 17', he had no choice but to issue a mandatory YC to 14POL for clear SPA. The same player got his second YC four minutes later for SPA impeding, as described above. In 52', Falcón Pérez missed a YC to 4MLT for reckless follow-through tackle (studs against the shoulder of sliding player). In 61', well-spotted SFP tackle by 10MLT resulted in a straight red card being shown. Then, three yellow cards followed to 11MLT (reckless kick in 66'), 4POL (SPA holding) and 2MLT (reckless SPA tackle in 80'). Another YC, to 7MLT, was possible for holding in 87'. In 90', 10POL was cautioned for LoR handball, what was wrongly reported by UEFA as YC to 2POL for previous, unpunished challenge.

    General
    The game was very intense, with many late challenges, but played in a fair spirit. Yael Falcón is extremely agile and fit, always trying to be close to play and adjusting his viewing angle. Like Rapallini, he is a serious sheriff-type official and doesn't look for interactions with players, relying on his positioning and close presence. In such physical game, one could expect from the referee to spend some words after some late challenges to prevent escalation of rough play, though, but it wasn't a case. Marciniak said after the World Cup that Hernán Maidana instructed him before the final to not interact with players and simply make decisions, so apparently it's Argentinian style.
    The performance was characterized by two red cards decisions from which the first one (second YC) was very controversial and the second one being an excellent spot. There was also a missed penalty for illegal use of arm of Maltese player but given the final result all those calls have lesser importance...

    Highlights:
    https://we.tl/t-8F8DMXGjyQ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren10 July 2023 at 17:08

      This time I think that I disagree about the first crucial incident, for me based on replays (watched and rewatched many times) not clear whether the arm really touched the face or body of the opponent, difficult to judge. In case of contact, I think not more than careless, but I wouldn't be surprised to spot nothing significant for a whistle. Surely referee could have had a better reaction to incident, he looked unsure. Second YC is a wrong decision for me because it wasn't foul, but then once whistled you can understand the reason, it was SPA.
      Straight red card is excellent decision, thank to positioning.
      Trying to be more connected with players would be indeed a good thing for Argentinian referees, but it seems as they are only worried about decision making.

      Delete
  25. Ref Fot10 July 2023 at 21:40

    I already think about possible promotion to Elite Category of referees for season 24/25. Any chances that among Eskas,Obrenovič, can we consider Dabanović?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10 July 2023 at 23:02

      If Obrenovic would be not from slovenia but from a similarly country with a small league (Lithuania, Malta) as slovenia, he would certainly not be a big topic for elite category. He is very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time with a slovenian uefa president.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10 July 2023 at 23:23

      I think still too early, we must wait all UEFA competition till November at least to know how UEFA consider all the referees especially for Euro 2024, IMO we will see another Ekberg case, hopefully with different end result (or maybe Ekberg could get 2nd chance).

      Delete
  26. Alex11 July 2023 at 10:20

    Greece - Island: Referee Sven Jablonski was from all active simply the best!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous11 July 2023 at 16:03

    Already known, which referees goes home from U19-EM?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous11 July 2023 at 18:24

    I watched some of the matches and follow the blog comments I would say that Jablonski, Frid and Bogar will continue to SF, Final

    ReplyDelete
  29. Philipp S12 July 2023 at 08:32

    POR-NOR: Falcon, Rodriguez (both ARG), Georgiou, Bogar (both HUN)
    ESP-ITA: Frid (ISR), Morim (LUX), Kempter (GER), Barbara (MLT)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous12 July 2023 at 08:40

    Then Jablonski for final?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous12 July 2023 at 09:42

    It is very likely, as he is still in Malta.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Fortify 12 July 2023 at 09:42

    Wow !
    I understand the appointment of Falcon because he is coming from Argentina and i expected an semifinal for him in case of a non very bad performance.
    Frid for Spain - Italy !!!
    Nothing against Frid at all, but watching the performance in GS is a madness to see him in the semi before Bogar ( who had a great performance) and Xhaja way better performance than Frid.
    By the way any info why his assistant isn't with him ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12 July 2023 at 09:46

      As far as I know individual performance is taken into consideration. LUX-AR is there without a referee, he made good matches and this is likely the reason why it was given to him.

      Delete
  33. Euro Soccer Ref12 July 2023 at 10:10


    To appoint Frid to ESPITA is madness by UEFA. He showed ZERO body language in both his games. Completely uninterested impression, zero prevention and anticipation. No charisma at all. Even Moen in his worst days had better presence on the pitch :D

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous12 July 2023 at 10:24

    Jaanovits and Xhaja are going home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mikael W12 July 2023 at 11:22

      Here is Xhaja's penalty in Iceland vs. Norway:
      https://streambug.io/v/96679c

      Delete

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