4 November 2025
18:45 CET - Naples (Stadio Diego Armando Maradona)
SSC NAPOLI (ITA) - EINTRACHT FRANKFURT (GER)
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: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: André Filipe Domingues da Silva Narciso POR
UEFA Referee Observer: David Fernández Borbalán ESP
UEFA Delegate: Scott Struthers SCO
18:45 CET - Prague (Fortuna Arena)
SK SLAVIA PRAHA (CZE) - ARSENAL FC (ENG)
Referee: Əliyar Ağayev AZE
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov AZE
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Əmirəli AZE
Fourth Official: Elçin Məsiyev AZE
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Lucílio Cardoso Cortez Batista POR
UEFA Delegate: Attila Tömő HUN
21:00 CET - Paris (Parc des Princes)
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (FRA) - FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER)
Referee: Maurizio Mariani ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Stefano Alassio ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Tegoni ITA
Fourth Official: Matteo Marcenaro ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Šajn SVN
UEFA Delegate: Eugène Westerink NED
21:00 CET - Liverpool (Anfield)
LIVERPOOL FC (ENG) - REAL MADRID CF (ESP)
Referee: Istvan Kovacs ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marius Marica ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi ROU
Fourth Official: Marcel Bîrsan ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Viktor Kassai HUN
UEFA Delegate: Thibault De Gendt BEL
21:00 CET - Madrid (Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano)
CLUB ATLÉTICO DE MADRID (ESP) - ROYALE UNION SAINT-GILLOISE (BEL)
Referee: Espen Andreas Eskås NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Skjeseth Bashevkin NOR
Fourth Official: Sigurd Smehus Kringstad NOR
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Drago Kos SVN
UEFA Delegate: Paolo Rondelli SMR
21:00 CET - Turin (Allianz Stadium)
JUVENTUS (ITA) - SPORTING CP (POR)
Referee: Daniel Siebert GER
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Seidel GER
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn GER
Fourth Official: Timo Gerach GER
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: David Malcolm NIR
UEFA Delegate: Jonathan Leese ENG
21:00 CET - London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC (ENG) - FC KØBENHAVN (DEN)
Referee: Erik Lambrechts BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Jo De Weirdt BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Kevin Monteny BEL
Fourth Official: Nathan Verboomen BEL
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ángelos Evangélou GRE
UEFA Referee Observer: Carlos Velasco Carballo ESP
UEFA Delegate: Jiří Novák CZE
21:00 CET - Piraeus (Stadio Geórgios Karaïskákis)
OLYMBIAKÓS SFP (GRE) - PSV EINDHOVEN (NED)
Referee: Clément Turpin FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pagès FRA
Fourth Official: Ruddy Buquet FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Rainville FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Levan Paniashvili GEO
UEFA Delegate: Per Svärd SWE
21:00 CET - Bodø (Aspmyra Stadion)
FK BODØ/GLIMT (NOR) - AS MONACO FC (FRA)
Referee: Damian Sylwestrzak POL
Assistant Referee 1: Paweł Sokolnicki POL
Assistant Referee 2: Adam Karasewicz POL
Fourth Official: Marcin Kochanek POL
Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Juan Antonio Fernández Marín ESP
UEFA Delegate: Virgar Hvidbro FRO
I am very curious to see whether the Austrian media Laola1 was correct in reporting last week that Sebastian Gishamer will referee Qarabag vs. Chelsea on matchday 4. There are rumors that this information was already published about 14 days ago by the Head of the Austrian Refereeing Department. Here is the link to the entire article (unfortunately only available in German): https://www.laola1.at/de/red/fussball/bundesliga/hintergrund/exklusiv--ein-oesterreicher-pfeift-wieder-in-der-champions-league/?appview
ReplyDeleteTurpin for OLY-PSV
ReplyDeleteSylwestrzak for BOD-MON
Mostly normal, expectable appointments.
ReplyDeleteJust the games for Eskas and Turpin seem a bit underwhelming.
Mariani was the most logical choice in Paris given the committee observation.
Lambrechts apparently is a promotion candidate observed by Velasco.
Kovacs observed by an Hungarian seems to be no issue for UEFA - and he is a reasonable choice for that top game.
Hard to find a game for Taylor now...
Mr Philip I think five of your prediction was right so can you predict games of tomorrow ?
DeleteMr Philip I think five of your prediction was right so can you predict games of tomorrow ?
DeleteQarabag-Chelsea: Lindhout
DeletePafos-Villareal: Fesnic
Inter-Almaty: Walsh
ManCity-Dortmund: Peljto
Brugge-Barcelona: Taylor
Benfica-Leverkusen: Jovanovic
Marseille-Atalanta: Grinfeeld
Ajax-Galatasaray: Sozza
Newcastle-Bilbao: Kruzliak
Do you think luis godinho will get match ?
DeleteFor a closely contested match between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, I would consider a more established player lately in this stage of the league. Nyberg or Schärer (if he's recovered from his injury). Peljto has had a confusing debut in Madrid with questionable performances. I would consider the Bosnian in another, less important match, like Amsterdam, Istanbul, or Lisbon.
DeleteYes, I would have liked Turpin there...
DeleteHowever it seems unlikely to have a referee from MD3 again, so the options are limited.
So, it will be Mariani in Paris with committee member. As said, he is not coming from a good performance, but they have removed the assistant referee involved in the wrong call. A game to understand more about the Italian, with the Slovenian committee member, and once again you can see an Italian referee with PSG (after several times involving Guida and Massa). Not a case, for me.
ReplyDeleteTo follow, important exam in London for Lambrechts and indeed given this appointment with Velasco Carballo, we can say now he is observed for a possible promotion. Will he succeed? Honestly I think he wasn't given too many games in recent times if compared to other referees, one needs more elements to come to a final judgment.
We will see on Tuesday, it doesn't look like a potentially hot game in UK, but maybe there will be the opportunity to understand more.
Good second appearance in Champions League for Sylwestrzak after his debut, while every now and then it's also Aghayev turn and he will officiate the game in Prague. Still very unknown about his real reputation by committee, when about national teams involved, he always gets low profile games, could be tested for something more.
Eskas back in Champions after an Europa League appearance, I don't think the one in Madrid will be challenging, but all is possible.
Classic appointment for Kovacs with a big game in Liverpool, and you see always Dankert as UEFA VAR first choice. For me, the game at Anfield is more challenging than PSG - Bayern because a Spanish side is involved and we know how much this is different.
Pinheiro in Naples, back from Chile, and I think tomorrow we will see at least Peljto. Siebert in Turin after the game in Eindhoven, it seems as committee accepted the sending off and that's good because the strict approch, we know, has led very often to controversy and committee wanted always to avoid... Normal assignmen tfor Turpin in Greece, it could be a very challenging game.
3rd round in a row Inter get rejected penalty,this time it was small contact that many would not whistled it,but still, trend continues.
ReplyDeleteThis time it was Doveri with his lenient approach through the whole match.
The controversy will be in Bisseck’s foul which is a DOGSO.
DeleteThey keep appointment the “best” local referees to make up for Mariani mistake only for them to do other controversies(Sozza before, now Doveri)
By covering you mean sending lenient and trusted refs that fully describes Sozza and far better Doveri.
DeleteWhen we remember that nearly decade ago we had in that league Rizzoli, Orsato,Rocchi..All trusted refs that were not afraid to take a decision and to not to be lenient.
And about Bisseck,I think acceptable that VAR did not intervene,ball was away and there was a chance that other Inter player would have been there.
DeleteThird Inter match and third controversy in a row, as this time Doveri whistled a YC to Bisseck that should imo have been a DOGSO RC.
ReplyDeleteYep,there was also that,also towards the end there was penalty shout for foul on Esposito.
DeleteBig discussions about YC to Bisseck but for me it's supportable if not correct choice. Still, we have a rather grey area when about SPA or DOGSO, but the direction of the action could give the confirmation about referee's decision. Doveri, as always, very reluctant when a RC must be issued, and that's something he can't change. Rather long moment of confrontation with AR1 and then final assesment: SPA.
DeleteAs for the rest, one can agree with no penalty decision. Would have been definitely too soft. But overall, Doveri is not referee of sudden and big decisions and that's why I don't like him at all, it's something like anti-refereeing approach when it is frequently applied.
DOGSO on a contested ball more than 50 metres away from the goal line? I'm not sure it was as clear-cut a red card as you think.
DeleteWould like the link to the video. Would say 65/35 DOGSO.
DeleteSiebert again with an Italian team this time he gets also Portuguese side,so in terms of temper,both teams can be the same so interesting to see how he will manage game with his strict approach.
ReplyDeleteA very challenging game for Nick Walsh so far between Celtic and Rangers in the league cup semi final. Red card for SFP, multiple YCs. Its been very well handled, the only major question is whether Celtic should have had a RC before HT as well
ReplyDeleteHas been one of the most challenging games to officiate in Scotland in a long time. At least 4/5 KMI's to assess. The penalty on 80' is the one that I am most uncertain of.
Delete120 minutes, 9 YC's, 1 RC, 5 KMI's and a PK. A Very eventful afternoon for Walsh in Glasgow and he handled it almost perfectly. The concentration and focus required throughout was high and he handled the game very well.All 3 KMI's in the first half were correctly assessed including the RC. The penalty on 80' is supportable but personally I would not have called it and if it is being called then I would have supported a 2nd YC. Overall if Walsh has a game on Wednesday then this is ideal preparation for the CL environment.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/GrtJl_uuakI?si=XP4t3OMaY-Aho3kg
DeleteFor anyone interested in watching the highlights. Red card starts at 2:40, and the penalty starts at 4:25.
Very good spot with the red card. And I will always be a fan of penalizing the handball in such cases when a player throws himself just to block a pass/shot. I even think it should be written down in the LotG to make the handball law more clear.
DeleteAgree, the red card is a good decision and well handled. Similarly with the handball penalty.
DeleteBut a big miss to only show yellow card. Quite clearly an action that endangers the safety of the goalkeeper. I can understand Walsh didn't see the movement of the attackers leg properly but hard to explain no VAR intervention here
https://streambug.org/cv/560dd8
It's split opinion amongst me and my friends, watching the game as a neutral with no ties to either side I can see both sides. For me it's certainly in the reckless category and a YC is an absolute minimum and I would support a RC for SFP but I do also think that possible lower lack of intensity and palyer reaction compared to the RC may have swayed Walsh into a YC. VAR not getting involved is certainly a strange one, especially given in the first semi final on Saturday there was frankly a nonsense VAR intervention which Robertson correctly stuck with his decision.
DeleteVery interesting incidents!
DeleteExcellent red card. About handball I agree with you, basically it would be a grey area, at referee's discretion to assess whether defender made that just to block ball, with arms, not wrking as support, increasing body's volume. I think for British culture, less penalty than other countries, so maybe for this reason the Scottish is criticized, but you can't say this was a mistake. Nevertheless, people can have different ideas. For me OK with penalty, we could maybe say strict decision, but it must be accepted.
Possible red card for late challenge on keeper, I can understand VAR point of view. Keeper is always looking as more "endagered" player because he is very often with head close to ground, so one must also think about that. The attacker should have refrain, but I don't see here a very malicious action, I would accept YC and I don't think RC was mandatory.
Hello readers of this blog. Could anyone provide a projected list of referees for the 2026 World Cup?
ReplyDeleteThe predictions have been made throughout these weeks (I think you can find several in the section of the Arab Cup and in the Mariani assigned to the U20 final).
DeleteOne could assume that the list would come out in March (if we use the same dates as Russia) and, apart from the Arab Cup, there is no other FIFA tournament to "test" candidates... So I think the list should be at the end of December.
Well, the last test for candidates could be the WC play-offs in March.
DeleteIt probably wouldn't be wise to publish a list before, because things can go quite wrong in those games as we know.
For 2018, the play-offs were in November and we had a 36 referee shortlist (which nearly was the final list) quickly afterwards.
For the 2022 tournament they were published in May and for the female tournament in 2023 they were published in January, so around six months before the respective tournament and also before the last play-off games. If the same were to happen this time, they would be published in December, however I do think FIFA might need one or two weeks after the Arab Cup, which finishes on 18 December, to evaluate. I would expect them in early January.
DeleteThank you for your answers, so we have to wait a little longer
DeleteVery early for this.
ReplyDeleteI have a question If some answer it's good I noticed in the last two season which spanish and Portugal does not officiate the game of each country I dont the reason until if the reason venue subscriber world cup 2030 also italy and Turkey venue euro 2028 how ever we see turkey referees and italy referees officiate game of each country
ReplyDeleteKovacs for Liverpool vs Real Madrid?!!! For such important emotional game, he brings nothing but yellow and red cards and create a mess.
ReplyDeletein which univers you saw that? Do you know that Kovacs had a Champions League final or not? And he was at Liverpool -PSG, City vs Real. I think you are a Kovacs hater.
Deletenonsense, Kovacs is a good referee, very fit to referee this type of games.
DeleteWake up and smell the coffee! Just to give you an example, he screwed up such a key and significant game in Euro 2024 (Turkey vs Czech Republic) setting a RECORD for most cards issued in a single European Championship match. His game management is using cards and making a beautiful match a total mess-- rather than having a PRESENCE and INTELLIGENCE how to go about it. That is his history. Do your homework FIRST before responding to a post!
DeleteAre you a clairvoyant, a Kovacs hater, or something? Let's wait for the game and then see how it went.
ReplyDelete🤣
DeleteScottKC, you should calm down a bit.
DeleteYou are presenting your opinion as the universal truth, inviting others to feel ashamed for having their own, it seems to me a very pathetic way of behaving. Thank you.
And before all the rest, once again I must repeat, how it is possible to talk before a game, even if you don't like the referee, just wait for the performance! You are talking about one of the most successful UEFA Elite referees. There should be a reason for that!
@ScottKC Such a disrespectful comment is rarely to see at this site. You doubled it, at least we know about your ability to use CTRL C - CTRL V keys. Try more respect next time responding to a post.
DeleteKovács in CZE - TUR was really bad but if this was a rule and not an exception then he couldn't have confidence of RefCom. Probably he has it.
Scot is clearly overwhelmed and unaware that Kovacs has already successfully officiated a Champions League final. He performed poorly in the Czech Republic-Turkey match, but I can't list all the games he has successfully officiated.
Delete@Chefren You are the pathetic one Chefren. Why? 1) First you say "..inviting others to feel ashamed" and then you call me pathetic. 2) You telling me "you are presenting your opinion as the universal truth" and then you, yourself express your opinion as the universal truth , this time under " one of the most successful UEFA Elite referees. There should be a reason for that!". Basically you are saying "I watch what the opinions of others are. I have no opinions of mine and I follow them like a sheep following a shepherd." Now, that is truly pathetic! Next time, learn to speak your own mind.
Delete@Hans 1, I watch the same things you watch my friend. Perhaps (not sure), your mind goes through the opinion of "Ref committee" first and "there must be a valid reason for his selection". Are you denying the corruption that has permeated every cell of FIFA? Been watching football since 1966 when there was a different boss in charge (Sir Stanley Rous), followed by Jaao Havelange in 1974, Sepp Blatter and finally the clown Gianni Infantino. From something decent 59 years ago (far from perfect, yes I acknowledge) it has become worse to the point that the entire world now can smell the super stinky corruption of FIFA-- including anything has to do with the referees. Cheers, Scott
DeleteIt is interesting that every single comment revolves around "he is chosen/respected/recognized by RefCom/FIFA." That is such a solid argument to back him up!!!
DeleteI simply wrote that Kovacs, based on his track record, is perfectly capable of officiating the Liverpool-Real Madrid match without any problems. Nothing else interests me.
DeleteThe Referee Marco guida kicking milan player 😟 he should ve banned…
Deletehttps://x.com/milanposts/status/1985353508149661844?s=46&t=cPksnwmJNw1MQfkvuJoq1Q
Hi Scott
DeleteA couple of seasons ago I would have fully agreed with you regarding Kovacs' love of showing a card. However, his approach does seem to have significantly shifted.
This seaon he has been in charge of 4 games in the Champions League, showing 15 cards - an average of less than four cards per game.
Last season he refereed 9 Champions League games, in which he showed a total of 31 cards - an average of less than three and a half per game.
These figures are simply not those of a ref who "brings nothing but yellow and red cards".
This is my first post on here, but I really enjoy reading this blog because the comments are on the whole informative and respectful. Please lets try to keep it that way.
Part 1
Delete@ Burning Bright, Hi there! Appreciate your civilized approach and reply. I was not the one who started disrespectful narrative. In my first post, you will see that. It is those in love with this referee who accused me of hating him and all that other nonsense. Their offensive insecure language leaves me no choice but to put them back to their place. Please make a note of that.
Appreciate also that you brought numbers and facts in your argument rather than “he is well respected” and all that.
You are right bout the change in the numbers. No doubt. The issue I have is beyond that and it is pointing to a larger picture bout “corruption” that has intertwined every cell of this rotten organization called FIFA. Nothing personal against Kovacs. Never met him. All I know bout his personal life is his nationality and some of my best friends are from Eastern Europe and all good in that front.
Do we really know of any document that shows a sense of accountability of decision making? If Infantino is not accountable for his actions, how can I even trust that a committee as sensitive as “ref committee” be remotely close to something decent?
Let me approach this matter from another angle HISTORICALLY: don’t know your age but I grew up with 1966 WC and then forward. The beautiful game I knew once (and was truly an art form) is hard to recognize these days. Case in point: with all the CAMERAS/TECHNOLOGY, do you think the jungle that is created in the box when there is a corner or free kick will be difficult to clean out and stop this ugly nonsense promptly? Speaking of ugly, the stoppage time has become a torture time — taking the ball to a corner and stall the game. The further question is why then they don’t proceed that way and clean out? That is just one example.
Let’s approach this from another angle: in Europe, if a fan makes a mockery of a black player, the team is disallowed of hosting few games— or play in an empty stadium. In Iran, women are not even allowed into stadium and year after year, this asshole clown visits Iran as a president and literally nothing has happened to the Islamic Republic of Iran— still continue to behave the same. Why such big discrepancy between punishment to ridicule a black player and disallowing 50% of the society deprived of the right of attending a stadium?
Do you realized that it is getting worse: when no disciplinary action taken against the decision making of Qatar hosting in 2022, it is of no surprise (but even more disgraceful) that KSA becomes host for 2034 and the same changes that needs to happen for every league around the world for that WC happen and proceeds.
Part Two
DeleteThis didn’t happen overnight: it seems more and more that 1970 was the end of an era, or age of innocence. From there on, WC after WC there has been things that makes it clear the writing has been on walls and we just ignore to see them because they are painful to look at: West Germany vs Poland in 74 and the game proceeded despite played in mud; 78 and Argentina vs Peru and the 6-0 result; 1982 and how Germany vs Austria kicked out Algeria because they are a third world country. 1986 and the biggest disgrace of them all: the hands of God, and to this day goes on.
Another approach is to realize when from 1961 till today (span of 64 years) this mafia organization has had only 4 presidents! It is a joke. Even for a dictatorship country you have more presidents in span of 64 years.
The transparency this mafia has is zero and when it comes to a sensitive subject of referee, this becomes magnified.
The only way to cleanse this mafia of all this wrong doing is either fans ban going to stadiums, or two or three mega rich characters (like Musk) come and create another league and basically buy out the contract of all these superstars from their clubs for this to proceed.
I think I am in the wrong forum. It is my bad and I sincerely mean that. I should not have made an assumption that everyone has the same view bout FIFA. Or even thinking this game reclaims its original beauty. This is my last post here. All the best to you. Cheers, Scott
What I don't understand is here, you say you have nothing personal against Kovacs, and you are more towards the corruption of FIFA, but then proceed to insult Kovacs, and say that he is a total mess. Where is the logic behind this?
DeleteAnd infact, in FIFA before, there was probably a lot of corruption ( I wasn't born then, but I assume it's correct), but now, I think it has become much less, and the organization of events in Qatar/Saudi isn't corruption, but rather very strong countries financially that are dominating in every sport, and getting events everywhere.
To end the discussion, you are always welcome to post here, and it's fine to open debates like this, with the goal of discussing them and not insulting people. I am always looking to see different opinions, and you are probably very knowledgeable since you know that much from the past.
https://egale.ca/egale-in-action/human-rights-2022-fifa-mens-world-cup-in-qatar/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22251633530&gbraid=0AAAAACMc1Ql2lWAhralHBEnqnz5VIT9vj&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5abIBhCaARIsAM3-zFXnNORRuhdfQTfj-fje3B8ymLqrzs2On9BtC0taPzwxA-7bCovGQ0EaAl-jEALw_wcB
Deletehttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-60867042
DeleteThose are only two samples of how FIFA turns a blind eye in regards to Qater. You can google for many more documented ones. Below, is only one sample of many bout KSA election for WC 2034 which was based on pure corruption. Honestly really baffled that you have such a positive image of FIFA: " ....Qatar/Saudi isn't corruption, but rather very strong countries financially that are dominating in every sport, and getting events everywhere."
Deletehttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/10/world/middleeast/saudi-world-cup-human-rights.html
DeleteFor one last time, it is not bout me insulting Kovacs but rather you be in love with him. Keep repeating "you insulted him". saying a referee manages a game by two colors and create a mess out of what could have been a beautiful match is an "insult"?!!!! I am speechless. You Treating him as if he is a King. Anyway, he will have a wonderful game of officiating in few hours, he is one of the best and I hope it be the end of this discussion that I insulted "His Highness." Cheers., Scott
DeleteAgain another signal for promotion to elite, even when Rumsas not appointed, his face become the highlight of a post in UEFA official insta. Is he really the most handsome referee atm? :))
ReplyDeleteIt's the second time indeed, again Rumsas and a different picture, there could be something to follow :D
DeleteHey chefren, what is your comment about Marco Guida? Do you think he will be banned ?
DeleteI don't know if he voluntarily kicked him, but what I more like blame him for, is how he didn't book Saelemaekers. He literally cheered on his face.
DeleteIt is not a clear situation. So far there are some posts on social media, but nothing officially discussed in Italy. I agree with Nerazzurri that one can't understand how much Guida in case did that deliberately, but before that, you have the AC Milan player celebrating right in front of his face. Absolutely to be blamed. Nevertheless, very big miss by Guida in not booking him, that was a mistake. If, to follow, he made that gesture as reaction, he was wrong. He had to use his disciplinary tools to calm down players. I don't think there will be consequences, very likely the situation will not be that much in the spotlight, but I will update in case of news.
DeleteLast night in Spanish 2nd Division game Valladolid - Granada, referee Alejandro Ojaos Valera.
ReplyDeleteRC for violent conduct given to GRA3 after striking an opponent who gave him a kiss in the head in order to provoke. What disciplinary sanction should VLL14 who instigated the incident have been given, YC or RC? No sanction was given to VLL14, only the RC for the reaction.
I don't know how to justify a RC based purely on the LOTG (offensive/humilliating behaviour?), but at least according to Spanish law there are grounds for it to be labeled a sexual crime (!), remember the incident that costed RFEF president his position after WWC final. If this had happened in the street or any other kind of workplace...
Clip: https://www.streambug.io/cv/acd53b
2 reds would have been ok,Alejo is known for his game antics but this is something else.
DeleteLooking forward to watching Agayev and Kovacs in detail tonight, may they and all the refereeing teams tonight perform well.
ReplyDeletePenalty given to ARS after VAR review for handball, very difficult for Agayev and AR2 to spot. For me correct review as hand in unnatural position.
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.com/v/efe5e79b
DeleteA very impressive first half from Agayev in a normal difficulty game. Fitness and positioning have been excellent. Strong and positive body language and technically very good. Correct amount of added time on too. The VAR referral when you see it is clear cut but in real time was very difficult to spot and no blame for me can be blamed on referee and AR2. AR1 has contributed with 4/5 good offside decisions. The only thing that I personally don't like is that his whistling is all one toned (elongated and strong which for the more serious offences is great but for minor fouls is a touch overkill), every offence sounds the same. Not a technical critique but it does make every offence feel the same no matter the severity.
ReplyDeleteFirst Half:
23' Correct YC for ARS #22 for SPA
30' VAR review for penalty to ARS. Difficult to spot for Ref and AR2. Hand is high and in unnatural position. Correct referral by Dieperink.
37' Correct YC for ARS #23 for a reckless challenge.
45+6' Good recognition to award FK for ARS instead of penalty, follow up between players could have been managed better as it could have escalated.
I really like and appreciate your reports! I would highlight exactly same incidents and I fully agree with your assesments.
DeleteThank you that's very kind of you to say.
DeleteWhile a very easy first hall for Pinheiro in Naples. Not really challenged, could have shown a YC for SPA in 20' but his style is now known to me. In reality for me the contrary issue about the tone and duration of the whistle by the Portuguese. Always short and weak for all fouls. Already reported that during his last game. I think a Referee should give more signals about himself. Nevertheless absolutely no problems so far.
Delete@Euro Soccer Ref
DeleteWill you make a raport wich match In Norway (Bodo - Monaco) ref [Sylwestrzak] ?
I see things a bit differently. Pinheiro repeatedly overlooks prohibited elbow strikes in aerial combat. Burghardt has already been hit twice in the second half.
DeletePinheiro again super lenient awful to see. Easy game so no problems but he have to learn what is mandatory yellow on this level. Great referee but has to fix this old school style when it comes to cards.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately Agayev with an incorrect PK award, clear contact with ball. VAR correct to overturn and unfortunately it's a poor call.
ReplyDeleteA pity cause his overall handling of the game was very good - body language, excellent communication with players when making big calls. The issue most referees from smaller countries face: trying to make a call at every single, even random, incident often leads to wrong penalty, card, etc. Top referees are more keen to let things go and not to guess. And even if there is something wrong, a missed penalty / card in a weird scenario is more understood than a wrong award.
DeleteSecond Half for Agayev:
ReplyDelete46' Straightforward but good no flag from AR1 to allow ARS goal.
70 Correct YC to SLA #10 for reckless use of arms.
72' Possible YC for SLA #11 for a reckless challenge. Not a mistake but YC would have been supportable but appreciate player was slipping and tried to pull out of the challenge.
75' For me incorrect YC for ARS #16. Foul on the ARS player beforehand and then his foot is stood on not the other way about.
78' Correct YC for ARS #49 for reckless use of arms.
83' Correct YC for SLA #21 for clear dissent.
84' VAR review for penalty to SLA, incorrect decision as ARS player gets ball clearly, referee in good position so for me a poor decision. Correct VAR intervention to overturn the award. Poor management of the situation as well, ARS #6 should have been cautioned for dissent but not given.
90+5' Correct YC for SLA #12 for adopting an aggressive attitude or action.
Summary:
Overall what could have been a very good performance has turned into a disappointing evening for Agayev who will certainly feel annoyed to get the PK call incorrect in the second half. The second half was certainly a step up in the number of technical decisions that he had to face and on the whole handled them well.
This referee has an excellent range of fitness and movement and a terrific sprint. Both AR's contributed well and handled offside decisions with ease. YC's on the whole were clear cut and he showed good body language for the most part. Unfortunately one or two errors appeared in the second half and sadly it impacted the overall performance.
Overall this could have been a high level performance from Agayev and the one key error will be disappointing but it shouldn't distract too much from the many positive qualities this referee has. I would expect this referee to bounce back and deliver a top quality performance again in the future. Certainly a night of what could have been.
There is some haters of pinheiro those criticize even if they offer great performance like tonight eg Mr chevren
ReplyDeleteJust opinions. Everyone has their own. Not everyone has to like everyone.I think we can read some objective comments with fair analysis about the Portuguese, like the one above "he is great referee, but he has to fix...". For me that's the success of the blog. Otherwise without discussions, we wouldn't agree. I suggest you to try to watch everything from a more neutral point of view.
DeleteKovacs positioning in the attacking third has been poor so far, has been in the way on 2/3 occasions now.
ReplyDeleteCommented just as you said it +1
DeleteTwo wrong offside calls now in paris...
ReplyDeleteMr Kovacs Positioning so far has been terrible! Consistently in the way of play and blocking players!
ReplyDeleteWhat's up with Kovacs' positioning? He has been in the players' way so many times it's unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteSiebert booked a player because he had asked referee to book another player, that's once again excellent.
ReplyDeleteWas that the right decision or just irony?
DeleteWell done, great decision!
DeleteNot watching but not surprised, in terms of by the book,nobody is better than Siebert right now.
DeleteThat was very strong pulling grom behind. YC was expected IMO
DeleteWell, what I saw until this moment is that Kovacs obviously lost motivation after all his accomplishments in last seasons. Maybe I m wrong but, he is not the same. Definetley.
ReplyDelete30' VAR review for penalty to LIV, given originally as free kick. Clearly in the box but very difficult to spot. After review, penalty cancelled due to hand being close to the body. A very interesting situation indeed.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, indeed. I expected penalty to be confirmed because it was a shot on goal.
DeleteMy own personal opinion is that it's a penalty for me.
DeleteI think Dankert showed his class here, as ≈no1 UEFA VAR, because one can easily imagine eg Popa (not to write against him per se!) just making a factual overrule to give a penalty and accepting the handball call as not a c/o error. In my opinion the German did very well - body surface not enlarged, natural position for making a block, no handball offence (and Kovacs had the scope to disagree at the OFR too).
DeleteI guess its hard to understand for most people though because, cf Cucurella, the expected outcome is a penalty given there was an ‘evident’ touch of the arm inside the penalty area which blocked a shot at goal (also like the famous incident in Euro 2024 quarterfinals).
Having seen replays at half time I am now inclined to agree, I know deflections don't mean too much but there is a nick of the RMA players leg onto the slightly out arm so would be a very harsh penalty. Good work from Dankert and co on that one
DeleteBIG MISTAKE KOVACS! After this I think he loses a lot of credibility?
ReplyDeleteI was watching Sylwestrzak (nothing to report so far…boring game) and I started watching Kovacs around 30’ and I’d say that he looks very insecure…That PK incident is indeed very interesting but completely correct IMO.
ReplyDeleteLIV-RMA For me acceptable to not whistle handball like this, but not enough to VAR intervention...not obvious error IMO
ReplyDeleteNever ever making your body unnaturally bigger. That is absolutely not punishable.
DeleteApparently one OFR is enough for Dankert today. Two very very borderline decisions but a very quick (too quick?) confirmation from VAR.
ReplyDeleteThe handball in Kovacs game:
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/82c9b2
I think they assessed this was the arm close to body while a touch by the other arm would have been punished with a call. But it stays as not fully cllose to body position... sometimes the guidelines (this is exactly how referees are instructed in this kind of incidents) are more important than the reality.
What this decision highlights is how complex the handball law is and how difficult it is for referees and VAR
Delete@osmanabbot +1
DeleteScissors tackle by Díaz. Mariani with YC. I think this was RC, despite of the point of contact, how player entered the challenge. But this red card is typical by UEFA, Italian referees are not that used, so I don't expect an intervention here.
ReplyDeleteVery good! I was wrong, they realized it. Praise to Di Bello and Di Paolo!
Deletefully agree
DeleteWell they are under Uefa spot light.
DeleteIf that was some Inter vs Milan, YC would have been just fine in their eyes.
Very good M, I must say you have a perfect knowledge of serie A. That's it, indeed.
DeleteHowever I'm quite sure, they were helped by the evident injury and the long time they could spend to rewatch it, otherwise be sure, nothing would have been done. I think I can say that because this is how they work in serie A...
DeleteGood performance of Sylwestrzak in a normal difficulty game so far. Three correct cautions (4' reckless tackle on gk, 24' lor holding, 41' spa). Several minor penalty appeals from the home side, all of them rightly rejected. Good conflict management in 39', no need to book players.
ReplyDeleteKovacs with a lacklustre first half. Penalty decision aside (it's created a lot of debate and I'm not going to include it in my summary) Kovacs has been underwhelming. Positioning in the attacking third has been poor as he has got in the way at least 3/4 occasions now. Technically strong to recognise offences but as other contributors have said he does look a touch uninspired.
ReplyDeleteFirst Half:
23' Clear YC for RMA #7 for SPA. Absolutely mandatory.
30' VAR review for penalty to LIV, given originally as free kick. Clearly in the box but very difficult to spot. After review, penalty cancelled due to hand being close to the body. A very interesting situation indeed. Poor management by AR1 and the fourth official as numerous players around or near the screen as incident was being reviewed.
45+1' Correct YC for RMA #24 for a reckless challenge.
Maybe not motivated enough like last year?
DeleteAll and all it's not that bad,but still,we saw far better versions of Kovacs.
Technically not been bad I agree but positioning especially in the attacking third and overall body language and feel does feel somewhat underwhelming, lacking of a top elite that we know Kovacs is.
DeleteMariani concludes a fussy and approximate 1H with an obvious RC missed. Thank God VAR is here.
ReplyDeleteWrong procedure from Mariani. He forgot to annul YC and immediately gave RC to Luis Diaz. Obviously hard injury for Hakimi in last seconds of 1st half.
DeleteThis is not a clear error; VAR should not interfere
DeleteClip: https://streamff.com/v/208dd24b
DeleteScissors tackle, RC given after OFR. Hakimi had be subbed off with what seems a broken ankle.
To elaborate : 1 YC for studs on foot missed in front of AR1, 2 wrong offside calls, several soft (or wrong) fouls called, and a very obvious RC missed at the ens of 1H.
DeleteVeeeeery long VAR call, then veeeeery long VAR check, then a fussy procedure with captains (the point being… ?), and then finally, RC.
Not convinced at all.
What are the arguments for the red card? Only for me to know
DeleteMaybe I find this RC obvious because this is a typical Ligue 1 RC, but in this kind of situation this is a RC every day of the week.
DeleteExcessive force, 2 feet off the ground, no intention to play the ball, from behind, and endangering opponent’s safety (obviously…).
Why a RC? The challenge wasn’t made with excessive force or brutality. The outcome is unfortunately bad, but I don’t see speed, intensity or other factors that would justify a red. But maybe I am wrong.
ReplyDeleteNo chance at the ball, high dynamics. From behind. RC.
DeleteThe tackle endangers the safety the opponent. This is exactly what is wrote in the laws of the game for serious foul play
DeleteQuite obviously a challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent.
DeleteIn this case it's all (or maybe, better to say "mostly") about how player enters the challenge with opponent. These "scissor" tackles, with both legs, are seen by UEFA as very clear red cards. Reported many times in various RAP editions. Less important how much force or intensity and the point of contact. A referee is invited to show red card when he sees such actions. Should be assessed as serious mistake by Mariani, but also fourth official who was close there.
DeleteFor me also YC is enough. Referee decided to give RC after crying of Hakimi. There were not brutality.
DeleteLuis Díaz loses control of his body, tackles from behind, both feet doing the scissor on the opponent's leg, and as a consequence breaking their ankle (no, this is not an accident, there's direct cause-effect)
DeleteLike, if this doesn't 'endanger the opponent's safety', then nothing does.
Jumping in with both legs off the ground is definitely an argument for a red card. I think at the end of the day it's a good example of "what does the football expect?". After that injury, a RC is much more understandable than a YC for the average football fan. And to be honest, I'm perfectly fine with it being a RC, although I don't really know if it's an obvious error.
ReplyDeleteThe first decision by Kovacs was free kick for liverpool , but then he want to the screen and said no penalty . After that Real Madrid got the ball . Can someone explain the rules to me because that is complete nonsense for me .
ReplyDelete1) Kovacs wrongly assessed foul outside. So he gave free kick that was wrong decision (handball inside the penalty area).
Delete2) VAR checked the call, and detected that the touch by arm had been inside the box, so in case of foul, penalty. But VAR then analyzed the incident and pointed out that the touch by arm occurred with the arm that was not punishable, close to body. So he had to invite referee to rewatch, because it was a call to be removed. Different in case of confirmed punishable handball, VAR would have just moved free kick to penalty.
Thank you , this makes sense .
DeleteI don’t understand how such a violent tackle can be assessed as YC by some readers. This is textbook SFP.
ReplyDeleteIt’s crazy to me how many players ensure they will receive serious injuries by anticipating a tackle coming towards them, and putting their leg across in order to win a freekick in some random game (the match(es) tonight aren’t really that important, relatively speaking). Musiala did exactly the same as Hakimi in the Club WC match between the same two teams, but on the occasion last summer, Donnarumma was blameless. Diaz meanwhile jumped into the tackle in a very dangerous manner, and was (clearly) rightly sent off. There was a similar incident to Diaz’s in England (Everton-Bradford) recently which also resulted in a very serious injury.
ReplyDeleteMissed RC by Lambrechts in London for SFP. VAR correctly referring him over and card upgraded.
ReplyDeleteTo add a poor decision for me to miss it, contact point on the ankle and above.
Deletehttps://streamff.com/v/061b15f9
DeleteGood VAR intervention, the Belgian missed the point of contact.
For Lambrechts, it’s finish to dream for an eventual promotion to Elite group… last two games in Europe with OFR…
DeleteThe last one in Rome with the handball in 85’ in UEL
And now missed RC…
Sorry for him
49' very quick YC for time wasting by Mariani, refreshing to see
ReplyDeleteWould be good to see that version of him in Serie A.
DeleteGood no flag by AR2 at Anfield.
ReplyDeleteWas there a law11 offence by Liv5?
DeleteHere the penalty removed after OFR in Slavia Praha - Arsenal:
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/39fd0e
Good explanation by referee to players before making the final gesture
Of course not a penalty but a clear simulation. Obvious yellow card not given after the review.
DeleteYC upgraded to RC after OFR in Bodo/Glimt.
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/5df035
DeleteThe Polish referee assessed a step on foot but it was definitely upper contact.
Nothing to report in Turpin’s game in Athens. 2 YCs for studs on foot, 1 correctly (and easily) cancelled goal for offside by AR1, 1 good onside call by AR2 on PSV goal at the end.
ReplyDeleteApart from that, nothing in a quite boring game.
Second Half:
ReplyDelete52' Mandatory YC for LIV #10 for SPA.
60' Clear YC for RMA #5 for a reckless challenge.
61' Excellent no flag from AR2 for the LIV goal.
90+5' Correct YC for RMA #18 for reckless challenge
90+6' Correct YC to RMA manager for dissent
Summary:
A tale of two halves from Kovacs. First half looked a bit unsettled or underwhelming but second half was outstanding. Technically very good and that second half performance is as good as I've seen for a while. Positioning much better, fitness and proactive movement is what you'd expect from a top elite. Overall a good night's work for the Romanian.
Apart from his positioning a few times in the first half thought Kovacs did well. Yes he had an OFR but I can understand why he originally gave handball. Not a big mistake imo.
ReplyDeleteIn the second half, Sylwestrzak made some mistakes in foul detection (three soft/wrong FKs in favour of the home side in the first fifteen minutes what upset Monaco players (51', 56', 61')) and was unfortunate to have blocked line of sight at the SFP incident. Another KMI was a handball penalty appeal correctly rejected in 57' - natural hand position. Very good advantage in 68' but, on the other hand, not going back to foul in 71'. Sylwestrzak often faces play rather than follows it, showing high level of fitness and agility but more backpedaling would even upgrade his already good movement on the pitch. In general, a performance that wasn't terrible but also not fully expected one, I would say.
ReplyDeleteOFR for RC, missed YC for elbow attack one minute later...
DeleteNot a very clean set of performances today.
ReplyDeleteToo many OFRs.
Really sorry for Ağayev in Prague if the rest of the performance was good, but two OFRs are always something relevant.
To follow, Mariani missed the very big decision of his game. I didn't watch in full so I can't say more, but surely this was not good for him, if the committee member in Paris wanted to see more by him.
But generally, as I already said, Mariani has been always a referee with many VAR interventions, especially for penalty area incidents, he can be good in some soft skills in the middle, but nothing more than that. Not possible to say he is better than Guida and Massa, but at moment he just took this opportunity and we will see how it will continue for him before next year's WC.
OFR for Lambrechts in a crucial game for him, it will be up to Velasco Carballo to say how much this miss could be relevant.
And let me say, the red card in Paris was in reality easier to spot, because Mariani should have given it without looking at a particular point of contact, as we discussed, so under this aspect, if UEFA is convinced about red card (and I think so), definitely not a positive assessment. While for the Polish in Bodo and the Belgian in London you can find some arguments, but still, red cards were very clear.
Kovacs in Liverpool recovered a bit in second half, after a rather negative first part, including the OFR and other issues. I don't think in the end he was really bad, handball mistakes can happen, but surely we saw him in better outings.
To repeat about Pinheiro, personally I don't like his style, but he hadn't troubles in his games, while it seems that Siebert, Turpin and Eskas were rather OK with their games. One can expect a better display by all referees tomorrow. We will see.
Can't comment on the other matches but +1 on Agayev and Kovacs. I do feel really sorry for Agayev, it was such a promising performance only to be undone by a moment that looking back he will be disappointed.
Deletehttps://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1oojkdu/fabian_ruiz_kick_against_kimmichs_head_no_var/ Did anyone else spot this at PSG-Bayern? I didn't watch the game but from the clip it looks like clear RC missed by Mariani and VAR.
ReplyDeleteBlatant violent conduct.
DeleteLet me add one point about OFR of Kovacs in Liverpool - Real Madrid.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing he thought the ball hit the player's right hand. (With balls this fast, it's not uncommon for referees to mistake which hand/arm the ball hits.)
In fact, the ball hit his left hand, and if Kovacs missed it, this is a 'missed incident'. This means that even if his left hand was in a punishable position, VAR would have intervened and Kovacs would have had to go and see the footage. And in that case, there is no original decision, so he can make a completely new decision according to his own criteria.
Just a guess, but it's one possibility. What the referee sees is always important, which is why some kind of information is desirable, and it would certainly be good if the referee could announce it.
ReplyDeleteI might be a bit subjective, but apart form what is now this famous OFR I do beleive Kovacs had a strong performance (with an almost excelent second half) in a rather tensioned game. He controled the game and that is to be seen by the low use of cards. Some positioning issues in the begining of the game should not influence us that much. As a general note, it seems judging close handballs will always give refs headakes. All the best!
Siebert: https://streambug.org/cv/6af4e9
ReplyDeleteIf every referee officiated like him… protests in football would be over. Cambiaso reaction, with that stunned look on his face, shows exactly what usually happens in Serie A (players allowed to do everything). Honestly, I would like send this clip to Rocchi…
Very strong body language... Authoritative, yet not arrogant. That’s a class act.
DeleteIn terms of what I would call "old school" or "traditional" refereeing. Siebert is No.1 for me. A referee who punishes dissent consistently and without fear or favour all for "managing" the game. Bravo Siebert, I wish most of your colleagues would follow suit.
DeleteI love seeing this…Kudos Mr. Siebert!
Delete