Referee appointment for the first leg of 2025/26 UEFA Champions League semifinal, PSG - Bayern, to be played on 28 April 2026.
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN (FRA) - FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER)
Referee: Sandro Schärer SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Ángel Nevado Rodríguez ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso ESP
Fourth Official: Jesús Gil Manzano ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Howard Webb ENG
UEFA Delegate: Peter Lundström FIN
I was right about surprise this week. I think nobody expected Scharer.
ReplyDeleteClearly a replacement though?
DeleteNobody, are you sure? ;)
DeleteWhy not the usual AR’s and VAR’s? Why does he appear with a full Spanish team.
DeleteI did not notice Spain assistans. Now I am not sure anymore. Things with uefa becomes more and more complicated every time.
DeleteI dont think a replacement, I think Scharer was a first choice there. Because even in case of replacement, I would not expect Scharer. So my guess is he was planned there originaly.
ReplyDeleteConsidering Vassaras tomorrow, my guess is Nyberg.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that Nyberg is in charge of today’s Stockholm derby between Djurgården - Hammarby, I would be surprised if he was appointed on Wednesday. He would have had a week off if that was the case
DeleteTechnically Nyberg could still have taken charge of Atleti-Arsenal even with his appointment today, but considering he will be without his normal AR2 Andreas Söderkvist, who is on duty tomorrow in Mjällby-Halmstad instead, there is no way that will be the case
DeleteMixed team... I was laughing about what was happening in the AFC Champions League but now UEFA have created something even worse!
ReplyDeleteWhat for Manzano to think, fourth official while his crew run the lines? He had a chance for this game but lost it with his so-so refereeing in Fiorentina-C.Palace? Are the Swiss lines(wo)men victims of the 'Rosetti anger principle' for what happened in the past (I know there was the injury too) and just thrown out altogether for this one match as part of a political compromise? UEFA mixed the teams for the late stages of the Champions League in 98/00/02 for very different reasons, but I think this is one of the most astonishing appointments ever to a CL knockout game. This is Ballan-like stuff, which should not really even be concieveable in UEFA refereeing! It is a pity that it has come to this... :/
Delete???
ReplyDeleteWhy the hell has Schärer the ARs of gil Manzano? It can’t really be a replacement because gil Manzano is still appointed as fourth official. I don’t understand anything…
Is this a joke? It‘s Schärer‘s biggest game in his career so far and he‘s working with a completely new team. What is happening here?
ReplyDeleteScharer was discussed about as a potential candidate so not a surprise but on the other hand it surely looks like a replacement of Hdz Hdz because why should appoint someone alone with the rest Spanish at least the AVAR would be fair and generous
ReplyDeleteClearly not a replacement, at this point of the competition talking about a replacement would be poor and unacceptable management.
ReplyDeleteI predicted Schaerer after Velasco observation, and here he gets PSG.
Then, the rest is because they couldn't appoint a Spanish referee, so they presented a mixed team, as Mikael wrote above, it's very clear to understand the point they used for making that.
The only good thing is that they didn't dare to assign Hernandez Hernandez, and so this is also another reason why we had this outcome.
Very sad for other regular Swiss officials from Schaerer crew who couldn't join the team for this very big game.
The treatment by Velasco towards Manzano is something close to bullying, to be honest.
DeleteIt's also because if they appoint Gil Manzano for this game, they show to be not consistent with previous choices they made. So a compromise is allowing him to be fourth official there. For me, nothing technical related to Florence game, they planned it in this way regardless.
DeleteFor me it is quite sad that the politics of "having" to appoint some officials from certain countries means Schärer is made to work with a new team and in a different language for one of the biggest games of his career. Hopefully he is still able to produce a performance at the level he has shown he is capable.
ReplyDeleteThey all speak English…
DeleteOk they all speak English but you can be sure that the ‘´trust’’ between them is no where near what is needed for this level, and when you need to take a decision in 2 seconds it’s better when you all know each other perfectly.
DeleteSure they all speak enough English to be assigned UEFA matches and get by, but it still adds difficulty to each communication with each other. Combined with the lack of trust as crn.ple says, that could make all the difference to correctly resolving a KMI with the pressure on. The officials have enough to contend with as it is!
DeleteScharer also speaks spanish
DeleteThis is what UEFA, led by Rosetti, is doing its becoming a disgrace. Scharer, a Swiss referee, with Spanish assistant referees and Gil Manzano as the fourth official? Just when I think it cant get worse, it somehow does…
ReplyDeleteBy the way, everyone notices it now, but this has already happened in the past under Rosetti - at the Women's Euro in England, the Cypriot lineswoman Irodotou was in a crew with the Welsh referee Cheryl Foster (Foster-O'Neill-Irodotou). They worked two group matches together, in which Irodotou didn't make any mistake (I happened to watch them both). Then, suddenly, when Foster was appointed for the semifinal France-Germany, the two lineswomen were O'Neill and Porras from Spain; the Cypriot had been deleted from the crew for no apparent reason. Why? Well, my guess would be that Huerta was close to (undeservedly) getting the other semifinal, England-Sweden, but the Spanish VAR crew's big error in the group stage made it unfeasible, and RFEF were offered some 'compensation'. The official(s) from non-politically significant countries in UEFA refereeing were treated as an afterthought. By deduction, one can obviously guess that Hernandez was very (very) close to getting this PSG-Bayern semifinal. With Rosetti, as everyone learns eventually, everything is flexible!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, very deserved for Porras Ayuso, one must be very impressed following her path. Absolutely justified to assign her for a CL semifinal, after the Conference League final with Del Cerro in 2023.
ReplyDeleteSolid assistant referee, very often faultless performances, cooperation with referee (last one the penalty in Florence). Regular games in CL.
Agree! You can argue she is the stronger of the two assistants in Manzano's crew, to be honest. And it is surely noteworthy that she is the beneficiary again of 'this' situation, as I spoke about above.
DeleteI don't understand the logic of this appointment.
ReplyDeleteThere was no need of Spanish officials in this game (nor in this round in general, with Atlético still in the competition and none of the three Spanish refs justifying an appointment based on form). There has been no Spanish main referee in a CL SF since 2023 and that's fine!
If Rosetti wanted to compensate Spain, just give Hernández Hernández an EL SF, it would be much more tenable than whatever is this.
And there's no justification to throw out De Almeida/Erni. All inconveniences caused by them to UEFA (De Almeida's replacements due to being Portuguese, Erni injured in Bologna-Aston Villa) aren't actually their fault! And if they want to ditch Swiss ARs so bad, why don't give Schärer German ARs?
If they wanted Schärer with this game, German ARs may have been a struggle
DeleteSchärer`s assitants are both injured. For me e surprise, that not San as VAR, he ist todays VAR @ UWCL Semi Arsenal - Lyon is a Swiss Ref Team with Blanco
ReplyDeleteJonas Erni got injured too after Bologna-A.Villa?(!); I see he hasn't worked a league game since then. That match was the unluckiest ever for linesmen...
DeleteOne could conclude then that Scharer-Kung-Porras was ruled out for looking too tokenistic, Scharer-Kung-Nevado was ruled out for a technical judgement on the Swiss assistant (but she is good enough for the Nations League final and other games?), so we end up with Scharer-Nevado-Porras.
Then imo he should not be appointed if your missing both assistants just take someone else it’s not like he is the best for UEFA
Delete@crn.ple Absolutely.
Deletespeaks for the quality of Schärer. We will see....
DeleteStephane de Almeida, hold on brother.
ReplyDeleteI guess UEFA refcom has redefined HR management, mostly by removing the H and the R.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think I ever seen a season like this, quite worrying imo
DeleteThis is also interesting regarding the World Cup. I shortly considered, whether it would indicate the option, that Schärer referees at the WC with Spanish assistants. But then it should have been Hernandez' ARs and not Gil Manzano's in Paris.
ReplyDeleteHowever it looks a bit weird, if a CL SF referee won't get a game at the WC, especially if things go well on Tuesday.
But FIFA and UEFA probably act independently in that regard.
Nevertheless, it is helpful for UEFA, that Schärer is on the WC list (and not explicitly as support) to sell today's appointment to the general public. Indeed it was received positively in German media (kicker), also referring to his very good CL QF last season involving Bayern. They only pointed out, that it is only his 4th CL game in this season, which might appear strange. BTW they also pointed out, that the last Swiss in a CL SF was Busacca, also in a game involving Bayern and a French team (Lyon) in 2010.
If both his regular assistants are injured as mentioned by Swissref then I guess this makes sense. Although I don't see why they couldn't have appointed Kung and another swiss AR.
ReplyDeleteGood day, i have a question.
ReplyDeleteDo you think the first World Cup game Mex-Rsa will have a ref from CONMEBOL, or rather from uefa from a political pov. Any predictions?
Also , refs that had controvery lately do they have less chance now?
I think, among the UEFA top referees, we can exclude (or give much smaller chances to) Makkelie (NED/RSA connections) and Turpin (EURO24 opener). Regarding recent controversy, probably the chances of Vincic are also reduced. Furthermore it's less likely that the game will be refereed as a WC debut. So that leaves us with Marciniak, Oliver and Taylor.
DeleteFor CONMEBOL maybe it will be avoided to have a Spanish-speaking referee for Mexico (should not matter IMO, but could be used as an argument), so that leaves the two Brazilians. The WC experience then would point towards Sampaio.
If for political reasons, an AFC referee is chosen, Faghani has to be mentioned as well.
Personally, I would choose Oliver unless he gets the CL final.
I am not a historian but wasn't the Cape under British rule much longer than netherlands? If we talk about connections. Maybe we are overthinking . Taylor refereed Mamelodi at the CWC. If colonization is a thing, the British can't referee many countries :P The only certain thing is that Argentina does not accept a British ref
DeleteFor Marciniak I predict MD2 + potential Arg-Uru and then a semi. I think Letexier might be a solid pick for Mex-Rsa? Also bcause I highly doubt PLC will give him a WC final after the euro final ?
True, somehow the Dutch history of South Africa is more present to me. Taylor has done Ghana in 2022 and famously Poll did Australia in 2006, so this shouldn't be an issue.
Delete(Taylor also already has enough "impossible" countries - ARG, ENG, GER, ITA, SCO)
So maybe Makkelie is more possible than I thought.
My only argument against Letexier would be, that he has no WC experience, I therefore would let him start with an easier game (e.g. CAN-QAT) - but surely not impossible. And a opening game doesn't prevent the final at all...
Never change a running system (MD2 + first KO stage) for Marciniak? ;) Normally he should get a second group stage game like everyone else, but we'll see. I agree on MD2 though, looking at USA-AUS for him.
in 2010.....The opener was Mexico-South Afrika (in South Afrika) so high presure.... can we remember the referee........ Yes that time 32 year.. and no world cup experienced... neither from a big football nation... Ravshan Irmatov from Uzbekistan, Language...and specially Spanish has never been an issue....many cases Spanish ref for any south american country, and opposite....,Mateu for Argentina-Netherlands...and in history multiple cases Spanish Tongue referee for opener... with latin american team (Brizio Carter in 1994 Germany-Bolivia), Elizondo (Germany-Costa Rica), Baldassi (Spain-Portugal in 1/4 finals), and can we remember Pitana with matches from Mexico, and even Uruguay...
DeleteSure, my arguments weren't meant as hard restrictions. But you have to start somewhere to narrow down the big list of candidates.
DeleteIf you refer to 2010, it should be Tantashev, right? ;)
I predict Siebert for tomorrow
ReplyDeleteOT:
ReplyDeleteBelgian referee Lothar D'Hondt has been selected by UEFA to represent them in the upcoming Asian U17 Finals next week.
This is part of the recent agreement between UEFA and AFC on exchanging referees in youth tournaments.
Who will AFC choose for the U17 euros in Estonia?
Didn't know about this cooperation with AFC. Thanks for informing.
DeleteI don't understand why you'd add six minutes if you're afraid a team might score in the 96th minute (Sozza in Milan-Juventus blew the whistle ten seconds early to avoid controversies). Otherwise, it was subpar refereeing in a terrible game—one of many we've seen this year in Serie A
ReplyDeleteSad News ! Gérard Biguet, 1988 olympics final ref passed away yesterday morning.
ReplyDeleteHe reffed 1983 u20 world cup final. Was AR of Michel Vautrot on 1988 Euro final.
Top ref and great man. He was in charge of Young refs when retired and was very appreciated by all. Great loss. He was 80.
Thanks for reporting, very sad news - rest in peace.
DeleteMay he rest in peace
DeleteSome people thought Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez would get this appointment. Does this mean they are saving AHH for the Europa League final? He would make the most sense for that final, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteTurpin appointed for a game on Sunday night so probably impossible for him to get a SF this year.
ReplyDeleteChefren do you know the referees for upcoming EURO'S (U19-U17-WU19-WU17)???
ReplyDeleteAccording to "Repubblica", five matches of the 2024-25 season are under investigation, including Inter vs Roma on April 27, 2025, which Roma won 1-0.
ReplyDeleteA witness reportedly told the prosecutor that the VAR official in that match, Marco Di Bello, was told from outside the VAR room to "mind your own business" while a possible penalty for Inter was being reviewed for a suspected tackle by Evan Ndicka on Yann Bisseck.
According to the witness, this suggestion – prohibited by protocols – was made by Gervasoni.
"Repubblica" adds that the full VAR audio from that incident has never been found.
A few days later, Rocchi commented on the incident, saying that a penalty should have been awarded: “The assessment on the pitch was not to award a penalty, but when you assess a mistake from the pitch, it remains a mistake,” he said. “Ndicka’s behaviour shows that he is not interested in the ball at all and for me that is reprehensible. The final decision is somewhat influenced by the fact that the hold was not very strong, but it is still a penalty that should have been awarded,” he added.
We can all remember that there was potential, if not clear penalty not called and that also decided Serie A last season.
DeletePlenty eartquakes in Italian football and refereeing right now.
Very good Schaerer with early YC.
ReplyDeleteIs it though?
Deletenow Schaerer will have to continue with those standards
DeleteExcellent start for Scharer. Firstly a correct no penalty decision, then a correct SPA YC, and now he has called a correct penalty. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteclear penalty by Schaerer
ReplyDeleteCorrect pk
ReplyDeletePenalty call for the visitors imo a clear PK correct decision good refereeing by the ref
ReplyDeleteIt's a type of penalty that initially confuses the viewer with Pacho's touch on the ball.
ReplyDeleteBut before that, he touches Luis Diaz, and even the defender got a touch on the ball, bringing down the Bayern striker. A well-awarded penalty.
Penalty whistled by Schaerer: https://streamff.com/v/6b525609
ReplyDeleteVery good decision, clear contact from defender before the touch on the ball.
DeleteAttacker makes the contact and kicks the defender… foul by attacker…
Delete@VG: I guess, you have this assessment exclusively!
DeleteAttacker’s studs literally hits the defender. He knew what he did. Deceiving the referee.
Delete@VG I thought I was the only crazy one that saw the contact initiated by the attacker! From Scharer POV, clear penalty, but there are arguments against. Anyways, I think correct VAR support
DeleteSeeing the replay I tend to agree with VG. I've seen such penalties being cancelled after VAR review. I think attacker is clearly making the contact, but it's a grey zone.
DeleteOh dear another ref UEFA won't be able to use with PSG!!! 😉
ReplyDeleteIn the 14th minute, a suspicious offside position went unflagged by the first assistant referee (A1).
ReplyDeleteGood spot to give Corner before 2nd PSG goal.
ReplyDeleteThe corner kick decision before the 1:2 was wrong in my view.
ReplyDeleteNo, I think there's the *slightest* touch by Tah in Doue's shot.
DeleteWould love to rewatch it
Deletepotential penalty for PSG, for me its penalty
ReplyDeleteAs soon as the hand comes out hes in trouble
DeleteOFR penalty kick decision
DeleteCorrect decision, but for me from the dynamics and position impossible to spot for referee, AR2 could/should have seen it. But you can hardly blame the ref.
DeleteThe defender removed the arm from behind the back and stopped the ball, why he changed? There was also a previous touch on body, but this was considered as very intentional.
ReplyDeleteReally soft for me, he’s not really making his body bigger and it’s touching an other part of his body before. OFR wasn’t needed imo.
DeleteHe's litterally making his body bigger because he chooses to remove arm from behind his back to his left-side just when the ball is about to be kicked.
DeleteIt hits his body first????
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts too. The arm is not in natural position, if it was not deflected from the body then clear penalty. But it was deflected, I'd say wrong decision.
DeleteThis sort of penalty is strongly despised in England, and the English commentators, including Clattenburg, very very against it. But, we know Uefa like to be super strict on hand position, even if they don't like any other soft penalty. I don't like it either
DeleteOutstanding first half by Del Cerro as VAR (I’d like to have seen a replay of the Stanisic incident though).
ReplyDeleteThere was a replay, accidental contact between two players, I don't know if a goal would have been cancelled by VAR.
DeleteWould also like to rewatch if it was a corner before 2nd psg goal
DeleteWas a clear corner
DeleteFor me thats no intervention there. CDG IMO has just ruined a great first half
ReplyDeleteI don’t like this penalty at all. The arm is still close to the body. The IFAB has been clear that defenders should not be required to play with their arms behind their backs. This penalty sends the opposite message.
ReplyDelete100% clueless penalty awarded by a weak referee
ReplyDeleteFor someone born in 1985 thats a clueless comment by a very immature person clearly
DeleteAgreed
DeleteI think you can write more intelligent comments than this one, starting from explaining why this is not penalty for you and without blaming referee as first argument.
DeleteAs soon as theres that obvious of a hand movement hes in trouble... very UEFA and also Spanish VAR call, very supportable
ReplyDeleteOn field decision was also very supportable
DeleteIn the Premier League, this wouldn’t be given because it comes off the body, but clearly the same rule doesn’t apply everywhere. Realistically speaking, this is a penalty because the hand is not in a natural position. In any case, it’s a decision that will be talked about. A difficult first half for Schaerer.
ReplyDeleteThere are many interpretations.
DeleteBut if it were a VAR or English referee, they wouldn't have awarded that penalty.
There are many interpretations.
DeleteBut if it were a VAR or English referee, they wouldn't have awarded that penalty.
A ridiculous penalty was awarded to Paris: the ball touched the defender’s body before going to his hand.
ReplyDeleteExcept the penalty an outstanding half by the refereeing crew
ReplyDeleteIMO big mistake by AR2 to not suggest penalty as on field decision
ReplyDeleteOverall a wonderful officiating by Scharer in the first half
ReplyDeleteThe decision to give the penalty is supportable, isnt a week decision and one that really cannot be complained about, keep your hand down in future Alphonso, its not like the movement was even subtle, it was GLARLINGLY obvious
ReplyDeleteCome on, his arm is literally alongside his body and it’s touching another part of his body before. What’s unnatural is to defend with both arms in the back.
DeleteWatch it back, he evidently raises his arm away from the side of his body, hes asking for trouble
Delete@A16 watch in full speed again. A totally normal movement in a split second, and no way to prevent it after it hits his body first.
DeletePlayers should not be forced to play with their hands behind their backs. IFAB has been clear about that.
DeleteI find it rather ironic that this controversial penalty kick could have been awarded in real time if the assistant referee had better chemistry with the referee. Then, the on-field decision could have been more easily supported.
ReplyDeleteAstonishing how many people dont understand by now that UEFA have their own set of "guidelines" on handball
ReplyDeleteThat's a real problem.
DeleteSo the guideline by UEFA with contact prior to the hand doesn’t exist ?
DeleteGuidelines can overrule, if the hand movement is too great, which i think it is, it will overrule body contact
DeleteUefa guidelines state that if it bounces from another body part it’s not a penalty.. had it gone directly to his arm, it’s a clear penalty
DeleteI cannot comment on the accuracy of the decision within the UEFA handball guidelines. However, I find this penalty to be distasteful and bad for the sport. If this is within the guidelines, then the guidelines are too harsh on defenders.
DeleteYou've got to understand that when the hand makes too great of a movement, then its going to be a penalty. He moves his hand from behind his back to out away from his body
DeleteYou've got to understand that when the hand makes too great of a movement, then its going to be a penalty. He moves his hand from behind his back to out away from his body
DeleteUEFA literally uses ”deflection from body” as a criteria for no handball.
Delete@A16 I’m sorry but the rule is talking about natural position and making his body bigger and you are saying when a defender is removing his arms from his back to put them alongside his body this is an handball offense. For me that make no sense and it’s clearly against the spirit of the rule.
DeleteThe Taylor/Cucurella case at Euro 2024 clearly shows certain ambiguities within UEFA regarding these handball guidelines. Hopefully, the committee won't crucify Schärer for Davies' handball, so they can't later say the ruling was wrong.
DeleteRemind me: did UEFA rule that ESP-GER should have been ruled a handball or not?
DeleteGreat idea to have a Spanish VAR with a Swiss referee......
ReplyDeleteGood Half for Swiss man! Very much physical demanding game. Two correct PK’s and great intervention Var from second one PK. All in second half
ReplyDeleteAlso a wonderful first half from Scharer, if he keeps that up i have no doubt he will get one of the two other finals this season
ReplyDeleteExcellent first half from Scharer. Fantastic football from both teams too. Bayern penalty quite clear. Good disciplinary line throughout. PSG penalty unfortunate as will attract noise but its a clear UEFA handball. Nothing Scharer can do here but give the penalty. Good intervention from Spanish VAR team
ReplyDeleteI must say absolutely brilliant half from Scharer. He’s a phenomenal referee. I absolutely love his style and his body language. Definitely my favourite
ReplyDeleteYes, his manner is at the very top of world refereeing (and the early YC was brave/correct too). This match could be a dry run for working with (a) Spanish linesman in the WC? :)
DeleteI hope so! It would be great to see him refereeing at the World Cup. I think he deserves it rather than just being a 4th
DeleteReally love his style as well reminds me a lot of Letexier with clear signs for every situation
DeleteHe is having a very good game with the caveat of the handball decision. It is a decision where some will disagree no matter what. (The criticism should lie with Del Centro Grande because the on-field decision was not a clear error.) So one must still conclude that it’s been a very good game from the Swiss referee so far. I do like his work and think he should be a main referee, more than Hernandez.
DeleteNO HANDBALL!!
ReplyDeleteWhy?
DeleteBayern penalty: https://www.streambug.io/cv/845435
ReplyDeleteVG's assessment is not only not exclusive, he is absolutely correct. You can see from the overhead angle at 44sec of my clip how blatantly Diaz steps into the sliding tackle on purpose; then, the PSG player plays the ball. It would have been better to call play on here (imo)! Why does Scharer award the penalty? It is because he is looking square at the incident, not with an optimal view by looking in from the left side. Scharer doesn't give the penalty initially, and makes an educated guess on what has happened. I think his heart will drop a little bit when he watches the penalty back.
Psg penalty: https://www.streambug.io/cv/3b2649
Del Cerro's intervention is EXCELLENT here. The touch on the ball by Davies is not controlled at all and doesn't succeed in his action (blocking the centred ball). The initial touch on the ball by Davies only adjusts the trajectory of the ball, it barely takes any pace off it. Then, by enlarging his body surface, Davies handles the ball. His arm is sufficiently tense as to push the ball directly back from where it came from. The VAR official from Spain took all of these factors into account** and correctly intervened.
(** the television analyst on our television is Mark Clattenburg; Clattenburg has spoken about, at length, the reason why he awarded Atletico a penalty early in the second half of the 2016 CL final - after the nature of the penalty called to Bayern, this award is also perfect for 'treating both teams in the same manner inside the eighteen yard box').
Excellent summary Mikael
DeleteI‘m sorry, but I disagree on both of your assessments. The first one is a clear penalty. He touches Diaz first.
DeleteThe second one is not a penalty, because the deflection definitely creates a new unforeseeable situation. The arm was very close to the body. Spanish VAR showed bad images to Schärer.
Disagree with the handball analyse. Also would love to rewatch if it was really a CK or not before 2nd psg goal.
DeleteThanks Mikael, fully agree with your analyses. Not sure we can speak about “excellent” or “perfect” night so far, despite some too enthusiastic comments
DeleteVideo of corner kick before 2nd goal PSG:
Deletehttps://streambug.org/cv/c682ad
Great officiating by sandro scharer.
ReplyDeleteThis is not football if we force defenders to have their arms behind their backs constantly. The arm is in a natural position for the way his body is moving (hence why it came from behind his back, totally involuntary arm movement led by the rest of his body trying to block). Yes, it makes the silhouette larger but there is a deflection off the body. This is very very harsh to penalize.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteThat way you encourage attackers to shoot at their hands and ref will always whistle a penalty.
DeleteIn the Davies case, he moves his arm from his back, clear pen.
Deletewhat condemns Davies is that having his hands behind him, he takes it out without need. I think that the decision to give the penalty is not wrong, another thing is to discuss the different criteria that are applied in this type of plays.
ReplyDeleteAfter replay easy, but anyway good no penalty decision after contact between Upamecano and Kvaratshkelia
ReplyDeleteDon’t know how Bayern will react but clearly the PK for PSG changed the game imo.
ReplyDeleteWith controversy in the last matchday I'm 100% sure that Mr. Rosetti will defend this VAR intervention for handball and we will never know his real opinion. In relation to such situations and matches, the official statement of the referee's committee can never be strictly based on refereeing criterion, but are very often a matter of compromise. The committee is not crazy to dig a hole for itself.
ReplyDeleteExceptionally tight decision. You can't blame AR2 there
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteSure you can. Even is on. And if anything you keep the flag down when it’s that tight.
DeleteIt's an exceptionally tight decision. You give the decision you think is right
DeleteFair play to the AR2. In real time, it seems a clear off side.
ReplyDeleteNo it didn’t. It looked like what it was. A perfectly timed run by the attacker.
DeleteIf it’s that tight. Keep your flag down. Isn’t the narrative and directives to favor the attacking team anyways?
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBeside refereeing, what a game this is. Fantastic game.
ReplyDelete76.48 Caution fot that, never, never!!!!
ReplyDeleteOverly aggressive defending - was a judo throw! Course it was yellow
DeleteI’ll play devils advocate. But that wasn’t even a “tight” decision for AR2 to make. As the old saying goes, “even is on”.
ReplyDeleteBut these days it's not when you can be a toenail in front yet every other part of the body is a foot behind
DeleteStill doesn’t change that when it’s that tight you keep your flag down.
DeleteIsn’t the narrative and the directives to favor the attacking team anyways?
100% agree, in a terms of referee marks this is 7.9. No matter how small the offside is you didn't follow the guidelines...keep the flag down.
DeleteWhy keep the flag down? If an AR thinks it‘s offside he raises the flag (after the delay surely). If you keep the flag down on purpose and it‘s slightly offside you also get a 7.9.
DeleteNo, you don't if you are in the line of the second last defender
DeleteIt's not kids/playground football. Things like "give the benefit to the attacking team" or "if in doubt keep the flag down" are not LOTG phrases. You give the decision you think is right.
DeleteFrankly the rant you've had over this decision is utterly bizarre
What an argument! Of course you don‘t raise the flag when the attacker is on the line of the second last defender. But the speed nowadays is so high and it‘s humanly not possible to always evaluate this very tight offside situations correctly. Of course, mistakes happen. But if she‘s concerned that there was slightly an offside she raises the flag.
DeleteBoys, you didn't understand me (and you should calm down).
DeleteI'm telling you this is mandatory 7.9 like it or not. And also I'm not telling you my opinion, I'm telling you how it is.
If AR is in the line (of second last defender), and it's tight offside: If you keep the flag down it's 8.3 and if you rise the flag it's 7.9. That's the guideline for both for he observers and for the ARs. So basically they are "pushing" ARs to keep the flag down almost always (and I don't like it)
To add, the mark is not that important but the impression she left is very good. Her fitness is also on the top level
DeleteLove that YC for Hakimi, very strong
ReplyDelete80' Clear dissent, had to be punished. Interesting to see what line Fifa will take on that this summer...
ReplyDeletePretty to get a 2nd YC with clear dissent while receiving his YC, maybe with strong guidelines (maybe for the WC) he would have give a 2nd YC
DeleteI'm just trying to be hopeful that we don't have the CWC instructions, of dissent is absolutely fine and ignored. Even if not German/English line, somewhere closer to the Uefa line would be nice
DeleteThe work of AR2 Guadalupe Porras Ayuso, especially this second half, has been really stellar, she’s very impressive.
ReplyDeleteAgree, impressive with one crucial mistake :)
DeleteTwo, if we count the penalty in her area...
DeleteVery strong performance from Scharer today
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about Schaerer is his decisive approach to cautions. He doesn't just try to manage situations, he acts when needed. Very rare today. You can hardly complain about a missed YC in a game with him.
ReplyDeleteBut than can also be a problem in a game with a lot of contact and a high degree of agressivity. But for a game like today it’s perfect.
DeleteThe style of refereeing which is dying these days, unfortunately
DeleteGreat job overall but two key mistakes: there was no foul on Bayern player in 64th minute that led to free kick on which they scored, and UEFA's own guidelines state, ''Criteria for no offence on handling is ball deflecting from player's own body...., '' and the reason for this is coming off one's own body is the same as coming off the opposing player's foot, meaning it would be no offence if coming from a short distance, so why would it be an offence if coming a short distance from one's own body? Basically, there have been too many controversial decisions in CL this season and so it seems the quality of refereeing isn't what it was five or ten years ago with many big referees retiring and newer ones not able to fill their boots.
ReplyDeleteI think there was foul at the 64th because Hakimi hangs on the the jersey of Bayern player.
DeleteI don’t understand anymore the extra time decisions, only 4 minutes here with 4 goals and all 6 sessions of substitute, VAR check and an injury, really weird but not the first time this year.
ReplyDeleteThis was one of the most evident point for improvement: definitely not good to give only 4 minutes and to whistle the end without extending them.
DeleteExcellent game and good refereeing overall by Scharer
ReplyDeleteI thought Scharer was very impressive
ReplyDeleteScharer handled the game in a very good manner, there was balance in key calls (and I’d add the delayed whistle procedure for the freekick resulting in the 5-3 goal in that) and the VAR oversaw the match, for me, perfectly. The level of Nevado and Porras was fine and there were no visible problems in cooperation. So, after many things said, we must be fair: UEFA did very well with the appointment here! (especially considering Scharer was unexpected by most people).
ReplyDeleteAbout any further conclusions vis the summer: I guess we will have to wait until Freiburg-Braga(?) next week before making any declarations about that.
DeleteGiven that Hernandez doesn't have a game this, week, it would have been more logical to use his ARs tonight, if there was any idea regarding the World Cup.
DeleteMy suspicion rather is, that Gil Manzano was planned to referee today's game at some point, but it got vetoed by somebody (maybe questioning, why no WC referee is used, maybe for something from the past).
Arguably some points of improvement in terms of calls, but Schärer's style is impressive, he justified his appointment.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular game of football and Schaerer played his part in this. In such a fast pace game it's very hard to be faultless but in terms of refereeing performance and VAR being an essential part of this performance I think he can be satisfied.
ReplyDeleteI would not blame to much AR2 for the wrong offside call, in live action it looked like at least a yard offside, so I believe this could have been the same on the line.
He was fully respected by the players, and I really liked the way he dealt with Hakimi.
One thing I was wondering. He cannot be just a reserve on the WC. Trusted enough by UEFA for this game, I cannot think of it that he is behind of Nyberg, Eskas or Pinheiro in the ranking. This small note it not against the mentioned referees as they all deserve the WC call-up, but on paper we will have a referee with CL semifinal experince while the other referees without this sonoruous appointment in their palmare. And I think we might see in EL final Schaerer, or at least he can be a candidate.
Really good even without his assistants, really like his style with authority even if the game was not an hard one. But for me we can't get over the PK decision whiwh for me was correctly called on field and not a necessary OFR and after that bad decision by Scharer imo. Still prety promising for the future and maybe make FIFA reconsider his status especially with both foreign assistants.
ReplyDeleteFinally a referee with some authority and "aura" in a football match. No non-sense approach and hugely respected by players.
ReplyDeleteAgree with the first part not sure about the respected by the players.
DeleteEvery Referee has some controversial calls for which they get scrutinized. But putting that aside, today Sandro Schärer proved that he belongs to UEFAs best ones! Great personality and feel for the game. Mark my words, he will become one of the best Elites in the near future.
ReplyDeleteScharer today gave me big hopes for refereeing in the future.. very fresh style, decisive decisions, excellent gestures, good positionning, and he was unexpectedly very respected overall by the players.. he is becoming a referee I quite like
ReplyDeleteOutstanding performance
ReplyDeleteI think Schärer is now definitely under the UEFA top referees and will have more big games next season.
Yeah especially with Turpin and Marciniak towards the end of their career, it’s a much needed performance
DeleteA very challenging second leg expects now the appointed referee: very open tie and everything can happen.
ReplyDelete