Thursday 26 October 2023

Europa League 2023/24 - Referee Appointments - Matchday 3

2023/24 UEFA Europa League Group Stage Matchday 3, referee appointments.



Thursday 26 October 2023

18:45 CET - Piraeus (Stádio Geórgios Karaïskákis)
Olymbiakós SFP (GRE) - West Ham United FC (ENG) | Group A
Referee: Andris Treimanis LVA
Assistant Referee 1: Haralds Gudermanis LVA
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksejs Spasjonņikovs LVA
Fourth Official: Aleksandrs Golubevs LVA
Video Assistant Referee: Clay Ruperti NED Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Kristaps Ratnieks LVA
UEFA Referee Observer: Terje Hauge NOR
UEFA Delegate: Irakli Nakaidze GEO

18:45 CET - Bačka Topola (TSC Arena)
FK TSC Bačka Topola (SRB) - SC Freiburg (GER) | Group A
Referee: Əliyar Ağayev AZE
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov AZE
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Əmirəli AZE
Fourth Official: Kamal Umudlu AZE
Video Assistant Referee: Alper Ulusoy TUR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdulkadir Bitigen TUR
UEFA Referee Observer: Uno Tutk EST
UEFA Delegate: Amil Gerina MNE

18:45 CET - Marseille (Orange Vélodrome)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA) - AEK Athens FC (GRE) | Group B
Referee: Daniel Stefański POL
Assistant Referee 1: Dawid Golis POL
Assistant Referee 2: Michał Obukowicz POL
Fourth Official: Damian Sylwestrzak POL
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Meßner AUT
UEFA Delegate: Peter Lundström FIN

18:45 CET - Prague (epet ARENA)
AC Sparta Praha (CZE) - Rangers FC (SCO) | Group C
Referee: Sascha Stegemann GER
Assistant Referee 1: Christian Dietz GER
Assistant Referee 2: Christof Günsch GER
Fourth Official: Florian Badstübner GER
Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pascal Müller GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Dejan Filipović SRB
UEFA Delegate: Kurt Zuppinger SUI

18:45 CET - Kolóssi (Alphamega Stadium)
Áris Lemesoú (CYP) - Real Betis Balompié (ESP) | Group C
Referee: Filip Glova SVK
Assistant Referee 1: Daniel Poláček SVK
Assistant Referee 2: Peter Bednár SVK
Fourth Official: Boris Marhefka SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Michal Očenáš SVK
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Edwin van de Graaf NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Emil Božinovski MKD
UEFA Delegate: Pascal Parent FRA

18:45 CET - Graz (Merkur Arena)
SK Sturm Graz (AUT) - Atalanta BC (ITA) | Group D
Referee: Duje Strukan CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Alen Jakšić CRO
Fourth Official: Dario Bel CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nejc Kajtazovič SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Scott Struthers SCO

18:45 CET - Sosnowiec (ArcelorMittal Park)
RKS Raków Częstochowa (POL) - Sporting CP (POR) | Group D
Referee: Anastásios Papapétrou GRE
Assistant Referee 1: Trýfon Petrópoulos GRE
Assistant Referee 2: Iordánis Aptósoglou GRE
Fourth Official: Andréas Gámaris GRE
Video Assistant Referee: Ángelos Evangélou GRE
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Aristotélis Diamandópoulos GRE
UEFA Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos CRO
UEFA Delegate: Targo Kaldoja EST

18:45 CET - Molde (Aker Stadion)
Molde FK (NOR) - BK Häcken (SWE) | Group H
Referee: Urs Schnyder SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Marco Zürcher SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Zürcher SUI
Fourth Official: Sven Wolfensberger SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Esther Staubli SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: João Francisco Lopes Ferreira POR
UEFA Delegate: Stijn Hutsebaut BEL

21:00 CET - Brighton (American Express Stadium)
Brighton & Hove Albion FC (ENG) - AFC Ajax (NED) | Group B
Referee: Bartosz Frankowski POL
Assistant Referee 1: Marcin Boniek POL
Assistant Referee 2: Jakub Winkler POL
Fourth Official: Patryk Gryckiewicz POL
Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Lucílio Cardoso Cortez Batista POR
UEFA Delegate: Alojzije Šupraha CRO

21:00 CET - Anderlecht (Lotto Park)
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL) - LASK Linz (AUT) | Group E
Referee: Atilla Karaoğlan TUR
Assistant Referee 1: Ceyhun Sesigüzel TUR
Assistant Referee 2: Cevdet Kömürcüoğlu TUR
Fourth Official: Çagdas Altay TUR
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Hansson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Victor Marius Radu ROU

21:00 CET - Liverpool (Anfield)
Liverpool FC (ENG) - Toulouse FC (FRA) | Group E
Referee: Rade Obrenovič SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Jure Praprotnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Grega Kordež SVN
Fourth Official: David Šmajc SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Alexandru Deaconu ROU
UEFA Delegate: Lars Richt SWE

21:00 CET - Athens (Stádio Apóstolos Nikolaḯdis)
Panathinaïkós AO (GRE) - Stade Rennais FC (FRA) | Group F
Referee: João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro POR
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Miguel Alves de Jesus POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano António Gomes Maia POR
Fourth Official: Fábio José da Costa Veríssimo POR
Video Assistant Referee: Luís Miguel Branco Godinho POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: André Filipe Domingues da Silva Narciso POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Leslie Irvine NIR
UEFA Delegate: Kris Bellon BEL

21:00 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico)
AS Roma (ITA) - SK Slavia Praha (CZE) | Group G
Referee: Espen Andreas Eskås NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Skjeseth Bashevkin NOR
Fourth Official: Kristoffer Hagenes NOR
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: David Fernández Borbalán ESP
UEFA Delegate: Josip Tomaško CRO

21:00 CET - Tiraspol (Complexul sportiv “Sheriff” - arena principală)
FC Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) - Servette FC (SUI) | Group G
Referee: John Brooks ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Neil Davies ENG
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG
Fourth Official: Darren England ENG
Video Assistant Referee: David Coote ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christopher Kavanagh ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Manuel Díaz Vega ESP
UEFA Delegate: Aldi Topçiu ALB

21:00 CET - Leverkusen (BayArena)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER) - Qarabağ FK (AZE) | Group H
Referee: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Valentin Gabriel Avram ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Alexandru Cerei ROU
Fourth Official: Szabolcs Kovacs ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Stávros Tritsónis GRE
UEFA Delegate: David Moran IRL

193 comments:

  1. Ovidiu Hategan is back in Conference League! Best news of the day

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  2. Strukan must be doing something good,plenty games this year.
    Hopefully he continues in that way.

    Stefanski with match that could get complicated knowing his strict style of handling matches.
    Both Marseille and AEK have hot headed players,AEK as a team can surprise anyone so dont be surprised if we see challenging match for Stefanski.

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  3. Olympiacos - West Ham same var referee with Olympiacos - Freiburg game. Freiburg's player broke Oly's player nose, no foul given by the referee (!), no var intervention, no red card! Well done👏👏

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  4. Tomasz Kwiatkowski works on VAR again for three days in a row. This was also the case in the previous round of European cups. Is this the norm? Is he such an outstanding specialist?

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    Replies
    1. He is the best VMO in the world atm, but it would be nice to see other names given the chance as well imo

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  5. I can see him only in Barcelona and Marseille where is the 3rd?

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  6. John Brooks is only 33, he could be future Elite. I didn't really see him enough to make a clear idea but his appointment in UEL is a good sign for him.

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    Replies
    1. No other hope from England due to age really?

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    2. Rob Jones and John Brooks the only options, beyond that Sam Barrott (Age 30) currently a SG2 referee has started to do some Premier league games and is looking ok

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  7. Still no Schaerer, but Schnyder. Now the latter is following a certain path, it would be even unfair to remove him for appointing the countryman, I think that they will be assigned together, so maybe Schaerer will appear on MD4 (if available for UEFA). Answering to some comments in other discussions, indeed no info at all about his injury, but that's rather normal, one must respect the privacy.

    Obrenovic with a sonorous EL game after this CL debut, but it seems definitely an expected win by home side.

    Committee very careful with Strukan: still waiting for his CL debut, h gets another EL assignment: now if he will perform well in Graz, he could get the debut as last step of this group stage, on either MD5 or 6. But we definitely saw referees who got by far easier debuts...

    João Pinheiro seems another name still in the middle and not with the final step he was waiting for. Still no promotion to Elite when we expected it and a few appearances in CL. The fact that there is only one Portuguese in CL (and very often out) should have on the contrary allowed us to think that in case of trust, Pinheiro would have got definitely more... but that's of course on paper.

    Finally two words about Əliyar Ağayev, CL debut one year ago, then what after that? How can you explain CL debut with such management? Always unimportant games... I really don't understand what committee thinks about him.

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    Replies
    1. It seems, given the absence of Schärer, UEFA RefCom tried with Fähndrich but after not so good Raków - Qarabağ they have switched to Schnyder.

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    2. Schärer is back at swiss highest league since 3 weeks. Performing quite well:)

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  8. Karaoğlan's rapid rise continues. This is quite a remarkable situation for a referee who took his FIFA badge at the beginning of the year. U17 Euro final, Europa League debut and U17 world cup ticket look like important steps for his future.

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  9. Interesting appointment for Atilla Karaoğlan. He is one of three Cat 2 refs appointed for EL game for MD3. Schnyder and Karaoğlan's appointments are for the same reason I think. Committee is looking for the names behind Scharer and Meler. He is younger then Bitigen but older than Kardeşler. It seems Bitigen and Karaoğlan are ahead of Kardeşler in terms of performance.

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    Replies
    1. Short and direct question, do you see him as the talent UEFA and FIFA are presenting by such assignments in his first year as international referee? Also to other Turkish readers.

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    2. I watched his Under-17 EURO final back in May.
      Answer to your question: no(t really), imo based on that game.

      His performance was generally fine but neither in decision-taking (just decent calls, nothing more) nor personality (more a 'macedoine' of gestures than really being able to reach and communicate with players) did he excel, and I think the game hotted up more than needed to as a result. To be clear, his performance was pretty good for new FIFA, 2nd Cat, first big final etc... but definitely there was no WOW factor for me when watching Karaoğlan; I saw a decent 1st Cat level official, tbh.

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    3. @chefren, No he doesn't have a special talent to be appointed such assignments. He started refereeing in Super League since 2019. He had a rapid increase on his career. But in my opinion he is number 2 for Turkey and most probably in winter he will be promoted to Cat 1. What I wonder who will be the new FIFA ref of Turkey?

      Delete
  10. Olympiacos - West Ham
    VAR: Dennis Higler instead of Clay Ruperti

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    Replies
    1. WOW I just hope that the blog has not this big power (read the comment above by Sotos... I rather think that the club noticed that to UEFA in a way, still difficult to accept, but they should have done the original appointment more carefully!

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    2. Higler was not announced by KNVB, so indeed curious when UEFA changed it
      https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/scheidsrechters/aanstellingen/68299/lindhout-naar-slowakije-voor-conference-league

      Delete
  11. OT:
    Copa Libertadores 2023 FINAL
    Boca Juniors 🇦🇷 vs Fluminense 🇧🇷
    R: Wilmar Roldán 🇨🇴
    AR1: Alexander Guzmán 🇨🇴
    AR2: Dionisio Ruiz 🇨🇴
    FO: Andrés Rojas 🇨🇴
    5to: Wilmar Navarro 🇨🇴
    VAR: Juan Lara 🇨🇱
    AVAR1: Angelo Hermosillo 🇨🇱
    AVAR2: Edson Cisternas 🇨🇱
    AVAR3: John Ospina 🇨🇴

    1. How you rate Roldan?
    2. Do you think Roldan will be the ideal name for 2026 FIFA WC final?

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    Replies
    1. Roldan had his chances already in 2014 and in 2018. I don't think he is in FIFA's focus anymore since he didn't attend WC22.

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    2. Roldan is one of the best CONMEBOL refs for a long period of time.

      Always getting top CONMEBOL clashes,being in charge without losing control and is good game manager.

      When you have ARG and BRA side in the Final its kinda difficult to appoint quality ref,so Roldan was one of the obvious choices.

      Delete
  12. OT
    Greek Superleague 1
    AEK - PAOK
    Referee: Dr. Felix Brych
    AR1: Mark Borsch
    AR2: Robert Kempter
    4th: Christos Vergetis
    VAR: Günter Perl
    AVAR: Reinhard Buxbaum

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey, if Schärer is on his way back (refereeing in Swiss league), can we expect him in a match under observation by Refcom next month to earn last-minute a EURO ticket? Bayern-Galatasaray, North Macedonia-Italy, etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Impossible after injury to get crucial match especially involving Italy

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    2. Scharer EURO ticket? Joke? He need minimum 4-5 matches to show he is back and to show he is better than the rest of elite refs. Otherwise it is not fair to the other refs who have to work hard every game to proof. Anyway, he wasn't on my list of 18 refs for Euro2024

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    3. I watch Scharer domestic game. 7 cards, not his best game. He hasn't convinced me yet. Yverdon Sport - St. Gallen game

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  14. Red card after OFR in Raków-Sporting (initially YC)

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  15. Early red card in Poland, anyone with the video?

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    Replies
    1. https://streamin.me/v/bf64defb

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    2. Poor initial decision from the ref/AR1, clearly RC missed. Good VAR intervention from Evangelou, I think he already book his slot in Euro 2024 as VMO.

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    3. Correct intervention by VAR, but TBH how much poor is the body language of Papapétrou. During OFR looked like he was saying to VAR "What the hell I should watch here?" (see hand gesture, but he stopped it at a certain point). Ok, this can be my idea, but after the OFR, is it absolutely objective that his body language is rather arrogant and not calm. Really don't like this style...

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    4. I agree with Chefren

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    5. Chefren, I have been reading this blog from its beginning. But, honestly, you have changed. Every thread it's almost only about referees mistakes. And this attitude it's mostly coming from you. You have a very narrow selection of referees that you always protect, hide their situations etc. For others, you are looking for small mistakes, exaggerate, and giving subjective opinions that you make to look as objective.
      I will give you an example. Papapetrou in my opinion uses hand gesture to tell VAR to rewind the replay a bit back. But you wrote: During OFR looked like he was saying to VAR "What the hell I should watch here?" (see hand gesture, but he stopped it at a certain point).
      I don't know where your frustration is coming from. But I don't like the path this blog is taking under your administration.

      Delete
    6. The body language is per definition poor when it can be perceived by some as suggesting what Chefren mentions. It COULD mean what you claim, but it could be perceived negatively. As such, referees are instructed to show neutral body language when going to the screen.

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    7. @Anonymous 20:17 That's your opinion, I can only say that I don't post only mistakes and I comment about everything, take a look at how many videos have been published, mostly on request by readers, I have nothing against the referee, but that's what I think watching him. That's all, sorry if you are hurt!

      Delete
    8. I'm in the minority here, but for me its not a clear RC. There was a very similiar situation yesterday Celtic vs. ATM. Carter-Vickers vs. Morata. YC was the decision and I think that is correct.

      Delete
    9. You can't blame it on the AR in this situation for not seeing it as a red @Anonymous 19:19...

      In other words, I agree with you to some extent @David, It's not the clearest red ever but with VAR this is an expected red card intervention in my opinion. However, I don't blame the referee or assistant for not giving a red card immediately.

      Delete
  16. Nothing impressive Stefanski in Marseille, perhaps the only doubt in the goal: was it a foul by the player towards the defender? a very complicated play.

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  17. Correct OFR in Graz and pk for handball for Atalanta, although the break was too long imo, the situation was quite clear. Maybe Strukan didnt perceive it live because the ball didnt change the direction much. Also during the OFR nasty behaviour by Atalanta player, seen by the AR and resulting in 2 YC, sort of safe solution since Strukan couldnt see it at all.

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    Replies
    1. Missed penalty Strukan, good OFR

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    2. I think that the check was long because VAR wanted to be sure about the touch, indeed the rest was clear (very open arm).
      https://streamin.me/v/6d65236c

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  18. Probably supportable 2YC by Strukan in Graz, but I think most referees (including me) would've rather used some game management in this situation instead

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    Replies
    1. One of those situations where 1st YC wouldnt be discussed much, but the 2nd... especially because the foul was so deep in the defending half.

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    2. Very harsh, looks like a decision by book but not in the context of the game, would have been absolutely better to avoid it, but still not 100% mistake...

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  19. Penalty and red card after OFR in Marseille-Aek by Stefanski. DOGSO withot an attempt to play the ball. Original decision was PK+YC

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  20. Interesting OFR in Marseille, after a mistake, keeper stopped attacker from scoring a goal. Stefanski assessed it as genuine, but VAR didn't agree and sent referee to OFR for RC because not genuine.
    I agree with VAR, but about such situations there is big discussion in Italy because the guideline in such cases is to go always for the minor punishment, as long as one can't have the evidence of the contrary. I always disliked this instruction and for this reason I really like this OFR.
    https://streamin.me/v/3b8f6fdd

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    Replies
    1. Very good VAR / AVAR: Kwiatkowski and van Boekel, Marseille OFR

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    2. Wrong intervention. It's not about challenging for the ball anymore, it's challenging with an opponent. The goalkeeper is just late. YC is correct decision.

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    3. For me correct intervention by VAR. GK is nowhere near the ball and takes him down.

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    4. Yes @Anonymous 20:52, challenging the opponent FOR the ball. As evident in the clip, the opponent and the ball are nowhere close to each other, the goalkeeper therefore has "no possibility to play the ball". You can not motivate this as "challenging the opponent for the ball" in my opinion and therefore a RC is mandatory in my view.

      Delete
  21. Can you put the observers for the November qualifying matches please?

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  22. 52 min Strukan big mistake. Never second yellow card

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  23. Very soft PK by Stefanski in Marseille. OFR should follow.

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    Replies
    1. Cant believe this PK is confirmed

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  24. Never PK in Marseille, very very soft

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  25. The second penalty by Stefanski is indeed soft, one should wonder whether VAR could have removed it or still supportable.
    https://streamin.me/v/55fbeb9d

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    Replies
    1. for me supportable, there is a kick into the private parts, so possible that this was strong enough to stop the striker from continuing.

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    2. Supportable?! :D

      It is a clear, clear penalty. Remember there are two types of fouls in football, 'tripping' and 'impeding' types. This is a clear example of the second and has *nothing* to do with "going down easily" blah blah blah.

      Correct, though not instant, decision by Stefański.

      Delete
    3. I must say I kind of agree with Mikael here, my first instinct was a pretty clear penalty. I believe this could be expected from players from both teams to be whistled. Very clumsy challenge from the defender, the attacker obviously exaggerates but the contact is still there. More than supportable in my opinion.

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  26. Second YC by Strukan: https://streamin.me/v/c41761a7

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    Replies
    1. Oh no… terrible second yellow

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    2. It’s obvious that a promising attack was forming on the near side of the pitch (football understanding). At least acceptable caution by Strukan, remember LoR clause too, sorry…

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    3. The current line of UEFA is to only give yellows for clear SPA’s, not for ‘forming’ SPA’s - especially here when are talking about a SYC. I strongly doubt that UEFA will be pleased with this one.

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    4. … and I disagree with lack of respect here. Simple free kick and move on.

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    5. Of course, I know that - but (in principle) this is a clear YC imo.

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    6. @ Mikael W
      Sorry, I disagree.
      There is no sign of a "promising attack" 80 meters away from the Sturm goal with a lot of players between the spot of foul and the goal ...
      This yellow card is ridicolous and throws a shadow on a ref performance, that I did like until then.

      I even dare to disagree wir chefren assessing the second OFR leading to to PK in favour of Sturm. I think both the ref an AR1 had no clear sight of the situation.

      Delete
    7. IMO, at least acceptable if not simply correct 2YC, mostly given the deliberate character of the offence -> as Mikael said, SPA-LoR. The offender lost his balance and made a deliberate choice to unfairly stop an opponent who had free space in front of him. Although it's really far from goal and rather not SPA per se, combining it with the character of the offence, it gives quite clear YC for my taste.

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    8. One more remark: it seems it's quite clear YC for Eastern Europe, more YC than not in England where they pay much attention to tactical offences, borderline call in Italy, Spain and no YC for Western Europe (Germany, France). :)

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    9. I completely agree with Euro Soccer Ref. YC is at least supportable. Even if not a SPA-offense LoR is very obvious. Player doesn’t even try to get the ball. Eyes are only on the player. When considering LoR intent is at least as important as outcome. However, even if correct by book, I miss cleverness by Strukan there. Holding was very short and nobody was explicitly expecting the card. I strong body language with verbal warning would have had the way better impact for the rest of the game. Strukan wanted to show more than what football wants/expects there.

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    10. While I completely agree with your solution, your explanation is not sound. If it was obvious LoR, a SYC would be mandatory. As you correctly point out, the holding was very short. For LoR, you would expect a blatant holding, i.e. clearly pulled shirt for some distance. Tactical offence? Yes, like many fouls during a match, but in the defensive zone and, as you point out, football does not expect a sending off for that with match-deciding consequences.

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    11. MAYBE supportable but incredibly harsh and in my opinion, a wrong decision ESPECIALLY for a second yellow. I personally don't feel like this could be classified as SPA but potentially LoR, maybe a "combination" of both that justifies a yellow card ("expected decision") in terms of spirit of the game, HOWEVER, as a second yellow this just feels very wrong, the second yellow has to be super clear and this just doesn't feel like the situation to do it :/

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  27. Another OFR for Strukan, really sorry we have poor performance in Graz, this one should have definitely seen at least by AR1...

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    Replies
    1. I dont know, maybe Strukan was perpendicular to the body so wasnt completely sure, but the AR... Also the reaction of the players and the context... Must have been whistled on the pitch

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    2. Video as soon as I will get it.
      I think that this performance doesn't speak in favor of CL.
      To be honest, rather the contrary. Very difficult. This can be the performance that will oblige the Croatian to wait next year.
      We will see.

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    3. I mean, I remember Jovanovic getting chances after terrible performances, because the committee trusted him to have the level despite mistakes. I guess it will depend on the plans that committee has and also other referees in the similar situation.

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    4. For me Jovanovic get to many chances. Peljto for me much better as Elite ref.

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  28. Not a good night Treimaniss,

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  29. Panathinaikos x Rennes
    Árbitro Assistente André Campos no lugar de Bruno Jesus

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  30. Panathinaikos x Rennes
    Luís André Ferreira Pinto Campos POR replace Bruno Miguel Alves de Jesus POR

    After that: AR1 Luciano MAIA / AR2 Luís CAMPOS

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  31. So nice to see propratnik back in action one of the best AR in the world! Clever people will know he was for a long time AR for another very good European referee. In fact he did UCL final with him and the team he is doing tonight won it !

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  32. Supportable penalty by Fesnic to Qarabag, classic action in which attacker creates it, but maybe more penalty than other similar scenes we saw in other games.

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  33. Commentator keeps saying Marco Fritz is in charge of VAR, on the TNT Graphic he was AVAR, as he is here. Good non intervention for handball in the buildup to a goal, massive deflection at close distance and arm by side

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    Replies
    1. I agree, however maybe you can still say that Chefren's point yesterday about VARs from different countries and handballs was somewhat proven…

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    2. Irrati would have called on OFR. This is the issue

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  34. Poor card management so far in Rome by Eskås. At least two missed YC so far

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  35. 47min missed borderline yellow / red card elbow Eskas

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  36. I was live in Graz. Very very poor management by Strukan. Many difficulties on fouls detection in 1st half. 2 OFR for the penalty (the second one was really so clear live). 2nd YC to Sturm player very soft. He has been lucky enough that players of both teams had overall a good behaviour

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I was watching on TV with replays, and most of the situations that players were complaining about seemed correct actually, when it comes to foul detection. I think that besides OFRs it wasnt a bad performance, although not so convincing because he seemed a bit too far from the ball at times.

      Delete
  37. OFR Pinheiro, missed penalty. Var call him

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clear stepping on the foot!

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  38. The easiest game of the day was for Obrenovic, 0 controversies and excellent management

    ReplyDelete
  39. Brighton- Ajax, very bad whistle end off the game Frankowski, clear reckless or even more , but direct after the foul he whistle for end of the game, no time for VAR CHECK????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VAR can intervene after the game has ended so it doesn't matter

      Delete
    2. Yes but it is not a good image!!!

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    3. How you can say that if there was not even a single replay?

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  40. Union - Lask good penalty but missed yellow card (reckless), referee Atilla Karaoğlan

    ReplyDelete
  41. Short comment on referees of Polish teams today

    UEL - Raków Częstochowa vs Sporting CP
    Referee: Papapétrou
    VAR: Evangélou
    - For my taste correct RC for SFP after OFR (YC given initially) to Gyökeres SPO in 5' - I think it will be well accepted because the fouled player was out injured. However, given how lenient UEFA is with regard to SFP and VC, I wonder if it was a mandatory OFR for them (isolating the challenge from the context).
    - Papapétrou with unusual body language: seems like he was very (overly) motivated, using maaany gestures and very serious facial expression throughout (often acting arrogant and cocky, sometimes just nervous). I don't think it is a good way to calm players down, rather contrary, but surely another referee with colourful personality like Mateu Lahoz ;) He lost the control a little bit at the end of the first half but in general still a decent performance from the Greek.


    UECL - Zrinjski Mostar vs Legia Warszawa
    Referee: Chivulete
    VAR: Di Bello
    - Very difficult game for both assistant referees: many on-/offside decisions, two first goals carefully checked (AR2, AR1), disallowed goal in 53' (AR1), goal allowed after VAR intervention in 62' (wrong offside call by AR2 - could've been avoided), goal disallowed after VAR intervention in 68' (wrong onside call by AR1, difficult)
    - Good no-penalty simulation call in 55' (YC to Muçi LEG)
    - Chivulete presented himself as not the best manager, to say it kindly. He allowed too much dirty behaviours like DtR, too many fouls of Legia without YC, ignoring blatant dissent of Zrinjski players (allowing 99ZRI to behave like that - as a consequence of too lenient line against Legia, though - was really poor). He delivered the game but the overall impression was weak.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Minakovic performance for Bodo-Besiktas?

    ReplyDelete
  43. EURO Qualifiers - Observers

    Group A
    GEOSCO - Alain Sars FRA
    CYPESP - Draženko Kovačić CRO
    ESPGEO - Rusmir Mrković BIH
    SCONOR - Kevin Parry WAL

    Group B
    FRAGIB - Geórgios Bíkas GRE
    NEDIRL - László Vágner HUN
    GREFRA - Drago Kos SVN
    GIBNED - Augustus Viorel Constantin ROU

    Group C
    ITAMKD - Vladimir Šajn SVN
    ENGMLT - Hugh Dallas SCO
    UKRITA - Michal Beneš CZE
    MKDENG - Clayton Pisani MLT

    Group D
    ARMWAL - Rune Pedersen NOR
    LVACRO - Roberto Rosetti ITA
    CROARM - Markus Strömbergsson SWE
    WALTUR - Helmut Fleischer GER

    Group E
    MDAALB - Cyril Zimmermann SUI
    POLCZE - Petteri Kari FIN
    CZEMDA - Lassin Isaksen FRO
    ALBFRO - Kostadin Gerginov BUL

    Group F
    ESTAUT - Michaíl Argyroú CYP
    AZESWE - Andrejs Sipailo LVA
    BELAZE - Niklas á Líðarenda FRO
    SWEEST - Asim Xudiyev AZE

    Group G
    BULHUN - Igor Pristovnik CRO
    MNELTU - Vladimir Antonov MDA
    HUNMNE - Carlos Clos Gómez ESP
    SRBBUL - Michael Thomas Ross NIR

    Group H
    FINNIR - Stefano Podeschi SMR
    KAZSMR - Igor Șațchii MDA
    DENSVN - Volodymyr Petrov UKR
    NIRDEN - Nuno Alexandre Parreira de Castro POR
    SVNKAZ - Kóstas Kapitanís CYP
    SMRFIN - Pavel Salii KAZ

    Group I
    KOSISR - Kýros Vassáras GRE
    ISRSUI - Thomas Einwaller AUT
    BLRAND - Georgi Yordanov BUL
    SUIKOS - Viktor Shvetsov UKR
    ISRROU - Andreas Schluchter SUI
    ROUSUI - Goran Mihaljević MNE
    ANDISR - Antony Gautier FRA
    KOSBLR - Salustià Chato Ciprés AND

    Group J
    SVKISL - Barış Şimşek TUR
    LUXBIH - Ian Stokes IRL
    LIEPOR - Nicolae Grigorescu ROU
    PORISL - Alain Bieri SUI
    BIHSVK - Giorgi Vadachkoria GEO
    LIELUX - Dimitar Mečkarovski MKD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't know what happened to see Rosetti travelling to Latvia for an observation..

      Delete
    2. Observations by Šajn, Rosetti and Vassáras are all borderline EURO names?
      I thought most of the borderline names already had a committee observation recently (Kruzliak, Massa, Gozubuyuk etc)

      Delete
    3. About Kosovo - Israel, it is a postponed game, original appointment had been revealed because the news of postponement came exactly at the same time.
      Now I think the Slovakian will be confirmed with Vassaras there, when game will be played, or maybe Rosetti used the opportunity of Barcelona game in CL to do directly himself what Vassaras had to do in Kosovo... we will know.

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    4. My prediction is Nyberg with Rosetti and Gözübüyük with Šajn

      Delete
    5. If Karasev was allowed to officiate we wouldn't be talking about some of these referees. He would be a lock for the Euro.

      Delete
    6. Chefren as you write before, Kruzliakk is not a Euro ref, borderline Elite. As you write his performance in Barcelona was again not good

      Delete
    7. I predict
      Meler or Peljto with Sajn
      Delajod or Jablonski with Rosetti

      Delete
  44. At the EURO 2024, the VAR centre will be located in Leipzig (together with the IBC).
    The referees will be headquartered in Frankfurt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why don't they use the already existing one in Cologne?

      Delete
    2. Or just from Nyon

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  45. The ref com goes for the new generation, and that’s a good step and message for the future.

    ReplyDelete
  46. What happened with Italy? Gambling scandals, Mr. R nepotism and maybe special treatment for their national team, let see if North Macedonia and/or Ukraine make surprising result, even when Italy already book their place in the playoff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You made as always a miscellaneous of everything without a real sense, but I feel obliged to write something about the betting story, for sure, I already wanted to do that on past days.
      In my opinion it is simply a scandal that a player who confessed to be guilty has been allowed to continue to play until the official announcement by FIFA and he was also eligible to be on the field for the Champions League game.
      Incredible that there aren't rules that strictly force players to be suspended when there is a situation like this.
      But maybe worse than that is to read that most of people and fans, both in Italy and England gave solidarity to the players involved. Not only Tonali but also Fagioli!
      To me, that's unbelievable and out of reality.
      Nowadays it seems as who goes against the rules is a hero, while clean people without any wrong action are simply stupid because they are treated worse than the guilty.
      But....observing the world, it's the trend of recent times, I think that in past bans and suspensions were more serious things, now all is about football controlling everything (including the refereeing, of course) because show must go on... what's the next step? Just abolish all punishements...
      And believe me, I'm not a person who wants to be intolerant against who commits errors in his life. We all are humans, but yes, I think that who makes certain things at a certain point of his life should pay for responsibility. This doesn't seem really working at moment, but yes, maybe I'm wrong....

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  47. I mean if we fair enough and not applied hypocrisy or double standard Israel should be banned same with the Russian and Israel simply can’t perform in Paris 2024, but who are we outside Europe? Neo-colonialism? Hegemony? Quo vadis.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Crazy decision by De Mera Escuderos in Gerrona- Celta de Vigo… He desallow a Gail after nothing infraction… defender hit the goalkeper not the atacker, crazy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Video of the incident:
      https://youtu.be/RLX09076pog?t=130

      I also watched the game live and the broadcaster showed 5-6 different angles for replay, ridiculous decision to give this a foul at the GK, who dropped the ball WITHOUT any opponent interference, the collision happening afterwards and being provoked by Girona GK himself.

      Don't know who was VAR but it's a clear missed intervention. Rafa Benitez had all the right to be fuming at the press conference, ever after the recent meeting of Celta's president with Medina Cantalejo (regarding past referee errors against Celta this season), it's clear that nothing has changed.

      Celta also left a public protest message today on Twitter, saying that La Liga deserves better - referring to the current level of Spanish refereeing - and tbh no one can blame them:
      https://twitter.com/RCCelta/status/1718022595168067614

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    2. Easy to whistle a foul for the goalkeeper in this scenario so I kind of understand where the referee is coming from BUT looking at it from a correctness standpoint, the goalkeeper drops the ball first and then a collision happens. No foul would be the correct decision in this scenario but an unfortunate situation where it's easiest to whistle a foul for the keeper like 90% of the time.

      Delete
  49. In Bayern - Darmstadt, already 3 straight RCs given by Martin Petersen before HT. All three of them for DOGSO and correctly given (second one after OFR)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First time in Bundesliga history to have 3 RCs in first half.

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  50. England and VAR,here we go again,as Mr.Romano would say.

    Very doubtful penalty whistled in Wolves vs Newcastle.

    Near the end of 1st half Hwang tries to kick the ball,but Schar goes infront of him and then it looks like Hwang kicks him.

    But looking at closer picture,we can see that Schar started falling before Hwang even touched him.

    Taylor whistled penalty and VAR supported him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not a clear and obvious error, there is contact and supportable decision to award, not something VAR should be getting involved with

      Delete
    2. There is still contact though, never clear and obvious mistake

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    3. VAR should intervene here by premier league standards

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  51. No comments about El Clásico. Good performance?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not much to talk about.

      Expected level from Gil Manzano,fitness wise one of the best refs in the world.

      1st half was very average from him,mixed and switching criterium as minute was going by.

      Some thing were fouls,some blatant fouls were not,that led to some tensions,especially by Vini who has habit to cause referee 1 or 2 headaches :D ...


      In 2nd half,everything magically calmed and players beahaved like it was some friendly match and not one of the biggest match in the world.

      Maybe there was one moment where Barca players and fans heavily protested.

      That was possible PK on Araujo(45+1),but imo,grey zone and supportable play on...

      We also saw unusually small number of 3 bookings;

      Fermin 17',late foul on Kroos
      Ferran 45+2',pulling Vinicius
      Carvajal 61',pulling Felix...

      So in terms of performance,expected and good from Gil.

      But we have to praise the players,who were not disrespectful and making dirty plays like in previous Clasicos.



      Delete
    2. In this moment the best referee in spain together Sanchez and Rojas

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  52. Correct VAR intervention from Oliver, missed penalty by Tierney in Manchester.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also think it was very soft intervention

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    2. To me it was a very clear holding offence so from personal preference I really like the intervention, but I was still quite surprised to see Oliver intervene in this case considering what has been and not been given and intervened for before

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    3. The anti-English ref bias on this forum in full swing. It's a clear holding offence from Hojlund, excellent intervention

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    4. Agree exactly with Elliot.

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    5. Really can’t understand the “soft” aspect in clear holding from Hojlund, and IMO you can see clear falling from Rodri even when he tried to not get down easily from Hojlund holding. Smart enough from Rodri to attract VAR on duty to intervene because it was strong holding from Hojlund.

      Delete
    6. https://dubz.live/c/d41295
      I have my Italian glasses here, this is correct by book, but using VAR in such penalty area situations with many possible holdings, makes it as very harsh and quite out of focus... but still I can't blame Oliver. The problem is that we will never have consistency avbout such incidents. In Italy this would be assessed as very soft penalty, I would have agreed more in case of more evident action by defender...

      Delete
  53. Who will be the observers for Atletico-Celtic and Shakhtar-Barcelona?

    ReplyDelete
  54. Challenging 2nd half for Maresca,very tense match between Inter and Roma.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Maresca doing well so far in Milan in a really hot game

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dont know about that,he's trying but both teams are impossible to handle with such players who protest at every decision he makes.
      Barella,Cristante,Mancini,Paredes....

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    2. A very good performance with only one discussed situation, a possible second YC if foul whistled against Paredes in 55', but he didn't whistle. Nevertheless, for what it was before (considering also Lukaku question), an even more challenging game was expected.

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    3. Now Mancini alaso take big risk,but supportable not to award 2nd YC.
      Maresca wants to end match without any controversy.

      Could imagine what would be if Mr.Jose was on the bench...

      Delete
  56. What an unacceptable behaviuour from Jeroen Manschot (AZ-Nijmegen). 14 seconds from collapse from Bas Dost to first whistle, when a fall was 2 meters to him.... Disgrace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I think it’s fair to make a nuance on your rather harsh conclusion. I definitely understand it didn’t look good, especially with the benefit of hindsight. But the minutes before Dost suffered a shoulder/upper arm injury and also the commentator at first thought that Dost’s descend was because of the pain in his arm. Moreover the referee seemed to turn his eye to Dost just a moment after he fell down, so most probably he missed the stumbling falling down, which could have be an alarm signal.
      In the end, let’s be thankful that Dost regained consciousness and was able to speak to his team mates before being transported to the hospital.

      Delete
  57. I watched the second half of Napoli vs. AC Milan refereed by Daniele Orsato. In general, always a pleasure to watch the Italian referee games with his great style. However, there were some controversial aspects from this performance:

    > Milan can feel hard done-by in two foul calls which went against them; first, the freekick which was directly scored for the equaliser was quite dubious in my eyes, rather a 'collision' than a real foul, and I think Orsato made an educated guess from what was a suboptimal position (looking from the right and 'outside'), indeed even issuing a caution to underline the call which was surely exaggerated in any case; next, at 71', he whistled against Leão who had quite masterfully judged the flight of the ball, and had not committed any offence against his opponent, this denied Milan a very promising attack and led to an expulsion for one of the coaching staff in protest.

    > The final two cautions of the game, against Napoli, were also on the 'harsh' side, the latter of which most relevant as it was a second yellow card against Natal; his opponent cleverly realised that if he prodded the ball up in the air, Natal wouldn't be able to stop his momentum and the two would crash into each other; Orsato correctly awarded the attacking freekick to Milan, but Natal's actions were the definition of 'careless' imo, and probably the Italian instead perceived a tactical foul when showing the cards. Meanwhile, the first five bookings of the game were all nailed on and immediately given by the Italian.

    Still, all four of these situations mentioned were quite tricky to assess on the pitch, but I think it is fair to scrutinise small details from the refereeing of the man who will most likely referee the EURO final next summer!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can add just a small remark, Orsato is always accepted that he can referee as he wants, he has reached a level of reputation allowing him do everything, mostly, if not very wrong decisions, nobody questions.
      The newspapers report only a possible missed YC at the beginning of the game and nothing else, talking about a very positive appearance.
      But I noticed as well, like you did, that the second YC was quite harsh because the action of defender was rather soft, clearly careless but maybe not more.

      Delete
    2. Chefren! You wrote that Orsato will most likely referee the Euro final. Do you really think so? Orsato before Marciniak?

      Delete
    3. When has anyone ever done both the World Cup and Euros finals?

      Delete
    4. In all honesty, the Italians have had so many finals this century that I'd almost say: give it to Turpin or Marciniak. Although the latter already has a WC final and the former can be bothered by 'Les Bleus'. But they are not worse than Orsato at the moment imo.

      However, if the Italian senior proves to be the best at the EURO 2024, nobody will complain. In other words: he has to earn it. At the EURO 2020, Bjorn Kuipers was deemed one of the best referees and managers before the tournament started, however they didn't give him the most 'bumpy road' to the final. Rather fair and football-focused teams and the least difficult quarter final. Nothing really challenging. IMO this wasn't fair to other referees (eg. Brych and Mateu). If Orsato gets the final, I hope he at least had to work for it in something challenging, because it can give a very bad signal to other referees if your Ref boss is an Italian, Orsato gets the not-so challenging games, whilst eg. Marciniak, Turpin and others are burned in the most difficult games, to give the final to his compatriot.

      Delete
    5. Rosetti will be getting a very angry phone call from a compatriot referee manager if he does give Marciniak the EURO final... ;) :D.

      Delete
    6. Yep, Marciniak would have a better palmares than Collina if that happens. Collina would be very vain if that bothered him. Isn't he Marciniak's biggest fan? :) If he really cares, he will book Marciniak for the Olympics final in advance. ;)

      Without joking, I'll be rooting for Turpin in 2024. It has been a while that a French got the final at a EC/WC and Turpin is the Master of 'quiet refereeing'.

      Delete
    7. Marciniak is still in good shape. So if he deserves it, what's stopping him?

      Delete
    8. @Anonymous another argument about the alleged Marciniak - Orsato battle for EURO final, is that the Italian continued just for joining that tournament and he is very old, it sounds almost like he is asking for getting that final to committee... surely this shouldn't happen because choices must be done always based on performances, but... I'm convinced in case of enough display by the Italian he will be there without doubts. Only issue is the national team :) very poor so far, but they could "wake up" on next months just to disturb Orsato!
      Of course that's on paper and in reality everything can happen (injures, unexpected events, very poor performances)) but still we saw how it worked with Kuipers at EURO 2020.
      Marciniak would have even time, at least on paper, to attend another EURO after the 2024...

      Delete
    9. I will be rooting for Turpin, Taylor/Oliver or Makkelie in all honesty. Orsato is Chefrens fanboy who cant do wrong.... Marciniak has had his WC final and has done things as a person which imo dont merites another high point in his career for me. if one of the former 2 is the best at EURO I wont complain. However especially regarding the strolling Orsato I watched at the last EC and WC I strongly doubt that that will be him

      Delete
    10. @Chefren, you are right about Orsato, but on the other hand, Marciniak may simply be better than Orsato during the tournament and what then? Give the final of the European championship only as a bonus to the retiring person? Marciniak himself openly says that his goal is the Euro final, and the national team will not harm him.

      Delete
    11. To Me, Orsato hasn’t really been recognized as a referee with limited finals in UEFA except a Final that happen behind closed doors due to the Pandemic, for me that’s argument for… he never got super cup or Europa league like most referees get before doing a UCL final.

      Delete
    12. "@Chefren, you are right about Orsato, but on the other hand, Marciniak may simply be better than Orsato during the tournament and what then? Give the final of the European championship only as a bonus to the retiring person? Marciniak himself openly says that his goal is the Euro final, and the national team will not harm him."

      Yes, for sure Marciniak can be better than Orsato at EURO 2024. But... was Kuipers the best referee at EURO 2020 in your opinion? I think that if a committee works in a certain way, well, they will continue to do so. A final as reward for the career.
      Interesting also the argument reported by another Anonymous, indeed based on the career, Orsato got definitely not too much in UEFA if compared to other top Elite, "only" a Champions League final, but behind close doors and no other finals.

      Delete
  58. Well, Marciniak is currently the best referee in the world, so why keep him if not for the finals. Moreover, his experience cannot be overestimated...

    ReplyDelete
  59. Did anyone consider the small possibility that eg. Orsato gets a 2nd UEFA Champions League final next year?

    Normally, the contestants are clear: Vincic, Makkelie, Taylor.
    - Vincic: very strong political support. And he has a talent to always avoid controverse, but also a talent to miss very blatant fouls. Should improve his consistency and performance level to convince the Refcom.
    - Makkelie: in all honesty, if he is in good form, he is a much better referee and stronger personality on the pitch than Vincic. Always in control, but... He's also a KMI-magnet. Very unlucky, from that regard.
    - Taylor: he obviously can be frustrated by an English team and hasn't been in great form after the UEL final (which is completely understandable btw).

    *Kovacs - in all honesty, I don't see him as a candidate yet. He's still young and coming from a smaller football nation, he normally has to work on a UEFA Europa League final first.

    In a normal world, Vincic/Makkelie/Taylor will step up and rise to the occassion. But if Taylor is not available and they don't want Makkelie or Vincic because of their performance level or possible headlines, they are forced to assign a referee for a 2nd time...? It's a long shot, and I'm not rooting for this, but... Who knows.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very early to talk about the Champions League final, we can surely make some names at this point then everything, as we know, can happen in future. The main candidates are clearly the three you mentioned: Makkelie, Taylor and Vincic.
      My idea is that it will be impossible to see a referee officiating Champions League final for the second time: that would be very poor. Already did that in a very emergency situation with Kuipers in Europa League final, but Champions League shouldn't be assigned twice to the same referee.

      Delete
    2. @Chefren, you said the same after Marciniak's nomination for the CL semi-final, that the final was not for him...

      Delete
    3. Yes, what anonymous wrote (12:48 CET) is partly why I considered this. Marciniak got a semi-final return and the final, which is already very very poor. An unusual situation. It confirmed the very “narrow” top of referees atm.
      To add, 3 referees (contestants) that are not in their best period right now. I repeat, it's a long shot, but at the same time, I fear nothing is impossible atm.

      Personally, I hope Makkelie is still hungry and rises to the occasion:
      - He's been waiting since 2021
      - Makkelie used to belong to that narrow Top 3 of referees after a strong 2021-2022 season. I was amazed by him in RMA-PSG, PAOK Saloniki-Marseille, Villareal-Liverpool, Scotland-Ukraine. Interesting how things can change drastically in just a few months... He wasn't the same referee last season.
      - As a Dutchman, Makkelie is normally not a candidate for the UEFA 2024 final after Bjorn Kuipers handled the previous edition.

      Some voices inside UEFA will argue that Vincic is older (he turns 44 y.o. this year) and therefore should be first in line of order, however, I think we should not underestimate the mental impact of all these unlucky (political) events on Makkelie. In fact, UEFA probably has to be blamed for his dropped form level last season and they owe him something. To give him the UCL final 2024 is probably the wisest HR strategy if they don’t want to lose another experienced referee the next years. But let’s see if he can find his old form back… :-)

      Delete
  60. exactly, you never know for sure

    ReplyDelete
  61. https://gol24.pl/szymon-marciniak-ma-nowy-cel-mowi-o-nim-glosno/ar/c2-17982253

    ReplyDelete
  62. The only two people who refereed WC and Euro finals were Dienst (SUI) in the 60s and Gonella (ITA) in the 70s. Collina came close in 2004 and Rizzoli in 2016, but they were given a semi-final, instead of the Euro final, by Roth and Collina, respectively. That fact suggests that, as long as Collina is in power, no one will get both WC and Euro finals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Collina is on the FIFA referee committee, not UEFA! But even if he had something to do with the European committee, it would be even better because he "loves" Marciniak. The truth is that there are few judges like Szymon Marciniak and unwritten rules and customs can be broken. Judging committees have shown this many times. Looking at this thread quite substantively, it must be said that if Marciniak continues to be on top, and he still has quite a few years of refereeing ahead of him, only he can do it! If not in 2024, then perhaps at the end of a rich refereeing career in 2028 in the Euro final at Wembley! Mark my words, Marciniak will do it!

      Delete
  63. What’s actually with Siebert ?
    Zwayer is German‘s Number 1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Siebert was thrust into this prematurely. It didn't live up to expectations, maybe it will rebuild?!

      Delete
  64. Collina is on the FIFA referee committee, not UEFA! But even if he had something to do with the European committee, it would be even better because he "loves" Marciniak. The truth is that there are few judges like Szymon Marciniak and unwritten rules and customs can be broken. Judging committees have shown this many times. Looking at this thread quite substantively, it must be said that if Marciniak continues to be on top, and he still has quite a few years of refereeing ahead of him, only he can do it! If not in 2024, then perhaps at the end of a rich refereeing career in 2028 in the Euro final at Wembley! Mark my words, Marciniak will do it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That would be really unfair. Marciniak becoming the first person to do world cup and euros, while not being that great. He has only been a top referee for two seasons. Before that he was very poor

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  65. Even if in this moment Marciniak is the n.1 in the world, I think it would be correct to give the final to Orsato: we should also remember that Marciniak obtained the WC final because Orsato is italian and he couldn't get it (Rizzoli 2014), even if Orsato was older and had a better curriculum when the competition started.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I believe that Orsato will get to the EURO final in 2024 if he is in good shape, does not spoil an important match along the way, and most importantly... the Italian national team will not interfere with him.
    Marciniak, however, in the same arrangement, will get the final of the Olympic Games and if nothing bad happens, he will end his career at Wembley in 2028 and will be the first referee to officiate the biggest finals in football. Of course, it is possible that there will also be the UEL and UECL finals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marciniak won't be in the Olympics, he's absolutely too good for that. From Europe it's usually lower ranked Elites and maybe some highly ranked Cat 1

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    2. Marciniak said after the WC that Collina said to him "ask for what you want" and Marciniak asked for being appointed to Olympics. Collina answered "no problem!".

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    3. If this is true Collina should resign with immediate effect.

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    4. Why Collina should resign? Simply it’s acceptable when you “share” the quotas between two top elite referees at the moment. IMO Marciniak still “young” to get Euro final than Orsato, but is Orsato deserved to get Kuipers path in Euro 2024, I mean we talk about merit in their entire career when we talk about special designation for a referee at his final moment. IMO it’s fair enough to “guaranteed” Marciniak for the final in Paris (regardless of who will be on the final it will be so easy to break the confederation rules with a WC final referee) and then the final in Berlin will be contested between Orsato vs the best performance at the tournament vs the 2nd “oldest” referee also the 2nd powerful background political power, because I respect Orsato very much but I don’t think he’s greater than Kuipers or deserved to get “easy path” for the final.

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  67. Observers for Shakhtar - Barcelona and Atlético - Celtic have been appointed.

    Shakhtar - Barcelona Lutz Michael Fröhlich GER
    This should mean an Elite referee without focus by committee, mostly because already trusted (very experienced), but also a "normal" Elite as well. Given the game, I think that the category could be the latter.

    Atlético - Celtic Konrad Plautz AUT
    In this case there is possibility of young referee, maybe a Category 1, with a big exam, would be big test in such a game, but the Austrian very often worked also as regular observer for Elite referee, so it would be the same speech as Shakhtar - Barcelona in that case.

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    Replies
    1. My prediction:
      Shakhtar-Barcelona: Orsato (ITA)
      Atlético-Celtic: Jovanovic (SRB)

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    2. Fröhlich for Donetsk is a logical choice, because the game is played in Hamburg.
      BTW, I wonder, whether they use the opportunity to appoint Stieler in his residence town for Donetsk-Antwerp on MD5...

      I'll go with Gözübüyük and Kabakov for those two.

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    3. For the record, Gözübüyük and Makkelie have a domestic game on Sunday.

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  68. Wolves vs Newcastle over the weekend, penalty given by Anthony Taylor, VAR support!

    Was that a right decision??

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