Last set of referee appointments for 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, second legs, game to be played on 18 March 2026.
18:45 CET - Barcelona (Camp Nou)
FC BARCELONA (ENG) - NEWCASTLE UNITED FC (ENG) Referee: François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Frank De Bleeckere BEL
UEFA Delegate: Ronald Zimmermann GER
21:00 CET - Liverpool (Anfield)
LIVERPOOL FC (ENG) - GALATASARAY (TUR)
Referee: Szymon Marciniak POL Paweł Raczkowski POL
Assistant Referee 1: Tomasz Listkiewicz POL
Assistant Referee 2: Adam Kupsik POL
Fourth Official:Paweł Raczkowski POL Szymon Marciniak POL
Assistant Referee 1: Tomasz Listkiewicz POL
Assistant Referee 2: Adam Kupsik POL
Fourth Official:
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Marián Ružbarský SVK
UEFA Delegate: Alojzije Šupraha CRO
21:00 CET - Munich (Allianz Arena)
FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER) - ATALANTA BC (ITA)
Referee: Benoît Bastien FRAAssistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Mathieu Vernice FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Levan Paniashvili GEO
UEFA Delegate: Attila Tömo HUN
21:00 CET - London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC (ENG) - CLUB ATLÉTICO DE MADRID (ESP)
Referee: Daniel Siebert GER
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Seidel GER
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn GER
Fourth Official: Daniel Schlager GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Foltyn GER
Fourth Official: Daniel Schlager GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Jan W. Wegereef NED
UEFA Delegate: Philippe Prudhon FRA
We are waiting
ReplyDeleteSzymon Marciniak at Anfield, Benoît Bastien in Munich, Daniel Siebert in London, François Letexier in Barcelona.
ReplyDeleteVAR for Munich is not appointed, possible that there was a change, but the name of Bastien could have been guessed even before the first leg score, I think. We can't be 100% sure here.
ReplyDeleteAs for the rest, once again some big names getting the second legs after "lower" Elite had been assigned to first legs (Letexier - Guida for Barça game).
And Siebert is the winner so far. It's fair. Very hard situation at moment for Zwayer, but I think things for WC can't change, it's too late, and he must go.
In the (more distant) past, it was sometimes common to appoint referees for the finals in the European Cup who did not participate in the World Cup in the same year. I, for example, remember Terje Hauge (Champions League), Herbert Fandel (UEFA Cup), and Stefano Farina (Super Cup) in 2006 or Hellmut Krug (Champions League), Antonio Lopez Nieto (UEFA Cup), and Stefano Braschi (Cup Winners' Cup) in 1998. This year, in theory, the opportunity could arise again to call on such 'prevented' World Cup referees.
Deletewow .. Zwayer had some really bad performances, but didn't expect the committee to completely get rid of him.... but yeah Siebert has been the better referee this year so very deserved for him.
ReplyDeleteUnsurprisingly, Letexier gets the biggest game .. Great game also for Marciniak for his return.
Good to see Bastien here, even though the game will have no stakes at all.
At first glance, we can clearly see the dominance of French referees – three out of eight. If you ask me, Bastien in Munich feels somewhat unnecessary, but okay, UEFA probably wanted to acknowledge his significant progress in recent times.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I like the appointments. The committee isn’t leaving anything to chance: Marciniak at Anfield, Letexier in Barcelona. Siebert got the match in London, just as I predicted. All in all, this is one of the rare occasions where I don’t really have any major complaints about the appointments, except perhaps the fact that there are three French referees. The match in Munich seemed ideal for a newly promoted Elite referee, or even a future Elite candidate, similar to what UEFA did last year in the Round of 16 for already decided ties.
However, I now have a few theories that interest me.
Is Daniel Siebert definitely becoming Germany’s number one referee? If the World Cup list were being made now and there had been no preliminary list before, would Felix Zwayer even be in contention? He officiated a Champions League semi-final and the Europa League final, and all of that happened less than a year ago. In some scenarios, he was even considered for the Champions League final.
So the question arises: is all of this unfair to Zwayer? I don’t know. I can’t say it isn’t fair either. There have been too many OFR decisions, and that situation in Milan… The final blow would be missing the World Cup, but I still don’t think that will happen. There are several referees on the list who have completely lost UEFA’s trust.
But then again – does that actually have anything to do with the World Cup list? Probably yes. Or maybe UEFA is protecting Zwayer now so that everything doesn’t completely collapse for him? I don’t know, but we’ll see the situation during the national team playoffs.
As for the English referees, I don’t think it’s anything extraordinary since there were so many English teams involved. I expect Michael Oliver to appear in the quarter-finals and later stages this season. I sincerely hope I won’t see Anthony Taylor.
And István Kovács? Since that mistake and subsequent cooling-off period at the FIFA Club World Cup, it’s difficult to define his current situation. His drop in form has come at a very bad moment ahead of the World Cup, because he could have been a candidate for the latter stages of the tournament. Now, after what I consider an unnecessary second yellow card for Monaco, it’s expected that he misses this stage, and we’ll see what happens next.
What I’d like to ask everyone on this blog is: who do you see officiating the latter stages of the Champions League this season? After this round, there will still be 13 matches left. How many referees does that mean? Which ones? How will UEFA approach it considering the World Cup is coming up? The international playoffs are also approaching.
I know it’s early, but who do you see as a candidate for the Champions League final this year who hasn’t already refereed one?
We have many questions, and exciting months ahead for all of us who love refereeing.
There are a handful of officials that I think already looks to have cut it to make it into the later stages example: Letexier, Marciniak, Makelie just to name a few. As for the final, if there is no English team in the match up then Michael Oliver has to be the obvious candidate. I just can't see anyone else being more appropriate for this year's final showpiece in Budapest if there is no English team.
DeleteIf there is an English team then Makellie should be the candidate. Some may like to say Letexier but that would be unfair to guys like Makellie and Oliver who are equally capable but older IMO
Now you guys stop worrying about Felix saying that it must be hard oh didn't imagine committee being so harsh on him oh committee got rid of him oh very hard situation for Felix because all of you in a first moment thrown stones on him and you all criticized him. Stop with hypocrisy.
ReplyDeleteWe criticize him and it's okay, he had some bad performances, but we always wish the referees to do well and to succeed ... So there is no hypocrisy, all referees get criticized and praised
DeleteHere he never gets praised. And if I praise him im the one criticized. It's just critics around there. EL final critics, cl semi critics, all match he does critics.
DeleteI didn't notice that. I always considered him as one of Europe's best, this season has been a bit subpar for him, but I am sure he will recover if given the chance. I just hope this doesn't affect his World Cup chances.
DeleteI don't know about Zwayer, but Siebert has definitely earned a match like this even if the tie is decided. His UEFA performances have been brave and very good.
ReplyDeleteHang on, how did end up Nyberg in the Europa League? His R32 was decent wasn’t it? Or did he have more than one OFR?
ReplyDeleteI didn't understand anything either. He should have been named in the Champions League Round of 16 match. Something happened to the Swede.
DeleteUnless he was scheduled for the game in Munich, and things were reshuffled after the 1st leg. Or maybe he gets a big playoff game?
DeletePossible that he was in Munich, indeed, the pairing Eskas first leg and Nyberg second leg would suit very well.
DeleteBut let's not forget the Swedish can get many interesting games to follow, including WC play offs and CL quarterfinals, so I think we are allowed to believe it is just a management by committee.. we will know!
I know this is just a stupid detail but why are the football shoes of Scharer white instead of black?
ReplyDeleteNot very usual
Siebert could face problematic match if Tottenham get 1st goal.
ReplyDeleteThe way Atletico plays and with some of their hotheads could be problematic for his pragmatic style.
Also,Tottenham with some of their players like Romero,Simmons Richarlison and some others could make problems for him.
But I think he will do just fine.
My expectations for European qualifiers
ReplyDeleteItaly vs north ireland: makellei
Poland vs alabania : mariani
Denmark vs north Macedonia: pljeto
Wales vs bosnia : kovacs
Romania vs turkey: joao pinheiro
Czech vs ireland : letexier
Slovakia vs kosovo:zwayer
Ukraine vs sweden: taylor
If Pinheiro had issues with Galatasary is it possible for him to referee Turkey? Just asking.
DeleteI don't know any problem between pinheiro and turkey team
DeleteGood first half for Nyberg, especially for AR1 with 2 good close offside decisions in the goals. However, his fault detection could have been a bit better
ReplyDeleteDetails: even with the score decided in favor of Braga, Nyberg had his work cut out for him and handed out 5 yellow cards to the Portuguese team. Portuguese players tend to exaggerate their tactics and go too far in ball disputes.
DeleteI didn't watch the game in full, however there was a scene in second half that in my opinion represents in full the style of the Swedish referee. Will look for it, don't remember the minute and when possible I will post a clip. This scene represents at same time both the positive and the negative aspects of how Nyberg presents himself on the pitch and which ideas he has about the football.
DeleteGood onside by French AR2 Rahmouni prior to 1-1 in Barcelone.
ReplyDeleteAnd correct YC by Letexier to Newcastle for obvious pulling on Yamal at 18’ Just before 2/1.
DeleteWith also good onside decision by AR1 Mugnier.
DeleteMissed YC for Conselo who delayed the game with a clear push on free kick player. Just warning by Letexier. IMO not sufficient.
ReplyDeleteNot agree. What makes Letexier's performances exceptional is his ability to always read the key moments of the match and manage them skillfully without being scholastic and with total authority. You must distinguish between prevention and sanction: a great referee knows how modulate his disciplinary managing.
DeleteI almost agree with this capacity by Letexier but not here. A deliberate action of pushing a player to prevent him from taking the free kick. In my opinion, this warrants a yellow card here.
DeleteLetexier always quick to blow his whistle every time any player goes down, he literally ruin the match flow.
ReplyDeleteRidiculous comment. Only few FK given and lenient style of foul detection on the contrary…
DeleteThe medical team entered the pitch more than 5 times and only 3 min given
DeleteVery high intensity to the match in Barca. Many crucial decisions for the French crew to make.
ReplyDeleteJust the 3 missed yellow yards for barcelona players so far as Letexier shows he isnt strong enough to caution home team players
ReplyDeleteNo i think more 10 YC instead no ? Come on…
Delete@Referee1985: I have to repeat that I wrote above.
DeleteWhat makes Letexier's performances exceptional is his ability to always read the key moments of the match and manage them skillfully without being scholastic and with total authority. You must distinguish between prevention and sanction: a great referee knows how modulate his disciplinary managing.
Good YC to Cubarsi and I have to agree with ITAREF on players high acceptance of referee decisions. Aura and charisma at the top for Young French referee.
Delete39’ : very good and clear play on by Letexier. A little foul perhaps by nothing relevant to obtain a PK. Good analysis confirmed by Belgian VAR Van Driessche.
ReplyDeleteLetexier should book 2 Barca players on 44 for cynical fouls but only books 1. Once again he lacks the courage
ReplyDeleteAnother holding incident after yesterday in Manchester but now OFR in Barcelona.
ReplyDelete45+3’: must be pk and RC
ReplyDeleteDisagree. I don’t think attacker can play the ball. Not sure so correct VAR intervention and PK + YC.
DeleteAgree with you after seeing the replay. Watching it live I though it was RC
DeleteOnly YC ?
ReplyDeleteI'm really against the law (interpretation) if that's only a YC offence...
DeleteI agree with YC, not sure attacker would have controlled the ball.
ReplyDeleteRed card in case supportable as well, but for me one can understand more YC.
Perfect YC. No controlled ball to justify any RC.
DeleteI actually agree with you, Chefren. I think YC can be supported. The ball was played with a lot of speed and it was questionable if the attack could make it to the ball regardless. Good review by Van Driessche
DeleteI agree with the YC, I think the pass was too strong for Raphinha to reach it without being held.
Delete@crn.ple , if there is just a "chance" it should not be rc. Should only be RC if it's obvious he will get there. I agree with YC.
Delete+1
DeleteAgree too. And we can notice that the foul was difficult to see live without ball area vision.
DeleteFor me it’s a clear RC. Let’s remind that when analysing these situations 1 of the 4 factors it’s th possibility of a player play the ball, not a certainty. Plus, Trippier does not try to play the ball.
DeleteITAREF, please, stop arguing that an attacker has to control the ball. I know the 'modern' interpretation is like that but the LotG clearly speak about 'likelihood' of getting control of the ball.
Delete@wzy3 yeah you actually right, i thought Raphinha was closer to the goal than this actually, still think a RC would have been ok, but correct YC.
DeleteVAR and Letexier carefully looked at the situation and considered no goal-scoring opportunity was dismissed. And i agree with this.
DeleteIMO penalty and RC
DeleteHow is that penalty not a red card
ReplyDeleteThe defender didn’t denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity because not sure Rafinha was clearly in possibility yo play the ball. So YC ok for me.
DeleteOne hundred times i say letexier is normal referee , clear penalty even if was the referee i whistle this without var
ReplyDeleteThks João for your advice.
DeleteI'm not joao i am abdiaziz ahmed yousuf
DeleteShame for the missed penalty as I think it could have been awarded live, but still decent showing for Letexier
ReplyDelete100% red card but required courage to give it, which he didnt have all half
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see the courage you have at the matches... How easy it is to criticize from behind the anonymity of your armchair. You can say that for you it's RC, but the comment about a lack of courage seems malicious.
DeleteTo me it's about the accuracy of the pass, very often when we see a red card in such holding and DOGSO scenarios, we can easily say that with a few steps, player would have controlled ball. To me it's not the case in Barcelona because the ball is rather a bit far away and the attacker has to try maybe with a tackle to reach it. Not a very 100% red card, nevertheless, one can indeed read this argument as forgiving defender, but for me it's not a mistake by Letexier.
ReplyDeleteIn this action : very difficult, as the referee is watching the ball on the left, and by the time he shifts his gaze, the foul has already been committed. From behind, his view is likely obstructed by the defender’s body. His positioning is somewhat central on this very fast phase of play, indeed.
DeleteClearly correct Var intervention in Barca penalty and Correct Yellow Card instead of Red for dogso since It was doubtful about likehood of control of attacker or getting the ball.
ReplyDeleteNot the best first half from Letexier, to say it kindly. Disciplinary far from expected, especially no card for that blatant dtr in 27'. To caution NEW player for spa holding in 17' after not cautioning 24BAR in 1' was suboptimal, too. Penalty has to be given live. No RC after OFR is verrry controversial, at least. We've seen referees being totally out after less than what Turpin and Letexier offered this matchday. Nothing against any referee but interesting how they will be managed further this season by Rosetti who, imo, tries to implement pure meritocracy lately!
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteDisagree except YC at 27’. Never you can compare fouls at 1’ and at 17’. And foul difficult to assess live because of long distance between players involved and ball movement. Never a mistake here and good teamwork with VAR. We can also notice the brilliant communication with Trippier and explanations before PK.
DeleteAlthough I personally think the YC was the right call, I agree with this analysis. Letexier is always close to the action and is highly respected by the players, but while his judgment on fouls was excellent, his handling of the cards was not. The penalty seemed pretty clear from the start, too
DeleteI completely disagree with your assessment. There’s nothing in that first half that suggests poor refereeing or decisions that could be better. The key calls made were expected and, in my view, correct.
DeleteThe penalty situation is exactly the type of scenario VAR is designed for clear, factual intervention to support the referee. That’s a positive example of its use, not a criticism.
Regarding the holding on Joelinton, yes, you could argue for a caution but then consistency becomes an issue. A similar situation with Tonali on Pedri wasn’t sanctioned the same way. If we start giving cards for every instance of holding like that, the game becomes cards
Importantly, none of these holding incidents clearly stopped a promising attack or reached the threshold for mandatory disciplinary action. Overall, the referee managed the game within expected standards.
I agree that not awarding a YC in 27‘ is unacceptable. Otherwise, Letexier is doing good IMO: some good play on calls both in 38’ (PAI) and 43‘ (no free kick in very good position). The holding on the arm which lead to the OFR and penalty is not as easy to detect live as a lot of people think, and SPA is the optimal decision if you ask me since it has to be clear that attacker would have reached the ball.
DeleteHigh level performance from Francois and his team in first half. Consistency,accuracy,does not affected under high pressure, one OFR with for me, very hard on field detected penalty becouse of duration and intensity of contact, and excellent yellow card becouse attacker would not have control of the ball anyway. But,what is impressing me, it is level of his self confidence. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThe holding is obvious only if looking at it. Given how far off the ball the holding started, I think it's justifiable that it wasn't seen live. I also think both YC and RC can be accepted. Not in control of ball, difficult to tell if he would have got there without the hold, some distance the gap. Even if likely, I can understand erring on the side of caution.
ReplyDeleteNot sure why the review area is placed between the techincal areas in some grounds, it's almost asking for trouble from the benches
I agree, not the easiest situation to see live
DeleteAgree. To easy to tell « have to see live » when this foul occurred far away from ball position…
DeleteWith all my respect, absolutely not. Pardon
ReplyDelete@Euro Soccer Ref
DeleteLetexier can't be defended here. It should have been red card for Trippier, not (only) yellow. Let's be honest, the goal opportunity was more than obvious.
ReplyDeleteWas not with images and…commentaries ! So not obvious at all.
DeleteRC IMO. Attacker in an excellent position to score in the empty goal.
ReplyDeleteExcellent position and clear opportunity isn’t the same thing…
Delete+ 1. Right, Referee Analyst.
DeleteNo Ref, “excellent position” doesn’t mean clear opportunity to score. No ball control and too far ti arrive to kick it. YC, absolutely.
ReplyDeleteNoone said that this was enormous mistake from Letexier. Strong pulling that last few seconds in OGSO - he absolutely MUST TO see this. Very big mistake IMO. For me also RC there
ReplyDeleteReading everyone comments, this is a typical situation where both YC and RC are justifiable and not “wrong”. Letexier had to make a choice and he decided on a yellow
ReplyDeleteIMO relatively clear and easy foul to be whistled before the corner kick leading to 5-2. NEW player also had to be substituted.
ReplyDeleteThe match is now decided, vindicating Letexier in his approach to match management by opting for the yellow card. This is also what defines great referees—whistles guided by football sense and the management of high-stakes games. And without a doubt, Letexier is one of Europe’s elite referees.
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect, this doesnt shows anything.
DeleteWhat if Trippier scored a goal or made an assistance for a 3-3?
Letexier just got lucky here, nothing more than that
We never be only « lucky » when you are member of world top 5 referees. That’s your judgrment. Not mine.
DeleteStop with this defense if was any other ref doing the same it would be all critics. Its boring the uncritical referee, the god Letexier 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
DeleteWhat defense ? The decision he made was confirmed - additionnaly to avoid Red card with his expert view - in second half without any issues. I know you are angry because of Zwayer treatment but don’t be so nervous for that…
DeleteNo, im tired of treating some referees like he is God. Its already boring. Its ok to admit he got wrong at least once in the life.
DeleteMissed clear YC at 27’. So i already admit it 😊
Delete“Whistles guided by football sense” — The AI translator at his best :)
DeleteMissed yellows to Barca players, clear missed penalty live and a missed red card and still the letexier fanclub doing everything to give him credit
ReplyDeleteAt the end,full control of Letexier to all match. Well done. Race between him,Makkelie and Oliver for Budapest started!
ReplyDeleteI don't he had a good performance deserving a final more especially in the first half and the second half one team came to play imo
DeleteNo Marciniak in Liverpool.
ReplyDeletewhere is Marciniak ??
ReplyDeleteRaczkowski is the ref now
DeleteWow, really sorry for Marciniak. Seems to me injured again
DeleteWho takes over as the 4th?
DeleteMarciniak is 4th official
DeleteIf Pawel gets injured an AR goes into the centre? as VAR is off site?
DeleteMore experianced AR
DeleteAnd who goes in as AR?
DeleteAs someone who admires both French referees, their performances should be discussed
ReplyDeleteBig surprise with Marciniak replaced by fourth official !
ReplyDeleteMarciniak injured in the warmup according to TV here
ReplyDeleteSomething must happened before match...No MACINIAK at Anfield, FO Raczkowski in mid
ReplyDeleteMarciniak? Raczkowski referee a career match... it's going to be an interesting night
ReplyDeleteCL debut
DeleteThis match is going to get tougher, too much.
DeleteHa has 4 matches but last was in 2020/21 season
DeleteNo offense to Raczkowski, but UEFA, and FIFA for that matter, need to take the appointment of 4th officials more seriously, especially on very big matches. There's no reason the 4th official couldn't have been a higher-level referee who did not have another UEFA match this week.
DeleteIf this guy (ref) handles the game very well perhaps we should see him in Conference league next season
ReplyDeleteAnd what moment for the debutante to start with a R16 tie, huge opportunity for him to make a mark in the refereeing world
DeletePawel is group 1 referee, he is refereeing Conference and Europa League indeed.
DeleteWhat is the observer's view of this game, now that a lower-level judge has taken Marciniak's place? Does nothing change?
ReplyDeleteObserver and UEFA delegate will change their roles
DeleteBig tense after a foul on Osimhen and very difficult management by Raczkowski for this kind of commonplace action.
ReplyDeleteOn TV this young ref looks exhausted already, the temple is high fouls flying by I don't think he's going to have a colourful night just 18' minutes in
DeleteYoung referee?
DeleteWhat a compliment for 42 years old referee :D
Tense moments and problems for Raczkowski,looks like he does not command respect and authority like Marciniak does.
ReplyDeleteAgree. And missed YC and foul now on Lemina with obvious elbow kick on face…
DeleteThats not a faul
DeleteThat was as at 21’. New foot on foot and foul forgotten by polish referee who seems very unsecure on pitch. Agree for Slot attitude…
DeleteArne slot deserve YC. Enough!
ReplyDelete+1, overdue
DeleteIn fairness, his frustration is purely at the away team, and not dissent towards the officials
DeleteHow is marciniak so quiet?
DeleteI think the ball will hit the referee in this match, he is too involved in the game.
ReplyDeleteActually, Raczkowski officiate UCL games four times. He is not debutant tonight,but carrer match yes!
ReplyDeleteHis last game was...
DeleteLiverpool - Midtjylland (2020) :)
Lost on the pitch…his face is so pale…)
DeleteC'est magnifique! One of the best, perhaps the very best, performances of all time by Monsieur Letexier. It's games like this you truly see the complete brilliance of a world class referee at work. Stellar, flawless. His presence on the pitch gets him instant respect from the players, you see even the crowd cheering him on. Outstanding, I've never witnessed anything like it.
ReplyDeleteThis is were I clearly agree with Ahmed just praise Letexier is not god and he had a poor first half. We get fade up, stop it IMO
Delete+1
DeleteAnd now goal with possible foul before.
ReplyDeleteNot a foul on turkish player before the goal ?
DeleteOFR in Munich PK given for handball keeper saves it under VAR review retaken and scored
ReplyDeleteVery soft penalty for handball to be honest
DeleteSiebert with his 1st booking,surprised he did not issue one before given his strict approach.
ReplyDeleteAnalyzing the body language when he issued that first YC, it looked to me that he didn't want to do that! Maybe he had planned a different disciplinary control of the game, but you are right saying that the very well known Siebert would have issued the first YC even earlier!
DeleteNo card for Arne Slot is terrible tbh, Marciniak most likely doesn't want to bother Raczkowski, taking it all on himself, but still terrible image....
ReplyDeleteAgree because I think his colleague isn’t at level, very pale face and stressed without any authority and charisma on players…
DeleteWhat's happening in London so far
ReplyDeleteOFR are increasing if compared to first legs.
ReplyDeleteHere the one made in Munich for handball:
https://streamff.com/v/90e055c3
In my opinion, another situation that referee should have spotted live.
Very clear penalty whistled by Raczkowski.
ReplyDeleteRaczkowski did well there. Took a moment to consider where the offence took place. Correct penalty
ReplyDelete45+4´ : PK ok for Liverpool but certain delay to whistle by referee. So i think was an indication by AR2 to give it.
ReplyDeleteI think Raczkowski has had a pretty decent half there. It's almost the opposite to some of the bigger names in the last couple of days... It's not been completely convincing, and perhaps not with the authroity or 'aura' of some, but I think the technical accuracy has been generally rather good
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree with that
DeleteAnd actually I also agree with this nuanced analysis. I’m baffled by the completely different approach of some readers towards Letexier earlier this evening and Raczkowski now. Very forgiving vs extremely harsh (although the latter has to deal with far more challenging circumstances).
Deletecertainly their decision was acceptable but marciniak It's like he forgot about 4 offical
DeleteHe has done well when you consider the circumstances and the fact im sure he it was a big suprise, having to step in last minute. The only downside is allowing slot to behave as he is, which is as much on marchiniak
DeleteAgree. All considering I saw an appreciable 1h for Raczkowski, maybe with an “old style” managing but not more lenient than Siebert today in London (right for both of them in UCL 16 round, IMO… )
DeleteRaczkowski great call for PK it was very clear to give
ReplyDeleteThe referee’s assessment of fouls and physical play is at a substandard level today. He is struggling to control the match, is not alert, and his movement pattern is passive in many situations. There are also clear shortcomings in his leadership. The penalty is very soft, and before Liverpool’s goal there is a clear foul that he misses. I hope the referee significantly improves in the second half.
ReplyDeleteThese comments are quite biased. As a Turk, I think the referee made the right decisions. There was even blood visible on Szboslain's knee. How can this be simple. I just think he's bad at managing on-field chaos.
DeleteIt's clear imo that both teams tried to play Raczkowski's lack of experience at such level to their favour. My biggest concern would be that both Raczkowski and Marciniak allowed far too much mobbing and dissenting behaviour and therefore the control was not the best. On the other hand, starting to caution players and benches could've been useless and further destroy the level of acceptance and therefore I think Marciniak didn't recommended him to caution benches (taking some 'blame' on himself)
ReplyDeleteIf you don’t see the difference in charisma, presence, and communicative interaction between Letexier and Raczkowski, it means you know nothing about high-level refereeing. He is reactive during the match, overlooks several fouls, and fails to assert himself with the players. The penalty call after consulting with his assistant is fine (notice the sprint to the sideline to check with his assessor), but he neither controls the players nor the flow of the game. Technically competent, but that’s all. But in special circumstances yes.
Delete+1
DeleteEuro Soccer Ref doesn’t even mention Letexier in his comment, you are. Apart from that it’s completely disrespectful suggesting Euro Soccer Ref ‘knows nothing about high-level refereeing’. What makes you feel free to make such a judgment? At the very least Euro Soccer Ref is the one least culpable on fanboying. Always objective no matter who the referee is. There is a select group of readers on this blog who can learn, just saying :)
DeleteSorry was not for him but a general assesment. I know his a very good analyser from refereeing. My mistake to put the comment here.
DeleteComparing the presence and charisma of a referee in letexier who is the peak of his career to a referee who is young, fairly inexperienced and stepping in at the last minute in the biggest game of his life is embarrassing honestly
DeleteCome on. The polish referee is not young (43 years) and he is FIFA referee from 2013 so…12 years ! Much more than François Letexier…so who is really embarrassing at all ?
DeleteProtests by Tottenham but never a foul before 1-1 by Atlético in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIMO it is a clear foul Spurs player was pushed off the ball but still Spurs scored again 2-1 in London
DeleteAgree with Tevinjm clear push imo
DeleteTop no call for Daniel Siebert prior to Atletico goal. Not a foul, Daniel do not allowed himself to be faked! Well done!
ReplyDeleteClear foul imo, defender doesnt get the ball.
DeleteI don’t think it’s fair to blame Raczkowski for his management or decisions tonight. Of course, some moments could have been handled better, although the penalty decision was a good one. But just imagine having to step in right before kick-off, especially for a match of this intensity. That naturally brings nerves and it takes time to settle into the game.
ReplyDeletePlayers will also sense that he’s not regularly officiating at this level and may try to test him. As long as the match isn’t decided by a refereeing error, it should be fine tonight.
Completely agree
DeleteLiverpool goalkeeper Allison wearing black leggings? Should be same colour as shorts, as per law 4.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed at many levels of football this is ignored for goalkeepers
DeleteHe always does with this kit. I don't think it's unusual to wear black with any very dark colour. We all know various points of not having clashing kit are ignored (especially with goalkeeper and referee colours), and this is widely accepeted
DeleteWe don't ignore this on my side of the ocean but if that is widely accepted then fair enough. I do not follow liverpool enough, first time seeing this.
DeleteGood onside call by AR1 for Liverpool 2nd goal.
ReplyDeleteBut now a mistake to not spot an offside....
DeleteClassic Siebert,love to see his approach, by the book.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you guys think of the YC for Lookman in 56‘? Possible VC.
DeleteAfter a couple of good decisions by AR1 in Liverpool now a poor missed call where he was ahead of play
ReplyDelete4th goal also really tight (correctly given) Listkiewicz with a busy 2nd half...
ReplyDeleteChefren we desperately need your detailed assessment on Letexier please tonight because IMO we will keep saying the same things all year
ReplyDeleteThis was one of Letexier poorest performance yet he still being defended on almost everything like he was flawless and perfect. This damaging for the followers of the blog
I can't change other people opinions, and mine counts just as much as anyone else. So it's not as if what I’m writing should be taken as absolute certainty, I want to make that clear first of all.
DeleteThat said, it wasn’t a good performance from the French referee. If we want to go to the essentials, in just a few words despite everything, he should have spotted the holding and awarded the penalty. It was a decisive incident that, of course, set the start for the win, which came more easily afterwards, but not at the beginning and not in the first half for Barcelona.
He was also unconvincing from a disciplinary point of view, in my opinion. More generally, the French referee doesn't seem to be going through a period of particularly high form. It's a rather average phase for him; having given a lot in the past, he may now be feeling the effects a bit. All in all, his record is still very clean and there's no real issue, but he can certainly find greater sharpness again in the future, like he was some time ago.
Of course no one can change other people opinions but for those who don't comment and follow and consume this content could lose trust in the blog because criticism and heat speeches follow some referees yet others get sidelined from the toxicity environment even though they have been far worse.
DeleteSo bad performance just for an OFR ? For disciplinary side, he missed a YC at 27’ for DTR. I agree. We can’t say IMO « Not a good performance » for these two facts. Because he was at usual exceptional from physical skills to natural authority with a great even perfect acceptance by players which is the most difficult part for an Elite referee. So average performance if you want to be harsh but never for me a bad level.
DeleteThe game seems now on its way in Liverpool, with a clear win by the English side. In my opinion Raczkowski can be proud of what he has achieved, it was not easy for him, but in the end he managed to contol the match and he also made a correct crucial call, one can't definitely ask for more, given the circumstances. He will surely remember this evening. Personally I notice how astonished were some people about Marciniak's replacement, even reading the comments above, I'm a bit surprised about that. We have top referees for top games, for sure, but we shouldn't forget that a referee is a referee, can we say that officiating a top game is a stuff only for Elite referees? No, Elite referees can maybe do it better, but still, experienced FIFA referees can do it as well. So I have respect for what Paweł Raczkowski did.
ReplyDeleteOverwhelming he performed better than most of us imagined, he is proud indeed
DeleteI didn't think it was right of Bastien to add 3 minutes of stoppage time in Munich when the tie was already decided. A lack of perception on the Frenchman's part.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem pot luck whether 0, 2, or 3 minutes added when a clear result. Letexier clearly went with the Brych school of thought earlier. Bastien not
Delete90' I was just about to sing Raczkowski's praises, then a disallowed goal for nothing. Not sure why no intevention, there was no foul. I'm not convinced any of the three fouls on the keeper at corners would be given on this ground in the PL
ReplyDeleteI think he was very protective for the keeper throughout the match. He was consistent in that respect, but this moment was a very disappointing decision.
DeleteThe extent to which keeper should be protected remains an area where no standards exist and is left unaddressed by individual referee committees. I think some kind of clarity is really necessary.
Liverpool disallowed goal clearly incorrect. Over protection of Goalkeepers is shocking, also poor from the VAR not to rectify a clear incorrect on field decision.
ReplyDeleteYeah overall decent match from Raczkowski though I think he wrongly disallowed 5th Liverpool goal in the end, there was no foul on Turkish keeper if there was any contact it was initiated by him.
ReplyDelete