2025-26 UEFA Europa League, Matchday 4, 6 November 2025.
Thursday 6 November 2025
18:45 CET - Zagreb (Stadion Maksimir)
GNK DINAMO (CRO) - RC CELTA DE VIGO (ESP)
Referee: Anastásios Papapétrou GRE
Assistant Referee 1: Trýfon Petrópoulos GRE
Assistant Referee 2: Iordánis Aptósoglou GRE
Fourth Official: Konstandínos Katíkos GRE
Video Assistant Referee: Athanásios Tzílos GRE
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Spyrídon Zambalás GRE
UEFA Referee Observer: Dejan Filipović SRB
UEFA Delegate: David Andrew McDowell-Zor SVN
18:45 CET - Salzburg (Red Bull Arena)
FC RED BULL SALZBURG (AUT) - GO AHEAD EAGLES (NED)
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili GEO
Assistant Referee 1: Levan Varamishvili GEO
Assistant Referee 2: Giorgi Elikashvili GEO
Fourth Official: Aleko Aptsiauri GEO
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: André Filipe Domingues da Silva Narciso POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Sokol Jareci ALB
UEFA Delegate: Patricia González García ESP
18:45 CET - Belgrade (Stadion Rajko Mitić)
FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB) - LOSC LILLE (FRA)
Referee: John Brooks ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Simon Bennett ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Lee Betts ENG
Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Hansson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Arturs Gaidels LVA
18:45 CET - Basel (St. Jakob-Park)
FC BASEL 1893 (SUI) - FC FCSB (ROU)
Referee: Juxhin Xhaja ALB
Assistant Referee 1: Arbër Zalla ALB
Assistant Referee 2: Rejdi Avdo ALB
Fourth Official: Olsion Yzeiraj ALB
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Fabbri ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Kreshnik Bajramaj ALB
UEFA Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin SVN
UEFA Delegate: Milovan Đukanović MNE
18:45 CET - Herning (MCH Arena)
FC MIDTJYLLAND (DEN) - CELTIC FC (SCO)
Referee: Nenad Minaković SRB
Assistant Referee 1: Nikola Borović SRB
Assistant Referee 2: Boško Božović SRB
Fourth Official: Milan Mitić SRB
Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Aleksandar Živković SRB
UEFA Referee Observer: Frank De Bleeckere BEL
UEFA Delegate: Mirosław Ryszka POL
18:45 CET - Graz (Merkur Arena)
SK STURM GRAZ (AUT) - NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC (ENG)
Referee: Mykola Balakin UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Oleksandr Berkut UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Volodymyr Vysotsʹkyy UKR
Fourth Official: Vitaliy Romanov UKR
Video Assistant Referee: Robert Schröder GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dmytro Panchyshyn UKR
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Ingvarsson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Claude Runavot FRA
18:45 CET - Nice (Allianz Riviera)
OGC NICE (FRA) - SC FREIBURG (GER)
Referee: Anastásios Sidirópoulos GRE
Assistant Referee 1: Polychrónis Kostarás GRE
Assistant Referee 2: Lázaros Dimitriádis GRE
Fourth Official: Fótios Polychrónis GRE
Video Assistant Referee: Ángelos Evangélou GRE
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Iain Robertson Brines SCO
UEFA Delegate: Filip Popovski MKD
18:45 CET - Malmô (Eleda Stadion)
MALMÖ FF (SWE) - PANATHINAÏKÓS AO (GRE)
Referee: Nicholas Walsh SCO
Assistant Referee 1: Francis Connor SCO
Assistant Referee 2: Daniel McFarlane SCO
Fourth Official: Christopher Graham SCO
Video Assistant Referee: Kevin Clancy SCO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Steven McLean SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Ichko Lozev BUL
UEFA Delegate: Edgars Pukinsks LVA
18:45 CET - Utrecht (Stadion Galgenwaard)
FC UTRECHT (NED) - FC PORTO (POR)
Referee: John Beaton SCO
Assistant Referee 1: David McGeachie SCO
Assistant Referee 2: Graeme Stewart SCO
Fourth Official: Calum Scott SCO
Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: László Vágner HUN
UEFA Delegate: Paul Daniel Zaharia ROU
21:00 CET - Glasgow (Ibrox Stadium)
RANGERS FC (SCO) - AS ROMA (ITA)
Referee: Morten Krogh Hansen DEN
Assistant Referee 1: Dennis René Wollenberg Rasmussen DEN
Assistant Referee 2: Steffen Beck Bramsen DEN
Fourth Official: Mads-Kristoffer Kristoffersen DEN
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Paweł Gil POL
UEFA Delegate: Patrick Bonacker GER
21:00 CET - Seville (Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla)
REAL BETIS BALOMPIÉ (ESP) - OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS (FRA)
Referee: Matej Jug SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Matej Žunič SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Manuel Vidali SVN
Fourth Official: Alen Bubek SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Alen Borošak SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dragoslav Perič SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Cyril Zimmermann SUI
UEFA Delegate: Adrian D. Casha MLT
21:00 CET - Birmingham (Villa Park)
ASTON VILLA FC (ENG) - MK MAKKABI TEL AVIV (ISR)
Referee: Julian Weinberger AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Andreas Heidenreich AUT
Assistant Referee 2: Maximilian Kolbitsch AUT
Fourth Official: Alexander Harkam AUT
Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Michal Beneš CZE
UEFA Delegate: Victor Marius Radu ROU
21:00 CET - Braga (Estádio Municipal de Braga)
SC BRAGA (POR) - KRC GENK (BEL)
Referee: Balázs Berke HUN
Assistant Referee 1: Vencel Tóth HUN
Assistant Referee 2: Péter Kóbor HUN
Fourth Official: Gergő Bogár HUN
Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Jon Eilif Skjervold NOR
UEFA Delegate: Susanne Erlandsson SWE
21:00 CET - Thessaloniki (Stádio Toúmbas)
PAOK (GRE) - BSC YOUNG BOYS (SUI)
Referee: Srđan Jovanović SRB
Assistant Referee 1: Uroš Stojković SRB
Assistant Referee 2: Milan Mihajlović SRB
Fourth Official: Novak Simović SRB
Video Assistant Referee: Momčilo Marković SRB
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ovidiu Alin Hațegan ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas SCO
UEFA Delegate: István Huszár HUN
21:00 CET - Plzeň (Doosan Arena)
FC VIKTORIA PLZEŇ (CZE) - FENERBAHÇE (TUR)
Referee: Allard Lindhout NED
Assistant Referee 1: Rogier Honig NED
Assistant Referee 2: Johan Balder NED
Fourth Official: Jannick van der Laan NED
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Richard Martens NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Marián Ružbarský SVK
UEFA Delegate: Jovan Šurbatović SRB
21:00 CET - Budapest (Groupama Arena)
FERENCVÁROSI TC (HUN) - PFK LUDOGORETS 1945 (BUL)
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mehmet Culum SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Fredrik Klyver SWE
Fourth Official: Granit Maqedonci SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Paweł Malec POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Kornel Paszkiewicz POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Petteri Kari FIN
UEFA Delegate: Armen Minasyan ARM
21:00 CET - Bologna (Stadio Renato Dall’Ara)
BOLOGNA FC 1909 (ITA) - SK BRANN (NOR)
Referee: Daniel Schlager GER
Assistant Referee 1: Christof Günsch GER
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller GER
Fourth Official: Martin Petersen GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Augustus Viorel Constantin ROU
UEFA Delegate: Pascal Parent FRA
21:00 CET - Stuttgart (MHP Arena Stuttgart)
VFB STUTTGART (GER) - FEYENOORD ROTTERDAM (NED)
Referee: Horațiu Mircea Feșnic ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Valentin Gabriel Avram ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Alexandru Cerei ROU
Fourth Official: Rareș George Vidican ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Sorin Popa ROU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Domagoj Vučkov CRO
UEFA Delegate: Peter Lundström FIN
Good game for Krogh and Lindhout
ReplyDeleteHappy for multiple reasons.
ReplyDeleteGood to see two new referees for me anyway to watch in Krogh and Minakovic. Two Scots in fairly standard appointments and Brooks who seems close to his best after injury.
At least we know they are all alive.
DeleteI discover Daniel Schlager as a debutant, but the other names already seem familiar to me from the Europa League - which second debutant have I overlooked?
DeleteI was referring to the referees I'll be watching on Thursday, not a debut for them but for me watching them.
DeleteOne question that just occurred to me. In what language do the referee and the VAR speak? In English or in their native language.
ReplyDeleteEnglish
DeleteNot quite sure if Schlager was actually planned. Günsch and Achmüller are normally Stegemann's AR's.
ReplyDeleteWell, all the referees we mentioned and discussed yesterday have been appointed, from the Scottish duo to the Georgian, passing through the Albanian, Balakin and Alberola Rojas as well. The most likely explanation for some of them remains that they may not have passed some tests during the summer course, skipping then MD1 and 2 (and a single assignment in MD3and 4).
ReplyDeleteVery good game for Krogh in Scotland, I must say, this can say definitely more about the Danish, another referee who didn't get many games like others.
Another German debut with Schlager, one could have guessed this one, after 5 Conference League GS games in recent seasons.
Never issues with Slovenian referees, Jug getting always a match and we have also another Slovenian assigment in Conference League this time. Borošak as VAR this time is OK for Betis - Lyon.
Important observer for the Serbian in Denmark, and about the other Serbian, Jovanović, I think committee at moment is not pushing him after some good performances. Hopefully for him he will be back at the old times.
Good to see John Brooks again after a rather long time and the injury, but now he needs time to start again with important progress in UEFA.
Peljto out from assignments: strange, unless he is not available, maybe ill. Otherwise one should think he is planned for something very big involving national teams on next weeks?
Perhaps Peljto's last match in Madrid was rejected by Rosetti?
DeleteBoth Serbian refs have very important observers: Hugh Dalas and De Bleckeere. I personelly prefer Minaković over Jovanović who has better background but Minaković is 3 years younger, has full confidence and there rare complaints on his refereeing comparing to Srdjan.
DeleteOT: Anyone know where's place to download or look the photos of coin toss moment (referee-captain photo) in UEFA competition, like this in AFC, https://www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_elite.html/photo/md4-pfc-nasaf-uzb-v-al-wahda-fc-uae
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance
I think Kruashvili's assistant Zaza Pipia has been punished for a mistake he made last season (Stuttgart - Young Boys) for a long time!
ReplyDeleteYesterday, a discussion arose as to why Szymon Marciniak is officiating a Borussia Dortmund match again on the fourth matchday of the Champions League, even though he had already refereed this team on the second matchday. It seemed plausible that he might have replaced another colleague at short notice. Now that we also know the assignments in the Europa League and the Conference League, we certainly notice the absence of Irfan Peljto, as well as all Turkish referees. I don't know if any of them had been scheduled, but short-term changes to some extent do appear possible.
ReplyDeleteThere was probably some unforeseen personal issue with Peljto that prevented him from being assigned to the game in Manchester. But there are other names available, such as Nyberg and Schärer (if he has recovered from his injury). It doesn't make sense for Marciniak to be chosen to referee two games for the same club (BVB) at this early stage of the competition.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how UEFA handles short-notice referee changes, but I imagine one (or more) standby referees are nominated each matchday. If that was Szymon Marciniak this time, the only options would have been to appoint him or make larger-scale changes. If there were other reserve referees, perhaps they decided that this particular match required a top-level referee.
DeleteThe German referee portal „IGSchiedsrichter“ has announced that Daniel Schlager gets a break after the Europa League game and is only used as a VAR and fourth official. The reason for this is his latest achievements.
ReplyDeleteA break of 1 weekend as a central referee (which happens to every referee once in a while by the way). A bit of a tendentious and suggestive post by IG Imho.
DeleteAnd not even true - he is refereeing in Greece on Sunday…
DeleteYes in charge of Panathinaikos - PAOK.
DeleteI think in only 3 to 4 years he will become elite referee and german number 1. He looks to be very sharp and most important never afraid of big decisions like red cards or penalty. Reading game very well, great condition and positioning. Reminds me a lot of Zwayer when it comes to disciplinary sanctions. He will need to adjust his style when it comes to yellow cards when in Europe as Rosetti has very different directions then Fröhlich but other then that no problem for progress.
Fröhlich?
DeleteSorry, * Kircher
DeleteA noteworthy development regarding the KNVB's Disciplinary Committee.
ReplyDeleteRecently, the Disciplinary Committee decided not to suspend FC Groningen's Etienne Vaessen for the red card he received for DOGSO, saying there was "not enough video evidence." The prosecutor has appealed the decision to the Appeals Committee.
Furthermore, the prosecutor requests the Appeals Committee to rule on the following point of principle: is it the responsibility of the Disciplinary Committee, when assessing a red card issued for denying a clear scoring opportunity, to conduct a full review based on its own interpretation of television footage, thereby overriding the unanimous decision of the refereeing team? Or should it, in such cases, defer to the professionalism and discretion of the refereeing team and therefore limit itself to a review in which disciplinary action is taken only in cases of obvious errors?
https://www.fcgroningen.nl/nieuws/aanklager-in-beroep-tegen-vrijspraak-vaessen/
I genuinely abhor this system. How many times has that so-called “Disciplinary Committee” already overturned a clear stonewall red card (as defined by the LOTG)? There’s nothing disciplinary about that. The only thing this committee seems to do is act in the interests of the clubs while undermining the authority of referees.
DeleteFor quite some time now, there’s been a full-blown witch hunt in the media — referees are being heavily criticized one after another. It’s a recurring topic in every talk show and podcast. But that kind of extreme negativity and cynicism certainly doesn’t lead to better officiating. It only creates more pressure. And I can imagine that the decisions made by such a disciplinary committee are hardly motivating for the referees.
And then there’s a head of referees who spends the weekend calling up clubs to apologize. Stand by your referees!
Sturm vs Forest 9th minute, wasn't a foul inside the box? Looked like it to be honest
ReplyDeleteXhaja issue a RC for DOGSO to Steaua keeper, handball outside the box. The attacker had kicked the ball, but in my opinion he wouldn't have reached it again before another defender. Nevertheless, red card can't be assessed as clear mistake for me, and VAR should confirmed. Maybe yellow card would have been more appropriate decision.
ReplyDeletehttps://streamain.com/en/8tP7hj0Wns8IfG1/watch
DeleteSorry Chefren but I disagree. Mandatory RC, correct decision by the Albanian referee. Everyone expects a RC here.
DeleteClip: https://streamain.com/en/8tP7hj0Wns8IfG1/watch
To follow, clear handball on the wall missed by referee.
DeleteThis should have been spotted without OFR..
https://streamain.com/en/ivvxiLQaqSMKORo/watch
It's not a question of if the attacker can get to the ball after the kicked it... it's the fact that it was a shot on goal. Unless you can prove that it wasn't on frame, that is 1000% a red card. And I don't think you can prove it's not a shot on frame. In fact, I think evidence points to it being a successful shot into an open net.
DeleteWrong and absolutely unnecessary first YC from Brooks in Belgrade in very easy going match. In Premier league this would never ever be YC. Bur what to expect from him when Taylor as much better ref had many obvious mistakes last night in Brugge.
ReplyDelete2yc by Beaton for Dissent from Porto players in 1 minute
ReplyDeleteI mean 2 different yc for 2 different players
DeletePK after OFR in Basel, another handball by the Romanian team.
ReplyDeleteBall hit the outstreched arm of a defender on the wall during a free kick.
Correct PK by Balakin in Graz, given live. Handball.
ReplyDeleteNo foul in the aftermath in the penalty area and another penalty?
DeleteCorrect PK by Sidiropoulos in Nice. Tripping.
ReplyDeleteVery good first half from Minakovic. Strong, authoritative body language coupled with a very high level of technical accuracy has really allowed this referee to make this game very simple. Great positioning and fitness and has been able to blend into the background and only intervene when required. Has consistently allowed a fair level of physical contact for both sides and hasn't been fussy good work from him and the team so far.
ReplyDeleteFirst Half:
13' Correct YC to CEL #5 for reckless use of arms.
18' Excellent management to promptly stop game for head injury.
42' Excellent no flag from AR2 to allow MID 3rd goal.
43' Clear missed FK for MID, clear contact to the top of the foot.
Straight rc by Beaton for Utrecht goalkeeper after the goal from Porto. Looks like a headbutt
ReplyDeleteRed card in Utrecht given by Beaton.
ReplyDeleteIs yc here not enough?
DeleteAgree, watching the replay there's no active headbutt, should have been a YC for both players.
DeleteAgreed, Beaton being fooled by the Portuguese play acting. Yc for both players, but as far as I saw the Portuguese player wasn’t even sanctioned at all.
DeleteFor me red card not completely wrong, so var can be supported in staying silent. Definately a missing yellow card for the Porto player for his part in the conflict. Would have preferred a yellow for both.
DeleteBeaton in danger of losing control now.
PK given by Walsh in the 1H in Malmö.
ReplyDeletehttps://streamain.com/en/6TApLvoffuJZEcc/watch
Correct decision.
DeletePenalty given to Celtic in Denmark well done Nenad Minaković, he’s been very good so far.
ReplyDeleteCorrect PK given by Minakovic
ReplyDeleteClear penalty given by Brooks to Red Star
ReplyDeleteSecond Half for Minakovic:
ReplyDelete61' Clear missed FK for CEL, late challenge after defensive clearance.
64' Missed FK for MID, holding by the defender.
80' Correct PK to CEL given live for trip by defender.
89' Correct YC for CEL #28 for reckless high foot.
90+5' Correct YC for CEL #38 for reckless challenge.
Summary:
This was a very good performance from Minakovic. A top showing with only a slight blip for 5 minutes but this shouldn't detract from what was a top quality performance from the Serbian. AR's both contributed well and effectively throughout.
Strong and good body language with the ability to be softer when a more understanding approach was required. Technically good apart from a brief blip and his fitness and positioning was top throughout. Key decisions were correct and were called decisively and effectively and his effective positioning were key to calling them so.
For me this referee certainly has the makings to become an elite referee. Has a natural air of authority about him but not arrogant or dismissive of personable situations. One or two things to tweak to become elite through time and experience but certainly on this showing he has the makings to becoming one.
For me it’s the correct decision to send off the Utrecht goalkeeper for violent conduct, he moves his face towards his opponent in an aggressive way! However Beaton should have booked the Porto player for pushing the goalkeeper.
ReplyDeleteActually,a top class performance form Minakovic in Denmark. Let game to flow, natural way of refereeing with strong presence and personality, full under control from first to last minute, excellent penalty call, disciplinary control very good,also technical aspect of refereeing. After this I strongly belive that he will made an UCL debut in next or next two matchdays!
ReplyDeletePAOK vs Young Boys very early red card anyone with the video?
ReplyDeleteDon't have a clip for now but I watched it, YC upgraded to RC by Jovanovic after OFR, studs contact with full force above the ankle.
DeleteHere: https://streamable.com/cd4k1p
DeleteUtrecht - Porto: https://streamain.com/en/iMpuXHLCp52jq6O/watch
ReplyDeleteYou can't deny this was an attempt of headbutt by keeper but well... Beaton very late in managing the incident, issuing directly this red card was not the best dealing with it. The attacker disturbed keeper after the goal scored. Not booking him is important mistake for me. Also, the Scottish referee should have prevented this situation.
+ 1
DeleteAgree. Double YC is enough here. No card for attacker not acceptable at all !
Delete+1 For me double YC for both players is enough.
DeleteExcellent RC by Schlager
ReplyDeleteClip of the straight RC given by Schlager in Bologna-Brann.
Deletehttps://www.streambug.io/cv/2e70cf
Absolutely excellent decision in a situation that was not easy to read.
DeleteItalian newspapers deemed the foul not for a red card. For me it is 100% red card. Excellent decision, not the first one for Daniel,
DeleteA very straightforward first half for Krogh who has been ok. Not much to report but for me RAN #23 should have at least been spoken to or cautioned for simulation. Thrown himself to the ground on 3 occasions now. Apart from that good level of fitness and positioning and decent level of technical accuracy.
ReplyDeleteExcellent first halt by Fesnic in Stuttgart. All YC‘s correct. Great Communication and good proceed.
ReplyDeletePAOK - Young Boys, red card after OFR in the early minutes of the game:
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/b26c79
Very good call by VAR
DeleteThat's really a borderline situation in Stuttgart. I think RC would've been also very much accepted.
ReplyDeleteBut there was a similar situation in the first half on the other side and he also gave YC. So i think RC would be okay but then you have to give RC in the other situation as well.
DeleteAn easy game for Krogh in the end. Perhaps could have had some YCs but he chose to manage the game without any cards being shown
ReplyDeleteI can report an expected performance from Krogh in Glasgow. I can't say anything better not from anything the referee has done but for the complete lack of technical analysis I can provide. 0 cards, 0 KMI's, 0 decisions of interest. This referee handled this game as well as you can ask for given the complete lack of decisions he had to make. I have absolutely no idea how you can pick development points from this and hopefully Mr Krogh's next game will be more interesting and more testing.
ReplyDeleteLindhout, very poor decision on the last minute even with OFR.
ReplyDeleteVery good Matej Jug in Betis - Lyon. Calm and confident. Well done.
ReplyDeleteLindhout … what a shame
ReplyDeleteEasy officiating by Jug in Seville, so much penalty appeals, all rejceted, all right. Confident and consistent!
ReplyDeletewhat a shame …https://x.com/fenerbahce/status/1986559199829016852?s=46&t=cPksnwmJNw1MQfkvuJoq1Q
ReplyDeleteNightmare performance for Lindhout in PLZ-FEN with uncertain techn and disciplinary decisions and poor personalit; and furthermore in the final times with a crystal clear PK missed for FEN. Horrofic support also by VAR, and AR as well. At this level this kind of mistakes is unacceptable. Absolutely.
ReplyDeleteIMO, a long suspension period for all the officials would have to be strongly considered.
The decision made by Allard Lindhout needs to be reviewed immediately. Even though VAR was involved, he still failed to award a clear penalty.
ReplyDeleteReferee considered there is a first holoding before crystal foul and PK decision. This was a minor one. For me, expected call should be penalty but can we avoid offensive foul prior the bigger one ?
DeleteAs @Referee analyst said, the second foul (pulling of shorts) is crystal clear however the first foul is minor BUT can we justify calling it normal contact/a normal challenge once viewed on screen? Very difficult decision for the referee, ultimately would have made it much easier if he spotted either the defensive free kick or penalty live.
DeleteAl-Hakim had a good night @ Budapest.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletewow. UEFA might have to seriously reconsider Dutch referee Allard Lindhout’s future after tonight. In the final minutes of Viktoria Plzen vs Fenerbahçe, he refused to award a clear penalty even after being called to the VAR screen.
ReplyDeleteI just saw the incident and yes, unbelievable by Lindhout.
DeleteClear as water.
Don't get the reaction on here to the Lindhout decision. Before both players enter the box the attacker pulls the defenders shirt so much so that the whole shirt is above his chest. Defensive free kick correct in my opinion.
ReplyDeletePic https://x.com/dunyammatbaa/status/1986585951200477607
DeleteInteresting situation indeed. The attacker manages to free himself from the defender through some mutual pulling. The attacker lifts the defender’s shirt, and I understand why, in slow motion, that is what caught Lindhout’s attention. But the question is whether that is severe enough to warrant a defensive free kick. Because what follows is the most blatant pull on the shorts — and no one denies that.
DeletePersonally, I’d say this incident should be reviewed at normal speed. In that case, the expected decision would be a penalty, which I assume is also what Higler advised. Lindhout, I think, was too focused on finding elements to justify his own decision. Unfortunate for him, as he had been in a excellent form domestically, with a widely praised performance in Feyenoord–PSV.
tc02 .. They both are pulling each other. After Duran won, plzen player clearly holds Durans pants. Thats a clear Penalty and even a Red card.
Delete@HB2300 How can you say "they are both pulling each other" and "that's a clear penalty" in one sentence, lol? Did your copy of the Laws of the Game fly out the window? Even if you think that it's mutual pulling (which is also wrong, it's initially only the attacker), then it's a dropped ball, you can't just let both players foul each other and play on... Furthermore, you can't let a player win a free kick by committing a foul before that, that's not even the spirit of the LOTG, that's even common sense... NEVER EVER a PK, excellent final decision, management of the situation could be improved... 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
DeleteFormer German fifa referee Manuel Grafe made the same comment as I did.
Deletehis comment about the penalty sitation
Manuel Grafe: Both pulling/holding each other , but later on top he grabs the pants clearly because defender is loosing controll of the striker- that is to much! Clear pen & red…
@HB2300 yup, obviously, even big names can get situations completely wrong ✌️
DeleteAnastásios Papapétrou with an overall good performance in the barely challenging Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celta de Vigo game. Only warning after DtR by 32CEL in 60' and two cases of too late FK calls (78', 90+3') were the only points for improvement. The Greek referee with a very talkative attitude, often looking for verbal contact with players while the ball in play - maybe also to keep concentration in this easy and one-sided game. Communication is surely not an issue for Papapétrou.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteHere you can see the foul from the Fenerbache attacker before the holding of the Plzn defender. Good and brave decision by Lindhout
https://ibb.co/jZ9WnDR9
Lol.. They both are pulling each other. After Duran won, plzen player clearly holds Durans pants. Thats a clear Penalty and even a Red card.
DeleteLindhout is known to whistle against the big team. Ask Ajax, Feyenoord supporters. This is a clear penalty and RC. Duran wins the battle and is being pulled.
DeleteWhat I do like on this decision is the way he manages the Fenerbache players. Before selling the decision to all the players he explains his decision to the captain of Fenerbahce and creating more acceptance. Doing it other wise things could get heatened up more.
DeleteOffcourse one could ague that this is a bit harsh but fair duel between two players. But watching the replay (link only for use in the NL) you see the holding first of the attacker (before the ball is close to them) and than holding of both players and than the holding of PLZ #40 leading to the foul in the box. If you'd argue that is a fair duel why than punish the defender?
For me VAR to come on the line is very good. Lindhout's positioning was in a way that he watched the incident almost straight from behind, not seeing the blatant holding fully. After that I like the bravery to call the offence foul instead of going for the easy way and call the penalty. When going for the penalty lot's of discussion would be there because of the attacking foul. So well solved and managed.
One thing that goes through my mind, when looking at his positioning, should he have seen the foul live himself?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb-bv9ogWdg from 7:10min.
It’s a brave decision, especially considering the Turkish club and the pressure they always put on referees. So I think it shows courage. And it’s certainly not 100% wrong, since the attacker is pulling the Plzen defender’s shirt. However, I still think the expected decision here would normally be a penalty, because I mostly see it as a fairly mutual duel, with the attacker just being smarter. And the Plzen defender’s foul is extremely blatant, and all focus is on that.
DeleteAgreed with @Anonymous here, the first situation is "normal" football contact at this level while the pulling of the shorts when the attacker is ahead of the defender is a clear and blatant way of "cheating" (in the sense of an unfair challenge). However very difficult to justify not calling the first situation a foul either once viewed on screen but the most correct/expected decision should've been a penalty.
DeleteI watched right now the OFR by Lindhout in Plzen - Fenerbahçe.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, never VAR stuff. Mistake by VAR to invite referee.
There is a holding by attacker before on defender's shirt, so this was rather a mutual action, but then you have the last holding by defender so you can think about penalty.
Here the clip:
https://streambug.org/cv/4ed711
However, the Dutch referee should have managed better the decision, with a free kick to defender, if he saw first holding, VAR wouldn't have called. One can still find a lack of communication with VAR (maybe) and not the optimal final solution. But not a scandal for me, and not a clear penalty.
No Chefren, disagree. If you don’t consider the attacker holding (to be discussed) like a foul, you cannot avoid PK on clear shirt holding by defender (nothing to discuss on it).
DeleteAfter VAR call you cannot decide for attacker holding anymore, IMO, using it as a sly way-out.
No brave decisions, but wrong decisions only with two mistakes accordingly.
OK, let's say that Dutch referee should have whistled something here, either free kick before or penalty, in this regard I agree. But situation was very difficult and I think he couldn't solve it in this too easy way...
Delete@ITAREF, exactly which Law says that after an OFR you can't decide for a FK for attacker's holding? 🤷♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️ Management of the situation was poor, however, at least the final decision was correct...
Delete@MT: the LAWS rules VAR call is provided for “clear mistake of referee” only. The only mistake is the defender holding, otherwise no VAR call is allowed whereas attacker holding is not releaved.
DeleteYou asked me: which LAW says (…)”: well, the law of ma intelligent, capable and consistent management.
Finally IMO, the attacker holding can be or cannot be punished (you may discuss on it, it’s a debatable situation) but - as Chefren corretly wrote above - he couldn’t solve the situation in a so easy way and disavoing VAR call (and its reason to call) for a clear foul through a not so clear foul (without frame of VAR) which to hide his inability to decide behind.
Thus, two mistake.
@ITAREF I agree with your last sentence - two mistakes:
Delete1. Referee not seeing the original foul live without VAR.
2. Incorrect VAR intervention.
However, as poor as it looked from management perspective (which I've already mentioned), in the end, the final outcome of the whole situation was correct, which is the most important thing 🤷♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Yes. You’re right.
DeleteAnyway this referee needs a long time stop. ✋
Sttutgart - Feyenoord: https://streambug.org/cv/5e22f9
ReplyDeleteAll is about the other defender for me, supportable to issue YC.
Otherwise, without the defender, 100% DOGSO.
Correct by VAR to stay silent, RC would have been accepted as well and maybe assessed as more appropriate by most people.
For me a RC for DOGSO, I have a feeling the expectations for this situation is red more than yellow.
Delete@Chefren: superb analysis. Agree.
DeleteFifa Referee
ReplyDeleteMANUEL GRAFE :
Both pulling/holding each other, but later on top he grabs the pants clearly because defender is loosing controll of the striker- that is to much! Clear pen & Red
Take a breath
DeleteLol. I think, the reactions from HB2300 - and the emotional tone - perfectly illustrates the nature of Turkish football culture, and how difficult that makes things for local referees.
DeleteWhen my favorite team loses because of a referee’s decision, I might go to bed slightly annoyed, but by the next day, I’ve already moved on ;-)
Dear Anonymous, all my respect but your tone doesn’t seem less emotional than HB2300… 😂
DeleteI know it’s early to speculate, and with the World Cup qualifiers coming up, it might be premature… But looking ahead to Matchday 5, I really really (!) hope that Letexier will be appointed to referee Atlético vs Inter (rather than the usual choice, Marciniak).
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMariani is the fourth official for today's Serie B match.
ReplyDeleteFenerbahce made an official complaint to UEFA about referee Allard Lindhout..
ReplyDeleteAnd probably successful, given UEFA’s lack of backbone.
DeleteIt’s a textbook display of Turkish football culture: the referee is always to blame.
But perhaps they should have managed to score with one of their three shots on target, or create more chances.
Any form of self-reflection is entirely absent, as usual.
Fenerbahçe's new president has a good relationship with UEFA and FIFA, he worked there for many years. as you said probably they will be successful..
DeleteA very good performance by Sam Barrot in London
ReplyDeleteOfficial Announcement by Fenerbahce
ReplyDeleteabout referee Allard Lindhout..
Our Club has officially submitted a complaint to UEFA regarding the match management and decisions of referee Allard Lindhout during our First Team’s UEFA Europa League Matchday 4 fixture against Viktoria Plzeň FK.
In our submission, we emphasized the referee’s overall management of the match and the incorrect decisions that directly affected the outcome of the game, requesting that UEFA review the incidents with the seriousness and urgency they warrant.
The process has been officially initiated with UEFA, and any further developments will be shared with the public.
Fenerbahçe Sports Club