18:45 CET - Leipzig (RB Arena)
RB Leipzig (GER) - BSC Young Boys (SUI) | Group G
Referee: Manfredas Lukjančukas LTU
Assistant Referee 1: Mangirdas Mirauskas LTU
Assistant Referee 2: Vytenis Kazlauskas LTU
Fourth Official: Vilius Paulauskas LTU
Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nejc Kajtazović SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Bernardino González Vázquez ESP
UEFA Delegate: Knut Bjørn Nordheim NOR
18:45 CET - Belgrade (Stadion Rajko Mitić)
FK Crvena zvezda (SRB) - Manchester City (ENG) | Group G
Referee: Aliyar Aghayev AZE
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov AZE
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Amirali AZE
Fourth Official: Elchin Masiyev AZE
Video Assistant Referee: Alper Ulusoy TUR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Abdulkadir Bitigen TUR
UEFA Referee Observer: Alberto Undiano Mallenco ESP
UEFA Delegate: Luis Cuervas Del Real ENG
21:00 CET - Madrid (Estadio Metropolitano)
Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP) - SS Lazio (ITA) | Group E
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük NED
Assistant Referee 1: Erwin . J. Zeinstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Johan Balder NED
Fourth Official: Joey Kooij NED
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin SVN
UEFA Delegate: Dane Jošt SVN
21:00 CET - Glasgow (Celtic Park)
Celtic FC (SCO) - Feyenoord Rotterdam (NED) | Group E
Referee: Benoît Bastien FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Jon Skjervold NOR
UEFA Delegate: Renata Tomášová SVK
21:00 CET - Dortmund (BVB Stadion)
Borussia Dortmund (GER) - Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) | Group F
Referee: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Söderqvist SWE
Fourth Official: Adam Ladebäck SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Marinus Koopman NED
UEFA Delegate: Adonis Procopiou CYP
21:00 CET - Newcastle (St. James' Park)
Newcastle United FC (ENG) - AC Milan (ITA) | Group F
Referee: Danny Makkelie NED
Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries NED
Fourth Official: Allard Lindhout NED
Video Assistant Referee: Rop Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Clay Ruperti NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Andreas Schluchter SUI
UEFA Delegate: Felix Grigore ROU
21:00 CET - Porto (Estádio do Dragão)
FC Porto (POR) - FK Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) | Group H
Referee: István Kovács ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Vasile Florin Marinescu ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Mihai Ovidiu Artene ROU
Fourth Official: Marcel Birsan ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Popa ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Nobs SUI
UEFA Delegate: Patrick Wattebled FRA
21:00 CET - Deurne (Bosuil)
Royal Antwerp FC (BEL) - FC Barcelona (ESP) | Group H
Referee: Marco Guida ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Filippo Meli ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Stefano Alassio ITA
Fourth Official: Simone Sozza ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: David Coote ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Leslie Irvine NIR
UEFA Delegate: Konul Mehtiyeva AZE
Fourth CL game for Nyberg. UEFA seems very happy with his performance.
ReplyDeleteThe most important appointments are made based on meritocracy/form, it seems.
ReplyDeleteOrsato, Kovacs, Makkelie and Nyberg have a 4th UCL appointment. They all have a good quiet season so far.
What stands out is that Gil Manzano is missing – no 3rd UCL game for him.
We all expected Soares Dias again, but remember that he (and his VAR) didn’t punish Havertz’ blatant handball? That’s a strong signal.
Most MD6 appointments were made before MD5 though. Perhaps the Refcom did make a few changes after the MD5 games? Kovacs for example, he had Milan-Dortmund. Would they make a double appointment like that, before his MD5 performance? Maybe they swapped him after his good performance?
First remark: Gil Manzano, at the top of form recently, didn't get his third CL assignment, due to Ukraine - Italy performance. Now it seems quite obvious. To be checked whether he will be either in EL / ECL or even without any assignment. In the latter case, I think we should draw conclusion that his mistake has been assessd as very serious.
ReplyDeleteThen, the big surprise about this set is surely Nyberg, sent to PSG game. Finally committee mad a different choice and I must praise them. Just to analyze, you can argue that the Swedish in Naples and Vincic in Dortmund would have been very expected and regular choices, so it is a deliberate decision by committee to avoid the Slovenian with PSG (somebody already reported that).
Meanwhile, I just hope that nothing will happen to Nyberg in case of troubles with the game, this is his first very challenging assignment, clearly by far more than games like Bayern - United...
One could still argue too early for him, but surely in terms of merit, he deserved that. We will see. The fact that Borussia Dortmund has already qualified makes things a bit different and in my opinion allowed this assignment (but again, you can notice, a German team involved, wouldn't have been the same with another from a different country, I think).
Very good to see Makkelie in Newcastle, his story with Italian teams continues in important games. A few chances for Milan to qualify, but still very important and an indirect relation to PSG, that's already something very good. Fourth assignment for him as well, like other referees.
Kovacs handled a couple of very important games in this group stage, and that's another one for him, very important.
Guida in the other game of the group (indeed expected in CL after having been kept out from serie A this week) can be proud of three CL games as Category 1. An easy win by Spanish side is expected, but sitll good to appear in CL.
Bastien just to officiate a game in CL, while in Serbia Aghayev will continue his path after the debut in CL one year ago. To be honest, it seems there isn't a clear focus on him, but still...
Gozubuyuk in Atlético - Lazio, a game that in case of open qualification would have been extremely hot, but now not important, since some appointments were made before previous matchday, as I wrote yesterday, we can't know how much committee was aware of that. Nevertheless, my idea was to see him rather in Newcastle (but here there will be Makkelie).
Finally, the debut for Lukjančukas: absolutely unexpected if you ask me, would have been maybe more logical to assign Rumsas for another CL appearance, but maybe committee has opted for EL important game for him. The Lithuanian appointed for Leipzig must have convinced committee, belonging to Talent and Mentors group. Well done to him, but in recent times to be honest the debuts are quite impossible to predict, there isn't a clear line.
I will write my analysis based on the consideration that the appointments for MD5 and MD6 were made at the same time with only an exception. Orsato, Kovacs, Makkelie and Nyberg appear in both of them. While for the first three I think the appointments were made in advance, I think for it was a choice between Nyberg and Dias for the top game.
ReplyDeleteHuge trust for Nyberg. Boom! as a wise man said not long ago after his appointment in MD1 was revealed. It is remarkable that he is appointed for a decisive game in the last matchday, furthermore involving PSG. I think there is no doubt about his EURO spot. Big exam for him, best of luck. The swap with Vincic was indeed the easy way to solve the problemes but I am glad they chosed like that. Makkelie in the other game of the group - no surprise for me. Yes, I know, PSG is also in this group. So what? It is the best to wait a little bit more until appointing again Makkelie with the French side but I don't see any problem with him being in the other game of the group. This was my prediction for this game.
Kovacs had a good season so far, 3 very good games in the group stage and I did not hear negative reports or complains. On the contrary! Now is the 4th game, a decisive one and you can't say that the appointment is undeserved. Porto is part of the unholly trinity of the most difficult teams to officiate, together with Atletico Madrid and of course PSG; but I trust Kovacs that he will do a good job on Wednesday night. An ok-ish appointment for Guida even if the game is a little bit one-sided.
It seems that the Com correctly anticipated that all will be settled in Group G and logically appointed two lower rated referees, I think it is a debut in UCL for the Lithuanian? Rumsas is probably assigned for something bigger in UEL.
Bastien receive the dead rubber. I would say that it is a bad sign for him but I think that is already clear that the Com doesn't have plans for his future. And he could be already viewed as the 4th referee in France. Fairly good game for Gozubuyuk, first place in the group at stake, the main thing to underline here is that he has not a Dutch VAR.
Someone predictions for Europa League and Europa Conference League.
ReplyDeleteI started at home but it is sometimes a mission impossible.😀
We can at least look at the top referees without game on MD5/6 so far and therefore are main candidates for important EL/ECL games:
DeleteGil Manzano
Grinfeeld (unclear, whether available)
Pinheiro
Krogh
Nobre
Jorgji
Rumsas
Collum
Kabakov
[Hernandez - at CWC]
Mariani
Jovanovic
Petrescu
Seems like Gözübüyük is a replacement or swap. No Dutch VAR and refereeing in the group with Feyenoord. This appointment couldn't have been made before MD5 as Feyenoord still had chances to reach UCL KO back then.
ReplyDeleteYes, good remark, I think we can draw conclusion that Gozubuyuk was selected after, the fact that he doesn't have Dutch VAR with him, sems another confirmation. I think that basically committee prepares a plan and then after the scores on previous MD, they can change something. The fact that observers are appointed before previous matchday scores, is the signal that they start in this way. For example, I think German duo Zwayer - Stieler was made before and then not changed, but maybe not the same in other circumstances (you can't expect Zwayer in that game, given his current reputation). I think it is also possible they think about a name before, but they don't inform the referee and they feel free to change after the matured score, so maybe some observers (already assigned) are flexible, they can be with different referees.
DeleteIf Feyenoord was still in the race, Atletico-Lazio would have been a very big game, so maybe Turpin was the plan.
DeleteThree appointments were made after the Week 5 games. It has been reported on this blog. They all involve Italian teams:
Delete- Napoli-Braga
- Newcastle-Milan
- Atletico-Lazio
I agree, if Feyenoord were still in, it could have been Turpin in Atletico-Lazio.
Makkelie's appointment in Newcastle was made after his calm MD5 game. Add some controversy in PSG-Newcastle and you know they need a big name in Newcastle.
Vincic' appointment in Naples has been made after MD5 as well.
The appointment of Dortmund-PSG (Nyberg) was made before MD5, however Nyberg had a MD5 game, thus it is still possible that they swapped Nyberg. Like Matei stated, it could've been between Nyberg, Vincic and Soares Dias, who was observed by Vassaras in MD5. The latter is a very important observer within UEFA.
The same could apply to Kovacs: the Porto-Braga appointment has been made before MD5. The Romanian had a big MD5 game (Milan-Dortmund). I'm with Chefren here - they can assign flexible observers and after a good performance by Kovacs in MD5, they decided to swap him (perhaps with Oliver).
Just out of curiosity, how do we seem to know so sure which appointments (if any) have been appointed before Md5? Isn’t this just guessing?
Delete@Unknown 12:22:
DeleteIt's not a speculation. The MD6 observers were already released on uefa.com before MD5 (except for those 3 Italian clubs above), which indicates that the referees were assigned as well.
For the 3 Italian teams, no observer was released. Not even a 'flexible' one. Which means they were waiting for the MD5 results. A special treatment for the Italian teams I must say.
What would be the main reason to keep Vinčić away from PSG? Let's vote:
ReplyDeleteA) Meritocracy. His foul detection was below par and other referees (eg Nyberg) performed better
B) Indirect relationships (with PSG). He is a friend of Čeferin, who does not appear to be very neutral, by watching games with the PSG president
C) To keep him 'clean' for a potential UEFA Champions League final 2024. Comparable to Turpin's road to the final in 2022.
I don't think option C. Last season, UEFA's appointments were 100% on merit when Marciniak reached the final. And that is how it should be, otherwise referees can lose motivation. Should be A or B?
A strong reason should be, that he had PSG already on MD3. Yes, something similar happened with Gil Manzano, but this should remain a rare exception and whenever you find a suitable alternative, you should avoid such a repetition.
DeleteOption A is also possible, because Nyberg was quite strong. But without the previous PSG game, Vincic's experience and standing should have outweighed that.
BTW I think, that Napoli-Braga is not worse than Dortmund-PSG, because there both teams are directly battling for qualification to the next round.
Dortmund already qualified and needs a draw to end #1.
DeleteNapoli also needs at least a draw to qualify. It's comparable in some way... Actually, they send the highest ranked referees to the Italian teams. That would be a good conclusion? ;)
I think Dortmund-PSG is still a higher profile game on paper than Napoli-Braga tho :)
Dortmund - PSG sounds more as CL clash, with both teams having important history. But the first / second place is definitely not relevant there, committee doesn't think to that (one could say, they have clearly other problems...). So looking at the standings, Napoli game is definitely more important because also Portuguese team can qualify. It is hard for sure, but it is a step more than Dortmund - PSG.
DeleteAll in all, the better appointment for a very trusted referee would be Napoli, but PSG focus and all related to this team, makes the clash in Dortmund very hot as well.
So, Napoli-Braga could be very challenging on the pitch, whereas Dortmund-PSG is more challenging 'off' the pitch, is that a way describe it? Dortmund-PSG and group F in general will be the main spotlight of the media.
DeleteHowever, Dortmund-PSG could be very challenging as well. Dortmund would want to finish #1 in group (big advantage!) and they are not rolling out the red carpet for PSG, are they? They are a fair German club without oil money. PSG needs a win to keep things in own hands. It will be interesting for sure.
We now have 45 different referees in the CL GS, which equals the record of 2018/19, if I counted correctly.
ReplyDeleteIMO, the number is too high and it would be better to focus on a smaller squad, who then get more games per referee.
Yes Philippe 45 different referees in the group stage but I guess it could be considered positive since many times we complained abut the fact that Ref Comm doesn't have a wide pool of referees to be selected. The appointment of Nyberg and Eksas in a big match is a test for the next ones and to get the possibility to extend the list of the reliable ones over Orsato, Kovacs, Marciniak and Turpin.
ReplyDeleteSo 4 appointments for Orsato, Makkelie and Kovacs, while only two for Oliver: what's happened to the english ? On other hand no match for Sidiropolous and just one for Grinfeeld (but probably for logistic reason) and Jovanovic; the latter is really too much penalized.
8 years later, still no Croatian referees in UCL
ReplyDeleteAlso: No Bebek and no Kwiatkowski in CL, not even as AVAR. Will be interesting to see whether they get an appointment in UEL or UECL. If not, it would a be a clear sign that UEFA was not happy at all with their intervention leading to a handball penalty IMO.
ReplyDeleteBebek is at Club World Cup.
DeleteThe Polish is mostly assigned with Marciniak so even in case he is out, I think no big signal about the assessment, but let's see who will be VAR for Polish crews in both EL and ECL if appointed.
Ivan Bebek and Tomasz Kwiatkowski are both at the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023.
DeleteWell, that‘s a valid point 😂 Sorry then, did not think of FIFA CWC.
DeleteStill no Jovanovic in CL, what is happening?
ReplyDeleteAt this point I think it has nothing to do with the Ref Com but it is a personal problem of his.
DeleteSeems like Halil Umut Meler got attacked by some people who shouldn't be on the pitch after today's game... https://x.com/FootColic/status/1734288077911142457?s=20
ReplyDeleteAppearently it was Ankaragücü's president Faruk Koca who attacked him, anything less of a lifetime ban from football for him would be an absolute joke
DeleteAnother video of Ankaragücü president punching Meler:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO8LT0zZEKA
There's a mob who started kicking Meler when he was lying on the floor. I have no words. What the absolute f*ck.
https://twitter.com/nocontextfooty/status/1734294047081005092?t=wRT6aopq29yHXTLJJxOENe5Cne3Z9-au9pSTfaLsVy8&s=19
DeleteSad...
Lifetime ban, I agree, but not just for him. Look at the man in a beige coat on the right kicking Meler to the head while he was lying. That's a felony, aggravated assault, nothing less than that. Only a coward can do that, but a very vile and dangerous coward.
DeleteAs a police officer, I cannot help but wonder why there was no quicker and stronger reaction by the police in this terrible scene. In my country, if something like this happened, the field commander would be deemed responsible and most certainly penalised. From this video, I can identify some pretty big mistakes in security management.
Ok, now I see there were two kicks from two different persons, it's clearly visible in the video provided by Zwayerbrazil. Absolutely disgusting, I can't believe something like this can happen on the highest level. Terrible.
DeleteI'm shocked. Lifetime ban is not enough, he should go to jail.
DeleteTerrible ! The president is banned for a long time
DeleteDisgusting images. I hope Meler recovers quickly!
DeleteNo words. I‘m utterly shocked right now. Hopefully, strong actions will be taken. And it should be absolutely clear that no referee should be sent to a match of this team or even better to any match in this league to make a statement.
DeleteTerrible images. Hope he will overcome this difficult moment. Be strong!
DeleteThis is completely unacceptable. That "president", or rather, d**n coward, should be banned for life and all the people who hit Meler. I expect a sanction.
DeleteI hope Meler recovers soon.
Deletehttps://x.com/Darkwebhaber/status/1734320763858014488?s=20
DeleteImages after the attack. I am shock. What kind of brutality is this?
Absolutely insane, vile. Digusting act from the guy punching but especially the ones kicking Meler when he’s on the ground. Absolutely pathetic. Lifetime ban would be a service to them, they need jailtime.
DeleteHow do you think UEFA will react to this?
Deletehttps://www.marca.com/futbol/futbol-internacional/2023/12/11/65778103ca474185748b4574.html
DeleteMaybe it doesn't work, but there you see the moment of the punch in the face
I am speechless and ashamed. I can't believe what I saw. Unacceptable and should be punished. As first reports, Ministry of Justice started an investigation and president (!!!) of the club has been taken to court and probably will be jailed with two other coward. As last minute TFF President announced that all football leagues are postponed indefinitely.
DeleteApparently, the crowd cheered for the president after his punch against Meler which makes me even more speechless…
ReplyDeleteAnimals, what can I say :(
DeleteDo you think that it is possible that Halil Umut Meler was appointed on Thursday night in UEL? And now UEFA could be forced to make an emergency replacement? It is rather unlikely due to game on Monday and UCL MD5 but not impossible at all. Anyway, if you will see Bitigen and Ulusoy as VAR tomorrow consider this scenario.
ReplyDeleteTruly appalling scenes in Turkey. I wish Meler a speedy recovery and the perpetrators are dealt with in the harshest of terms
ReplyDeleteWhat was the reasons for the attack on Meler? What decisions did he take that infuriated the home team?
ReplyDeleteVideo highlights of the match.
DeleteHe gave two 2YCs, one for a reckless use of arm against home team and another one in injury time for visitors for a reckless/SPA after attempted advantage, earlier he cancelled a goal scored by home team after OFR due to missed handball in the APP.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeIZAdHz78c
TFF has announced that Turkish League has been indefinitely postponed after this evening's assault on Meler. Official statement on Twitter:
ReplyDelete"We strongly condemn the inhumane and despicable attack on the FIFA referee of the match, Halil Umut Meler, by self-aware criminals after the Super League match played between MKE ANKARAGÜCÜ and ÇAYKUR RİZESPOR on Monday, 11.12.2023. We are closely following Halil Umut Meler's health condition and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee.
Today, this vile attack was not only made against Halil Umut Meler. Today, this inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish football. Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime.
The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today. Anyone who constantly brings up some events that happened years ago as if they happened today is responsible for this ugliness.
In coordination with our State, all the criminal proceedings they deserve have begun to be implemented against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack. The responsible club, the club president, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.
By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.
With respect to the public's information,
TURKISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION"
That means that big derby that was scheduled for Christmas Eve will be postponed for some other time.
DeleteShame,cause that would have been football spectacle.
But some measures needed to be made and if TFF consider this right measure then I hope that this leads to something positive.
So now we have unique situation where neighbors and countries that have problems with fans are not playing any football-
Turkey and Greece.
According to Hürriyet, Meler wants to quit refereeing :(
ReplyDeletehttps://www.hurriyet.com.tr/sporarena/faruk-kocanin-saldirisi-sonrasi-halil-umut-meler-bu-is-bitti-benden-bu-kadar-42374588
Possibly this is an emotional reaction. Let's wait and see.
DeleteLast week I made 2 analysis-comments on this blog about Turkish Football. Some people said that I was a fanatic and made partisan comments. Even the owner of the blog said that he was disturbed by some of my statements. I am a fan of Altay, which is in the lower league, and I watch football for pleasure. I worked as a referee in amateur leagues for a while and now I am a medical doctor. I am trying to make objective comments here, I have no intention of hooliganism. Last week I said that Turkish football was getting worse and I gave various examples. What happened today proved how right I was. That is why I am not surprised at all.
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest offenders of what happened today is undoubtedly the president of Fenerbahçe. Because the club has not been champion for 10 years. He has been the president of the club for 5 years and he has no success. There is great pressure on him. He is one of the richest people in the country and he is the sponsor of many clubs (including Beşiktaş). That's why he is a very powerful figure in Turkey (only the President of Turkey is stronger than him). Fenerbahçe president threatened the TFF and referees last month. He wanted his fans to harass football/referee officials on sight (LINK-1). The Fenerbahçe president also targeted referees in the Izmir region, calling them a "gang". He said we will fight them and "root them out" (LINK-2). Halil Umut Meler is also a referee from the Izmir region. I know that such a coincidence would not even happen in the films. Despite all these statements by the Fenerbahçe president, last week the TFF gave a Fair-Play award to Fenerbahçe board (LINK-3). TFF even gave the president of Ankaragücü, who carried out the attack today, the fair-play president award last year (2022) (LINK-4). This is the situation here. It is a joke...
So, what will happen next? Looking at past examples, I think that those responsible will NOT receive serious punishments. Maybe some people will be given symbolic punishments to reassure the public. For example, last year a fan of the same team (Ankaragücü) attacked Beşiktaş players on the pitch (LINK-5). They were only banned for 1 match without fans. Another example is that Fenerbahçe received heavy punishments from UEFA, FIFA and CAS for match-fixing. Even the current president of Fenerbahçe was in the Fenerbahçe executive at the time. But the TFF did not punish Fenerbahçe and its executives for match-fixing (LINK-6). Even these two simple examples are enough to prove that symbolic punishments can be given for current events. Maybe the TFF could increase the punishments slightly in order not to jeopardize the "UEFA2032" organization.
In Turkish football, such incidents only occur under poor TFF presidents. The current TFF president is the weakest and most passive in recent times. Only if the President of Turkey takes the matter into his own hands can these things be solved. We can understand this by the sacking of the TFF president. But since Turkiye is in a war zone (Ukraine-Russia; Syria; Palestine-Israel), I don't think the President will be interested in football. Turkish football does NOT have too many problems. It just needs a strong TFF president. If a strong TFF president comes, Turkish teams can play finals in Europe again, Turkish National Team can play semi-finals in the World Cup and European Championship again and we can have at least 2 Elite and 3 first category referees again in a short time.
LINKS:
LINK-1: https://streamable.com/q6c1w3
LINK-2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB83VzpqD78&t=40s
LINK-3: https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=285&ftxtID=42776
LINK-4: https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=285&ftxtID=39327
LINK-5: https://streamable.com/br4ubc
LINK-6: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/futbolda-sike-davasi-aziz-yildirim-ve-diger-saniklar-beraat-etti-528704.html
It is all about FAIR PLAY.
DeleteLINK-1: https://streamable.com/q6c1w3
DeleteLINK-2: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB83VzpqD78&t=40s
LINK-3: https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=285&ftxtID=42776
LINK-4: https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=285&ftxtID=39327
LINK-5: https://streamable.com/br4ubc
LINK-6: https://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/futbolda-sike-davasi-aziz-yildirim-ve-diger-saniklar-beraat-etti-528704.html
Do you think there will be a minute's silence or something like that for Meler?
ReplyDeleteYou don't hold minutes of silence for someone who is not dead, so obviously not that. I don't think there will be anything tbh, but if there is something it will probably just be a banner with #NoToViolence or something
DeleteHalil umut meler in the hospital with the Interior Minister
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/AliYerlikaya/status/1734504925281845260?t=ccM7yRJR6vPDa7rF7x5Q1w&s=19
Sadly, I am not surprised by this shocking incident in Ankara. I noticed a growing resent sentiment globally towards referees, which can be explained by the huge number of refereeing mistakes even after VAR was introduced, lack of proper sanctions and inexistent or poor communication from Heads of Refereeing. Let's remember the situation in Greece a week ago, situation in Cyprus with refs receiving death threats, Anthony Taylor vs Roma fans after his European final, and examples can continue.
ReplyDeleteThere are however some actions that could be taken, to reduce the risk of these incidents to happen again and again:
1. Ref mistakes to be sanctioned much more drastically.
--- today, if a ref makes a crucial mistake, he might be suspended for a couple of rounds, but still get one or two games as a 4th official or VAR, then in no time he's back on pitch.
--- this soft approach doesn't punish them enough in my opinion. Refs should be held much more accountable for their errors, so in addition to these suspensions, financial sanctions could be imposed:
--- 1 crucial mistake = -20% from their fee
--- 2 crucial mistakes = 40% from their fee
--- and so on, you get the idea. This would only increase the quality of refereeing, as the ref's will be much more vigilant and correct knowing any mistake will affect them where it hurts the most, which is in their pockets.
2. Better communication from national / association Heads of Refereeing
--- Press conferences in which referees performances are publicly and transparently assessed by their bosses would be a huge step forward. People want to see this, they want to know & understand how a specific decision was assessed. Currently we always to guess, by checking the appointments to deduce if a certain ref was suspended or not.
It is in our human nature to feel the urge to take the matter in our own hands, when we are robbed, cheated or disadvantaged and know that the culprits will most likely get away with it. So unless the decision makers take more drastic decisions to punish referee mistakes and communicate much more openly with the public, I feel that similar or worse incidents will continue to happen.
1) you forgot public whipping, every 7.9 should be 10 public whippings.
DeleteMy God...
You're crazy? And when a player misses a penalty, what then? The problem is that there are people who believe that only referees fail. Surely you have never been a referee, otherwise it is incomprehensible that you say that. I agree that there is a lot to improve, but this atmosphere of tension is not the fault of the referees.
DeleteYes, surely punishing referees will improve their performance. Do you still live in medieval times?
DeleteVery shocking post, since it is an opinion, I will not delete it, but please realize that in other words you are justifying what has happened due to referee's performances and then you say that your conclusions would be enough to avoid such happenings! That's unbelievable, if you ask me.
DeleteWhat a comment....I'm sure you also loose a certain percentage of your income, whenever you make a mistake right?
DeleteWhat kind of post is this?! Would you feel emotionally stable that each decision you take could lead to you losing your income, every single time? How would you feel going to work in that type of environment? Come on, that’s all I can say, jeez..
DeleteIn HR management, it is imperative to clearly differentiate between work-related errors that happen because humans aren't machines and those errors that happen because of clear negligence and/or abuse of authority.
DeleteTo regard every refereeing error as a neglect of duty shows, sorry to use such words, a complete lack of understanding about refereeing in general, but also about HR management. All referees are human. This sentence should be explanation enough, however let me emphasise what it means: all referees will make an error. Some of them more, some less; somebody will make it in a recreational match, while somebody else will fail in a WC final. That's life, nothing more, nothing less. Sanctioning every error in such a blatant way would only create an environment of fear and animosity, but believe me, errors would still be happening. And for all those fans who feel mistreated because referees don't get sanctioned after every single mistake: please try applying the same logic to your everyday jobs.
However, to clarify some of my statements, I do not support the idea that referees shouldn't be sanctioned at all. Of course they should be: when they make an error as a result of clear negligence, like in any other job. Believe me, if I punched a suspect in the stomach while he lies down handcuffed, I would certainly get a suspension, but not in case this same suspect knocks me down and flees. I've made a serious error in both cases, however it's negligence and abuse of authority that get sanctioned, not a human mistake resulting from a lack of concentration, fatigue or a momentary mental blackout, which happen to virtually everyone. The same should apply to refereeing: negligence and abuse of authority should be severely punished and, of course, if a referee makes continuous mistakes over a period of time, he needs to be suspended. However, single errors or single bad matches should be used as a learning tool, a way to make a referee better, because there is no better way to learn than from your own mistakes. That is how we grow.
Sorry for the long post, but I feel that certain opinions deserve a certain type of answer. It's the prevalence of such opinions among the general public that is, in my opinion, one of the reasons behind the atmosphere of fear that referees on lower levels of the game currently work in. And this atmosphere of fear is one of the main reasons behind the current lack of new refereeing cadre across Europe, at least for me.
The only adjective I could associate with this idea is stupid. If a referee does not perform well he is punished by not receiving other game(s) for 1-2-3-... weeks. Paying a fee for "mistakes" (who decide what is a mistake, the fans?) is unacceptable.
DeleteThose who think that Gozubuyuk is a replacement, who did he replace? I think an appointment in UCL for the Dutch was expected. As VAR we have a German and a Swiss, but already Siebert, Stieler, Zwayer and Scharer appear on Tuesday in UCL. They sent the Dutch VARs in Group F for Makkelie and Nyberg(who I think was almost every time paired with Dutch VARs). And they considered Gozubuyuk can work with someone else this time. I tend to think this was the plan from the beggining and no replacement took place.
ReplyDeleteGozubuyuk already had match with German VAR on matchday 4
DeleteNot a good start for Lithuanian team. Fairly simple offside against Sesko not given on field
ReplyDelete6' Evident offside missed by AR1 in Leipzig, VAR intervention to disallow a goal.
ReplyDelete*AR2 ;)
DeleteSorry!
DeleteBig mistake from Aghayev in Belgrade. He whistled foul in 55' for City on 18 meters from their goal, but there was no foul whatsoever. It would be clear goal scoring opportunity for Crvena Zvezda. Few minutes later City scored second goal.
ReplyDelete84': penalty for holding whistled by Aghayev to Manchester City.
ReplyDeleteThe decision is at least supportable. Live, it looked a very clear holding, replay shows some doubts about the real intensity, for sure attacker exaggerated it to get the whistle, but I think you can't blame referee. Never VAR stuff, but with video footage surely less evident than in real pace.
Not the best kit colour contrast in Newcastle. Everyone on the pitch has darker shorts than shirts. And for the referee, every other colour would have been better than blue, I think.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same, black with fluorescent yellow tights would have been better :)
DeleteCouldn't agree more. Yellow would provide the most contrast, even though one keeper wore it.
DeleteYC lost 27' Makkelie
ReplyDeleteWell, terrible management in Porto, AR1 shouldn't have raised the flag so early, but surely players shouldn't have stopped to play until the whistle.
ReplyDeletehttps://streamin.me/v/f416648b
DeleteIf AR is sure about offside and he thinks not a promising attack is holding, referee should then follow him. These situations in which AR raises the flag but referee decides to play must be avoided.
Having said that, once checked that it wasn't offside, refereed was right in overruling this flag, but players must always continue until a whistle.
The players involved didn't really stop playing. They are just trying to find excuses. Would have been a goal either way.
DeleteAlso not ideal, that Kovacs already raised his arm (which could mean an indirect free kick).
DeleteBut yes, bad teamwork, bad by AR1 to raise his flag wrongly, but good by Kovacs to allow play to continue and then the goal after VAR review.
And of course, the players may only stop playing at the whistle.
Penalty in Glasgow. Certainly soft but there is an arm briefly around the neck so despite the minimal pull its a supportable decision
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Although I think it’s very good refereeing. Clearly warned both players before the corner was taken. Strong action taken
DeleteToo soft IMO. Nothing for VAR, but better not to give it. One could even argue, that the attacker pushed first.
DeleteUuuh how to explain this offside missed by Zeinstra in Madrid?
ReplyDeleteAttacker in contact with keeper and exactly in front of him on the shot by teammate!
Very strange NO FLAG by the top class AR and then OFR.
Goal disallowed after OFR in Madrid by Gozubuyuk for an offside, clear interference on GK by ATM.
ReplyDeletehttps://dubz.co/v/s7v48k
DeleteEven if the AR wasn't sure, the team on the field should be able to figure this out without the help by VAR.
DeleteVery good first half for Makkelie. 2 correct YC’s - for Leao either persistent fouling or illegal use of arm acceptable reason
ReplyDeleteAnd an excellent Yc for the Milanese goalkeeper for a foolish dissent after having won a free kick in favor(!)
DeleteIt is excellent to see that both games of group F are under control so far, when the first halves have ended. We are talking maybe about one of the most challenging CL groups ever.
DeleteMakkelie always with this kind of game, very crucial with Italian teams, while Nyberg, we must say, with the big exam in Dortmund. Let' see how they will continue in second half.
Suprisingly calm but still interesting 1st half for Nyberg in Dortmund.
ReplyDeleteVery talkative approach from the beginning with good (but not faultless) foul detection. Very well accepted by both teams. He had a couple of chances to give a first yellow, but decided not to. (Nothing mandatory so absolutley fine, but shows his general confidence in such a game).
But then penalty appeal by PSG in 45´, Nybergs first reaction was to whistle a dive, but he stayed silent and allowed Dortmund counter attack that ended in a mandatory YC for Marquinhos.
After the half-time whistle some rather serious protest by Donnaruma and Marquinhos.
OT: media report that Halil Umut Meler has decided to quit refereeing. I don't know if it's true, but already several media announce it.
ReplyDeleteI also don't know, but I read some news today somewhere, that he will continue and go to EURO 2024.
DeleteI hope what you say is true.
DeleteTFF president denied it, saying he's confident Meler won't quit because he's a EURO 2024 candidate. But when he was asked personally by the media after he was discharged from hospital and returned home in Izmir he said the only thing is thinking on right now is on spending time with his family (his wife gave birth last week)
DeleteTFF president said today that he had spoken to Rosetti about Halil Umut Meler at the EURO2024 draw. He stated that Rosetti was positive about Halil Umut Meler's presence at the EURO2024 championship.
DeleteRosetti was advisor to the TFF Central Referee Board before becoming president of the UEFA Referee Committee. Therefore, he knows the referees in Turkey very well.
Regarding some of the penalties, which we assess as "soft". I wonder, whether UEFA actually agrees with that and maybe collects those situations to talk about at the winter course - with the target to get less of those soft penalties in the KO stage.
ReplyDeleteOr is https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN2E113H/ not valid anymore?
Zerrouki very fortunate not to see a 2nd YC against Celtic
ReplyDeleteOFR in Antwerp - Barcelona, wrong RC for SFP shown by Guida, I think correct by VAR to intervene, no more than YC, step on foot.
ReplyDeleteYes, good VAR intervention, RC would have been clearly too harsh (he also touches the ball before, if you like that as an argument...)
DeleteAnother missed 2nd YC from Bastien. Both potential 2nd YC were stamps on top of the foot.
ReplyDeleteFirst half yellow went to the Celtic right back for the same thing...
DeleteThe offside by PSG could have been detected live by AR1, I think, but not very big mistake I would say.
ReplyDeleteI would not assess it as a big mistake, could've been spotted but not a super big deal, didn't impact the game either.
DeleteUEFA can be very very happy with the Group F referees tonight. No controversial incidents and a big joy (!) to watch.
ReplyDeleteNyberg and his great talkative/managing style. He’s everywhere.
Makkelie with his flow-based approach. He looks so much better than post- World Cup (fitness and confidence). Excellent onside decisions by AR2 in Newcastle as well.
The ridiculous handball PK by Marciniak turned out the be decisive. Newcastle have all the right to complain about that
Yep,but noone will talk about it cause it didnt happen against PSG.
DeleteNeither will Newcastle's owner go to the locker room where refs are and attack them.
So life is good . 😉
I watched the PSG game and have to agree with you fully, Nyberg is excellent with his talkative approach and seems like he has absolute control of the game at every single moment. Foul detection was good, movement good and his management amazing, no controversial incidents and a great team performance.
DeleteOf course he can be considered lucky to have the results of the other game go in favor of PSG, but either way a very good game by Nyberg tonight.
@ M: Lol. And Milan won tonight, so Italian media can be happy as well ;)
DeleteJoking aside, two debatable/wrong handball calls “in favor” of PSG this groupstage is worrying me. Even more when it has no consequences for the referees.
After watching Nyberg's game, I can agree with you fully: excellent management from him tonight, with a very talkative and friendly style which enables him to reach players in a very polite way. It ensured full control over this game. I do wonder will such a style be optimal for some hotter clashes and how much Nyberg can adapt, but I feel he is ready for such games as well. This was a huge test already.
DeleteHaving said that, definitely not faultless foul detection, with 1-2 missed fouls by Škriniar on Füllkrug being the most notable errors as they made the player and the crowd somewhat nervous, but definitely nothing major arose from it and we can still talk about a fair/good level of foul detection, with all mandatory cautions correctly given IMO. Add to that his excellent management skills and elegant/efficient movement on the FoP and we can certainly talk about a good performance tonight.
What can I say! A Masterclass of Makkelie tonight in Newcastle or again masterclass of Makkelie. Strong performance, great personality and communication. It was a pleasure to watch him managing this important match. During top-level matches this year he’s the man to watch!!!
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard to believe that Nyberg has refereed just 6 Champions League games so far. He looks so present and in control on the pitch that I already find him better than some referees with 20+ UCL games.
ReplyDeleteThe normal road will probably be a R16 first leg now. His managing style can potentially work very well with teams like Atlético and Italian teams, but for a first knock-out game... Maybe they won’t risk that. Most referees get fair teams in their first R16 game. Curious what will be his next exam. Is it too early for a WC play-off game?
Makkelie is close to his 2020-2022 top form. Italian teams and Newcastle are not easy to manage. Also domestically, he is having an excellent ‘quiet’ season so far. They are in a great flow it seems. Important to mention that he’s working with a different VAR this season. Good decision, great teamwork.
For Nyberg it feels like they already put him on a massive test today. Anything big doesn’t feel ”too early” at this point considering they literally put him on a game where a top elite was expected. I predict big games for him in the near future.
DeleteYes, I considered the same thing. In soft skills, Nyberg appears to be a Top Elite already.
DeleteOn the other hand, as a 1st year Elite, he still needs to gain experience at the highest level and make the 'rookie' mistakes.
Just look at the bad teamwork by Kovacs' team. This was the main point of discussion after 45 min by my local broadcaster (and I'm not Portuguese :)). Kovacs is a referee with 20 games in UEFA Champions League and made a rookie mistake.
How about Nyberg? He's clearly not Siebert. But shouldn't they give him the opportunity to make bad choices/mistakes in lower profile games. If he makes them at highest level, it will immediately have major consequences.
Yes, a R16 first leg seems logical for Nyberg now. Could be even a big one, given the top clashes, he handled in group stage.
DeleteEven a QF seems possible, if R16 goes well.
EURO PO also not impossible, but there I would go for more experience.
Makkelie could be back in the pole position for the final, maybe he gets the "easy R16 and then final" treatment this time.
DeleteI see 3 candidates:
Taylor – 32 UCL games (5 knock-out games)
Makkelie – 45 UCL games (13 knock-outs, 2 semi-finals)
Vincic – 28 UCL games (6 knock-out games)
All three have done the Europa League final.
Taylor – obviously has the Big-5 experience. Is dependent on Man City/Arsenal. And probably difficult to see him with an Italian team.
Makkelie – if you can manage NEW-MIL without big issues, he can referee anything imo. Makkelie in top form is on his best in challenging contexts. I don’t see a too easy road to the final for him. He must continue to show good form. However, after the events in 2022, a more sensible (less sacrificial) appointment strategy would be fairplay to Makkelie.
Vincic – Is also a very trusted referee. He still has to prove it in a very challenging games though, with a tight scoreline. I can't remember a game where he really amazed me (in the good way). But he will get chances in 2024 to do so.
So, it's still a quite open race I think. The appointment strategy will be crucial.
Taylor on currrent form should be no near a european final
DeleteOverall I would say another positive day (the last one of group stage) for CL referees.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, excellent management in group F, and thi was maybe the most important thing for committee. Particular that hey appoint Nyberg at this point, when maybe assigning him before to that group, would have meant less pressure and "risk". But still, he showed he deserved all trust and I agree with the comments above.
Very good also by Makkelie in Newcastle - Milan, ended without any controversy.
About the rest of the games, we saw more controversial situations than yesterday, but still nothing extra-ordinary.
A better management in Porto was possible regarding the offside, then to be reported the wrong RC in Antwerp - Barcelona by Guida, but as long as final decision is then the correct one, it's still understandable.
Offside goal in Madrid should have definitely seen live by either referee or AR1. I'm very, very surprised they needed OFR here.
I liked the penalty called by Bastien in Glasgow, but be sure that not all referees would have done that, this is exactly his style...
It is commendable that Refco chose Orsato and Makkelie for MD6, assigning them to the two most crucial matches under extreme pressure. Given the scrutiny following the controversial penalty for PSG and the ensuing anger in England, Refco couldn’t afford further criticism. Both Orsato in Copenhagen and Makkelie in Newcastle demonstrated themselves as strong and reliable referees, consistently dependable when extinguishing fires of contention.
ReplyDeleteFascinating appointment startegy in Group F:
ReplyDeleteAC Milan - Newcastle: José María Sánchez (ESP)
PSG - Borussia Dortmund: Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP)
***
Newcastle - PSG: István Kovács (ROU)
Borussia Dortmund - AC Milan: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
***
Newcastle - Borussia Dortmund: Artur Dias (POR)
PSG - AC Milan: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
***
Borussia Dortmund – Newcastle: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (ESP)
AC Milan - PSG: Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP)
***
PSG - Newcastle United: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
AC Milan - Borussia Dortmund: István Kovács (ROU)
***
Newcastle United - AC Milan: Danny Makkelie (NED)
Borussia Dortmund - PSG: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)
***
I guess, MD2 and MD5 were planned in advance, given the fact that Marciniak wouldn't be available in MD6. Spaniards were restricted (just 3 groups available), so MD1 was a logical choice as it allows UEFA to repeat them in later stages. Gil Manzano with PSG again was a bad management though. And Hernandez' name came out of nowhere :)
I assumed, Artur Dias was also in the mix for a MD6 appointment (observed by Vassaras in MD5). And maybe Vincic as well. Sensible management by the Refcom to test Nyberg, Dias and Makkelie in a MD5 game.
So a good night for the referees, not so mich for the ARs. Two serious unexpected mistakes from the very expereienced Zeinstra and Marinescu plus the missed offsides in Dortmund and Leipzig, both of them should have been seen on the pitch. This makes 7,9 at most for all of them. Lack of concentration or simply this things happen from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI have a question. Yesterday I saw Benoit Bastien at Feyenoord - Celtic. Honestly: I wasn't impressed. Without making any major mistakes, I found his performance unconvincing. I thought his appearance was downright weak: little emotion and never a smile on his face. It seemed like he wasn't having a good time. Is that typical Bastien or did it have to do with this match.
ReplyDeleteJudging from this performance, I was wondering why he is an Elite.
After seeing the clip added by Chefren: To be honest, I find the disallowed goal more attributable to Gozubuyuk. He has the best view of the impact the offside player has on the goalkeeper. Zeinstra may have indicated that the player was offside, but it is up to Gozubuyuk to assess the influence. So, in this case, either both receive a 7.9 or only Gozubuyuk should be rated.
ReplyDeleteArea of development for Gözübüyük: being alert to Law11 offences as the referee. The same happened in Spain vs. Scotland; both incidents should have been solved correctly by ref/ar on the pitch imo.
Delete