Discussion of João Pinheiro performance in Bayern - PSG, second half.
FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER) - PARIS SAINT GERMAIN (FRA)
Referee: João Pinheiro POR
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Jesus POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano Maia POR
Fourth Official: Espen Eskas NOR
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Rune Pedersen NOR
UEFA Delegate: Arturs Gaidels LVA
By the way, regarding Pinheiro's "personality". I think people are misinterpret his chilled, unobtrusive and chaotic style with being nervous and unsure about calls (like Siebert yesterday). It's his style and he's well accepted in general, it helps him to get in good contact with players, so I don't think it's any problem, just a personal taste.
ReplyDeleteSorry but that’s also an IFAB rule explanation :
ReplyDeletehandball offence is not committed when a player:
heads, kicks or plays the ball with another part of their body and it then hits their own hand/arm (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards)
falls and the ball hits their supporting arm, which is between their body and the ground (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the other team)
is hit on the hand/arm by the ball which has been played by a team-mate (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the other team)
So good call by Pinheiro, now the problem is consistency with this guideline/rules bcose last week a PK was given as it touch another part of his body before his hand.
DeleteThe only major call I’d question is the Mendes incident, it was red card otherwise other decisions are supportable
ReplyDelete+1
Delete@A16 All your comments have been negative from the start; you have no credibility whatsoever.
ReplyDelete@Mikael: agree with you. I feel sick too with this comments
Dont be rude, im just stating an opinion, we are all entitled to them
DeletePlease show me where in IFAB it is written that there is no handball when the ball is played by a teammate. Please show me. This rule has actually been removed 2 years ago. The position of the arm now prevales above everything else.
ReplyDeleteTo me, and I’m ready and would be pleased to be told otherwise, according to Law 12, this is an extremely clear penalty for handball.
Sorry but that’s also an IFAB rule explanation :
Deletehandball offence is not committed when a player:
heads, kicks or plays the ball with another part of their body and it then hits their own hand/arm (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards)
falls and the ball hits their supporting arm, which is between their body and the ground (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the other team)
is hit on the hand/arm by the ball which has been played by a team-mate (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the other team)
Agree and that’s the problem imo, if those websites are not updated correctly and nothing is in the LOTG that’s a problem for us (not part of UEFA meeting) bcose I hope that Pinheiro knows the guideline required by UEFA
Deletehttps://www.footballrules.com/offences-sanctions/handball/
DeleteThese are not UEFA guidelines but seem to be an extract from obsolete (2024) rules of football.
DeleteTwo correct, critical decisions by Pinheiro's team in the first half, but for various reasons (the would-be 2CT if not for Leimer's handball, the unusual nature of the handball penalty shout, and the context of last week's handball decision looming in everybody's mind) has made it very difficult for Pinheiro to be accepted by Bayern. This is not his fault, other than that the presentation of the Leimer handball was late, with Pinheiro not having seen it himself. Huge credit to either Bruno Jesus or Eskas, whoever noticed it, because otherwise we'd have a wrong 2CT that the VAR couldn't fix.
ReplyDeleteSo we cannot really fault Pinheiro for the lack of control he had over Bayern, there was nothing he could do when faced with the bizarre set of circumstances that would leave any team feeling extremely aggrieved by the correct decisions. My reaction is the opposite: two critical decisions correct reflects well on the referee.
From my point of view, Laimer did not commit a punishable handball.
DeleteIt was clearly a deliberate handball.
DeleteAccording to the valid handball rules, Laimer's handball was clearly not punishable.
DeleteReplays clearly show Laimer did not touch the ball with his hand!
DeleteThe problem with the evaluation of handball situations is that some guidelines are made to explain the fact that a player, quite rightly, can't be expected to anticipate a ball kicked by a teammate. However, despite this, the player may still have their arms very open, in that case he will not be punished. It's considered acceptable not to award a penalty because of the origin of the ball, which is completely unexpected and not at all intended by the teammate to cause a handball.
ReplyDeleteBut the issue is that this same logic is not consistently applied when handballs are punished following a final touch by an opponent, where the player likewise could never anticipate the ball. This is where, for me, the problem exists: attempts are made to set clear boundaries, but while certain aspects are taken into account, others are left unresolved. It's quite a complex matter overall. Can the origin of the ball save everything? For sure not, in my opinion, because then one should be flexbile on the "normal" handballs as well, but we see very harsh calls.
Going back instead to the earlier handball before the other one that could have led to a second yellow card, it's still unclear. Maybe if someone manages to post a final clip...
The half-time replay:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.link/v/c11c8e1d
the ball indeed bounces off the chest and hits Laimer's arm, so it's a correct and extremely brave call by Espen Eskås! I remember that members of Portuguese refereeing teams had been always very active, so either Pinheiro told the Norwegian to be very alert or Rosetti reacted to Stieler's approach yesterday
If you can tell that from that clip then im amazed
DeleteI’m probably lost with handball rules for tonight but if it touch his chest before his arm then it’s not punishable right ?
DeleteMe as VAR, with only this replay, wouldn't find an evidence...
DeleteBut we can all agree that the new VAR protocol for 2nd YC will have not helped here as it’s only possible for the VAR to check when a 2YC is given
DeleteYes I meant if this was a situation for a possible penalty or red card, for me no evidence of the handball. But of course, without it, one must support the officials.
DeleteYeah I understand your point just saying that even this new protocol maybe need a change.
DeleteIt is clear the ball contacts the arm before the chest. You can see the ball change direction when it hits the arm, and the arm rebound from the ball as a result. From there, I think it is very reasonable (if not clear) that this was a deliberate handball by the attacker.
DeleteI think so far in the 2nd half he has regained control and been good, much better than 1st half which was losing control rapidly
ReplyDeleteRegained control by giving more FK which is probably a good management to calm everyone
DeleteIs it just me or has Pinheiro been soild?
ReplyDeleteNot just you. A very reasonable assessment
DeleteThere hasn't been much to talk about besides the two critical incidents, which get got correct. Huge credit to Eskas on the first of them.
DeletePersonally I don't think his mannerisms are very good; whether or not the perception is accurate, they do give the perception of a referee who isn't sure of himself. That's the only negative thing I can say tonight, so far.
Pinheiro is making profit out of the fact, that the speed of the game has slowed down.
DeleteAbout the cooperation with assistant referees and fourth official, we know that for some aspects, it's expected by Elite referees.
ReplyDeleteBut with so detailed work we can absolutely remember the figure of the former Portuguese referee Pedro Proença who was used to do so, inviting all teammates to be EXTREMELY active on the sidelines and to cooperate.
Therefore, maybe it's not a wrong guess if we say that Proença gave some advices to the current Portuguese Elite referee...
To be honest I think it is just a choice by a very good referee, Eskas, to properly and attentively do his work as fourth official. Peljto did the same in Rayo-Strasbourg last week. What used to be asked by Proenca was something quite ‘extreme’, following the game in a manner not completely dissimilar to a linesman on the right fullback side. Eskas was just doing his job correctly here!
DeleteDid he perform his task correctly? That wasn't a handball by Laimer. The ball first hit his chest, then possibly his arm. According to the rules, that's not an offense.
DeleteGood no foul and yellow for diaz. He clearly ran into the defender
ReplyDeleteDisagree, defender clearly stoping and blocking his opponent without thinking about the ball, FK missed imo.
DeletePoor management in the 78th minute, missed foul committed by PSG defender outside the penalty area, and players kept playing (having not realized he stopped play, due to volume issues and lack of clear signal), leading to a heavy challenge occurring behind his back as he was pulling out his yellow card for Diaz.
ReplyDeleteVery good management of Diaz situation
ReplyDeleteNo foul, then a handball, and a dissent that had to be punished. I agree. Difficult to tell how bad the challenge after play had stopped was without a closer replay, but I'd like to think one of the nearside officials had an eye on that
DeleteI don't agree.
Delete1) The decision is wrong. The defender clearly moves into Diaz's path to impede his movement.
2) The signal of the handball by Diaz was not clear (in whistle volume or in visual signals) which led to a challenge behind his back. This situation would've led to a long mass confrontation in any other of the confederations besides UEFA.
It’s a clear foul for impeding the progress of an opponent. IFAB should bring back the indirect freekick for this offence, as was the case until 1997!
DeleteDisagree. No foul for me. Never impeding but normal contact made by attacker movement towards defensor and not the contrary. Good spot by Pinheiro.
DeleteVery good no foul decision on Kane. I really like that Pinheiro is not giving easy decisions that would be wrong. Happy to give difficult decisions that are right
ReplyDeleteActually a horrible decision, just like the one with Diaz. Both clear fouls. But he decides to follow through with his false assessments.
DeleteDiaz could be foul. Kane is never a foul in a million years. Feels minute contact and falls down like a sack of potatoes
DeleteBoth of them were clearly not fouls with Kane and Diaz trying to con the ref. Take the blinders off
Delete+1
DeleteThe referee has been praised by British commentators on TNT sports, for his performance tonight and the other night in Nottingham. He has certainly improved since the start of the game in terms of authority.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he'd make a salesman, but, he has had a very reasonable couple of games. Perhaps more suited to flowing games like this, or English games that want flow and more background management. Technical accuracy fine, and nothing for Uefa to take major issue with. For such a big game to have two 'lesser' referees than maybe expected a month or two ago, Uefa can be very pleased
DeleteIs Makkelie in the Budapest final?
ReplyDeleteWell, who officiates the final now? My guess is Mariani, I never hoped more that I‘m wrong …
ReplyDeleteSiebert, Pinheiro, Scharer could all be contenders, Makkelie probably won't with a combination of PSG and the OFRS last week. If its Mariani then I give up. I dont see anyone else other than on this list. Zwayer wouldn't make sense, if German surely its Siebert?
ReplyDeleteI've read so many analyses and bad comments that I can only say that tonight was Pinheiro's redemption.
ReplyDeleteI don’t see any other name than Mariani for the final. Pitty for Letexier and expecially Oliver who had a great season.
ReplyDeleteSecond half under control for the Portuguese referee; everything happened in the first half. If the handball called by Eskas before the potential second yellow card is correct, then we are looking at a high-level performance, it has to be acknowledged, even by those who are not kind toward the Portuguese official. It was right not to award a penalty for handball, at least according to UEFA guidelines, and the disciplinary decisions were also appropriate.
ReplyDeleteWe have now the "worst" final for UEFA, in terms of referee to be appointed, many names out, even major candidates. Who will win?
Well, this time absolutely hard to believe that they had already a planned name before, too many, definitely too many variables.
Id be genuinely interested to hear who your educated guess would be for the final? Would you consider Siebert, Pinheiro, Scharer, Mariani as the shortlist?
DeleteAgree if the no 2nd YC call is correct then really good game even if he showed that is laking some experience in those big games, with bad management sometimes.
DeleteGood performance by Joao Pinheiro, he did well and certainly justified the surprise appointment. I think his odds to get the (CL) final now are pretty good!
ReplyDeleteI think I just preferred Sieberts performance yesterday. I would fear that either are prone to losing control though as the past has shown.
DeleteWhat a perfomance from joao pinheiro he proove that he is the best referee in europe i am sure he is one of the candidates for the final
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteMarciniak is by far the best
DeletePinheiro and Siebert will officiate one half each of the final, bravo to both of them! The best referees in Europe right now.
ReplyDeleteAnd if the game goes to extra time, Rosetti will officiate it.
DeleteA VERY good performance by all officials, I would consider him and Schärer for UEL/UECL finals as a reward. Zwayer for the UCL final? ;)
ReplyDelete👀
DeleteBetween Makkelie and Zwayer imo, but will they give Zwayer two europeans finals in a row ?
DeleteWell to be honest, if Uefa comitee have guts, Makkelie should be no 1 for final. Other names: Siebert, Nyberg. Letexier now assured for EL Final. Congrats Pinherio on performance tonight,but its still not time for him!
ReplyDeleteOT: Full of respect for anybody, but how anybody can predict Mariani for UCL final, after bad perfromance in Liverpool in quaterfinal. Mariani,based on merit,should be out of CL contenders.
I think Mariani would've got the game tonight if he was accepted for his performance at Anfield.
DeleteI agree that Mariani hasn't yet proven he deserves to referee the Champions League final, but his performance in the Liverpool-PSG match was very good, aside from the penalty (which was overturned by VAR anyway, so it wasn't a big deal)
Delete07
DeleteI’m not predicting Mariani will get the final simply because I’m so convinced of his ability (it’s only his second season at the top elite level). I’m trying more to understand Rosetti’s thinking, and in that context, I could certainly see Mariani getting the final.
Who will referee the final ?
DeleteIf he had had the balls to show the y/r card in the first half, it would have been a decent game - not even good given his issues and inconsistencies with foul identification.
ReplyDeleteSince he didn't and called for a fake handball by Laimer instead, it is a catastrophic performance that decided the outcome, sadly.
Adding only 5 minutes of extra time despite already having had 6 minutes of actual "injuries" early in the second half, and then another full minute in added time, just makes it a farce
DeleteAfter a long period, we are seeing a situation where the semifinals featured relatively "less experienced" referees, with the exception of Makkelie. Typically, these matches are officiated by referees who have already handled a Champions League final. This year, however, UEFA’s top-tier officials for high-stakes matches—such as Marciniak, Turpin, Kovacs, and Vinčić—were absent.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bold move by UEFA, and in my opinion, the referees rose to the occasion and performed well. Anything other than Mariani officiating the final would be a surprise to me. While Makkelie ultimately handled his match well in terms of decision-making, it felt as though something was missing for me to consider it a truly standout performance worthy of a final.
Im sorry but if Mariani gets a champions league final enough is enough. Makkelie’s moment has arrived. Well done Pinheiro and acceptable performance!
ReplyDeleteBoth games bad time management, time added is something that UEFA should improve.
ReplyDeleteEven in Serie A, this kind of poor time management is a common sight. It seems that only Collina has addressed the issue so far
DeleteBut then we had the CWC last year were Collina went back to how it was pre-21, if not worse. England (and I believe now Germany?) are amongst the few who still follow through well with that.
DeleteOn tonight's, it was still better than last night
I think Mariani is favourite for the final despite him not deserving it imo. Maybe Nyberg if he does ok tomorrow? Makkelie would deserve it but wonder if his recent history with Arsenal and longer ago history with PSG will rule him out.
ReplyDeleteNyberg hasn't refereed a continental final since being promoted to the Elite in 2023. But considering tomorrow's game in England, where he will be officiated by Carballo (who carries enormous institutional and political weight as an observer), I wouldn't rule out an upset in the Budapest final.
DeleteAfter the Letexier appointment in 2024 you never know...
DeleteI believe that a referee who has previously officiated a UEFA Champions League final will be appointed.
ReplyDeleteMy predictions for the final are:
Marciniak
Vincic
Makkelie
Penheiro delivered an outstanding performance today; therefore, in my opinion, he deserves to be appointed to the Europa League final.
Don't think UEFA will break this ''rule'' especially this year, if there is a big incident in the final with a potential candidate for the World cup final it will be a disaster for UEFA, pretty they will keep them out for this year.
DeleteNot flawless, but IMO a very satisfactory performance by Pinheiro in an intense match.
ReplyDeleteGreat refereeing in both return matches, but public perception is that both referees made significant mistakes that influenced the outcome. Perks of refereeing I guess.
ReplyDeleteWho will referee the final UCL in my opinion Zwayer or Makkelie or Mariani ?
ReplyDeleteI'm not much a fan of Pinheiro's style. His mannerisms don't inspire much confidence, most of the time. For example, on the potential 2CT situations, I understand what he's trying to say with all his signals, but there's too much going on, it looks too chaotic, it's not clear to the average viewer. On the play that resulted in the YC to Diaz, it was not clear to the players that he had stopped play.
ReplyDeleteThat said, one mustn't overlook the critical decisions that he and his crew got very correct today. Along the same lines, there were several moments where his positioning and movement was impressive, especially to ensure the best possible angle in the penalty area.
This was a mostly good performance, one he can be proud of. At the same time, I didn't think Pinheiro was one of the very top UEFA Elite referees before today, and I still don't think he's one of the very top after today.
This is such a good assessment, and exactly my thought. He gets a 7.4/10 for me. Got a lot of tough decisions right in my opinion, but didn't have control of the game, and he probably cannot do a Bayern game next season.
DeleteOutstanding performance on key decisions and in resisting pressure from local players. Needs to be more strict in managing the benches and handle some dissenting behavior with greater authority. There’s a slight lack of spark or presence to reach the top level (category 5) of European referees. But overall, pleasantly surprised by Pinheiro and his team of assistants, and Eskas, who handled things well—unlike Stieler yesterday. In the end, well done João!
ReplyDeleteOther angle of the potential handball by Laimer :
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/Soso9zb/status/2052123091656925547
Hum. Seems big mistake by Eskas to interne here for this « phantom » handball…Poor decision and second YC missed because of this mistake ?
DeleteYeah 2nd YC missed here for me, Eskas should have stayed silent imo
DeleteIt was obvious that Pinheiro had no idea. The only idea he had was that Mendes already had a YC and he wanted to avoid a 2nd YC. However, it was a clear 2nd YC missed. It was just a very bad performance overall by Pinheiro, he was not accepted at all. Don‘t understand the praise. Compare this game to the one in Paris and Schärers game. Night and day difference.
DeleteRef19 you are complain against all the situarions . Its unbeaval8ble what you said.
DeleteGreat performance from Pinheiro
Great performance by Joao Pinheiro.
ReplyDeleteI predict Danny Makkelie or Szymon Marciniak for the final.
Rossetti and UEFA's prolonged bad management has really backfired this season. I wonder when he leaves his position.
Repeating Marciniak's decision when he's already refereed a final? And even if he hadn't been in Istanbul, we'd have to see what his real physical condition is like after the injury in the Anfield game.
DeleteIf UEFA refuses to discard the PSG power play that has been used against Makkelie since 2022 and appoint him for the final, which referee will be appointed?
DeleteObviously Scharer, Mariani and Pinheiro can be considered out of it because they are still relatively new elites, none has even officiated either the UECL and EL.
Also, and all three were involved with PSG in both QF and SF with some sort of controversy in their respective games.
Finally, regarding Marciniak's fitnes, I think he's already back refereeing and from now to 30th could be enough time.
Two very good performances from Pinheiro within one week. Found it very strange and avoidable this double appointment, but he really did will and actually I think the Conference League final is very likely for him.
ReplyDeleteThen I assume Letexier can be a good candidate for EL.
And then the question is CL. I think the SF referees nearly all out of the picture. Makkelie is impossible, not only because of PSG, but he was heavily criticized in England after revoking the penalty for Arsenal. Pinheiro was good today, but cannot see him in the final and same for Siebert especially Arsenal twice in a row in QF and SF. A small chance for Schaerer though, as he was flawless in the first SF, however raising doubts with the mixed team as I cannot really imagine him getting one more assignment with Spanish ARs. I was wondering that maybe Eskas can be a candidate, but looking at his path during spring I just cannot see this to happen.
And then the conclusion is simply Mariani. He had high profile games and no damage to his reputation. Real-Madrid-Manchester City, then Liverpool-PSG enough sonorous clashes, and then it SF he is away from spotlight. Honestly I think he was the plan C in case of Arsenal-PSG. Is it deserved? Not really, but sometimes you need luck in your career and here is a chance for him. And I would not say he had any controversial performances internationally in recent times, so why not.
Very difficult this year to predict the referees for the finals:
ReplyDeletePSG-Arsenal: Mariani (he doesn't deserve IMO)
Makkelie (I hope he will be the referee, but I don't think so)
Zwayer
Nyberg (if he performs well tomorrow)
Europa League final: Letexier
Conference: Scharer
The very scenario that everyone loved to avoid has happened upon us. Its Arsenal Vs PSG. UEFA should set aside whatever issues there are and hand that match to Makellie. I don't see how Siebert or Maria I (who are both obvious contenders now) can do a better job
ReplyDeleteThe final has to be between Makkelie and Mariani, but I think 2 OFRs for the Dutchman puts Mariani ahead.
ReplyDeleteChefren,what is your predictions about UEFA Club competition finals?
ReplyDeleteRoberto Rosetti should put political considerations aside and support Makkelie, despite PSG reaching the final. Oliver and Letexier are out, and Makkelie has performed strongly throughout the whole season and deserves the appointment. He has also been on the Elite list since 2015. Any name other than those three would lack credibility.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is not only PSG, but Arsenal will also reject him after the SF. He is unlucky, but impossible to get this final.
DeleteI disagree. He also gave Arsenal a relatively soft penalty. It's not impossible for him.
DeleteIf one referee comitee thinks about what teams think,not what referees did, than that referee comitee should step down, or to be knocked.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ref Fot. When appointments are made based on what teams prefer, it is the end of independent refereeing. Besides that, Arsenal were mostly frustrated with the VAR. Mark Clattenburg even said on television that Makkelie should get the final.
DeleteYeah, it should be Makkelie for the final unless the Refcom tires a manufacture another top elite in these last moments of the season as they manufactured Kovacs last year which could be sad. Pinheiro was good in the second half that's all.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that someone of the CL-semifinal referees will get the ticket for the final. We have to look at the names who were kept clean in the semis of all three competitions: these were Oliver, Letexier and Mariani. The Italian was Plan C for sure, but hard to think about another name for Budapest.
ReplyDeleteLetexier can take the EL final, but it is not an automatism at my point of view, there are good other possibilities.
Siebert either for EL or ECL.
What do you think of Nyberg? If he performs very well tomorrow in England (under Carballo's watchful eye), he could be considered for the final in Budapest.
ReplyDeleteIt should be noted that after Letexier's nomination for the Euro 2024 final, any surprise cannot be ruled out.
Without any games in Champions League this season, it's very unlikely and would not be fully deserved. However I could see him as 4th official in the final.
DeleteIf we talk about a surprise, then we have a potential surprise option from the Canary Islands :-)
Hdz Hdz?
DeleteNote your book
ReplyDeletePsg vs arsenal : joao pinheiro
Agree!
DeleteOkay. Now that's a stretch. No way!
DeleteWe will see
DeleteJust one and half year as elite. No final in UEL or UECL. Already did semis with PSG. So even though I like him, it's just impossible for him this year. Sores Dias didn't even officiate Europa league final despite many years as elite.
Deletehttps://x.com/i/status/2052116202839773270
ReplyDeleteNo handball before the PSG handball. Missed 2nd yellow for SPA?
Omg This is a huge mistake from referee squad
DeleteLaimer DID NOT EVEN TOUCH THE BALL WITH ARM OR HAND! First with his knee, from there to his chest. Not even a doubt about that. So Pinheiro missed the CLEAR 2nd yellow. And so Pinheiro defined the outcome of the match. And ruined his performance completely. What a pity! Many little mistakes besides, no consistent foul detection. Simply bad.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteUEFA must discard the PSG power play that has been used against Makkelie since 2022 and appoint him for the final. Otherwise, which referee will be appointed?
ReplyDeleteObviously Scharer, Mariani and Pinheiro can be considered out of it because they are still relatively new elites, none has even officiated either the UECL and UEL.
Also, and all three were involved with PSG in both QF and SF with some sort of controversy in their respective games.
Lastly, for how long will Makkelie continue to wait?
It will be seriously demotivating for him to see new elites officiate a UCL final before him.
Yes. I think this season ought to have been Makkelie's for the final. The other candidacies for the final were not especially impressive this year: Letexier is at the top but has a lot of time, Oliver has only been the English Elite no1 for two seasons (okay, 2.5 if you include the end of 17/18), and deeper than that, the cases to be given the CL showpiece were not especially strong. Makkelie should have been given the final in the same way Nielsen was in 2004 for this reason. Clearly, it is an affront to fairness that 'the PSG thing' exists; but even in reality, even if this veto should clearly be broken, the time to do that is not the grand final. I think the appointments justify my original reading of the UEFA preferences as "1Letexier, 2Oliver, 3Makkelie", because otherwise the French official would have taken charge of Atletico-Arsenal and Makkelie would have been preserved as the leading candidate for a non-PSG final. One discuss how fair the Atletico-Arsenal appmnt was, but his performance in that match must have been rejected by UEFA for two censurable mistakes leading to an OFR, so 2026 cannot be the year for Danny Makkelie.
DeleteAs we stand, one can guess there are five possible referees who be chosen for Budapest. It is my opinion that Rosetti will rule out three of them out himself for personal credibility reasons:
Mariani -> for being Italian (like him) and perceived as not deserving it
Zwayer -> for not refereeing in the CL since Bilbao-Sporting
Scharer -> for not having the necessary CV/injuries
This would leave the two semifinal second leg referees, Siebert and Pinheiro. Rosetti was present at both games himself. The credibility factor does not really apply here so much, because these two referees had been appointed to referee the second/third biggest European games of the season (these semifinals), and as such their appointment to the final can be justified. Having to choose between them, also considering what I perceive to be Rosetti's vision as the UEFA refereeing leader, I would choose Pinheiro. Thus, my view is that Abiaziz is right; we could have 'appointment to signal a revolution' 2.0 in UEFA refereeing, with Joao Pinheiro appointed to take charge of the CL final.
I‘m sorry but what you say is laughable.
Delete@Ref19 Me or Mikael?
Delete@Mikael your points are strong. But I still feel Rosetti, who has found himself boxed in a corner, will bite the bullet and appoint Danny Makkelie.
DeleteDon't you think Bayern would be mad if Pinheiro is appointed for the final?
Even other referees like Siebert, Scarer, Makkelie, Zwayer, Mariani, Nyberg, Eksas, etc would be too happy about a Pinheiro appointment.
Otherwise, another final for Marciniak?
I think it is clear Mikael has some sort of agenda against Danny Makkelie.
DeleteKovacs had two OFR before his UCL final last year and it was swept under the carpet.
@Gozie Joe i meant Mikael
DeleteIf Pinheiro gets appointed to the final, it will be one of the most scandalous decisions RefCom has ever made. On what basis has this man earned the right to referee a semi-final, let alone a final? He’s only been an elite referee since December 2024… With so many iconic referees for whom that final was the pinnacle of their careers, to even mention Pinheiro in the same sentence as them? Come on, please…
ReplyDeleteAs a very important principle, the referees from the semifinal should not be appointed to the final. Especially those from the second legs. Regardless of performance. Marciniak should remain the only exception given the winter WC. For me this is a fundamental rule that referee managers should follow, mandatory, regardless of competition.
ReplyDeleteI truly do not understand how people can praise Pinheiros performance. It was so poor. So many poor judgments, a crucial mistake by missing that 2nd YC and absolutely bad players management. He was not respected nor accepted at all. That situation where he deliberately does not whistle the foul for Diaz but then has to punish Diaz for dissent by showing him a YC is such a amateur mistake, it was an avoidable card and at that level it has to be avoided. At the core of a good referee performance are good and mostly correct calls. That was not the case tonight. I really think it was not a good performance, especially compared to other Elite referee performances (e.g. Schärer in PSG-Bayern).
ReplyDeleteRoberto rosseti was watching the game
ReplyDeleteWell, clearly! :D
DeleteBut yes, not to be facetious - you could see him in the stands clearly before the replay of Kane's goal.
In my humble opinion, I believe that the only current candidate to referee the final is Danny Makkelie, he has worked hard and deserved this final, we should abandon politics and follow reason, I don't see anyone else in Budapest.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest loser at the moment is Oliver, who looks like he's left with nothing. Makkelie will feel even worse if someone else reaches the final instead of him. As for Letexier, I think he still has time.
DeleteA possible alternative could be Siebert, who I think is currently playing a very good season, but only if Makkelie is not available for some important reason.
DeleteRegarding Pinheiro's performance today, I think it was only moderately good. He absolutely shouldn't be playing in the final; it's not the right time yet, it's too early for him. Selecting him for the final, as some readers of this blog would like, would, in my opinion, be a complete failure and an embarrassment to Rosetti and the entire committee.
DeleteI think that, looking back, betting on Pinheiro tonight was a good decision, but we know perfectly well that if the elite players had been available, this situation would not have happened.
DeletePrediction EUFA Finals
ReplyDeleteUCL Final
ARSENAL VS PSG
Referee: Maurizio Mariani ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni ITA
Assistant Referee 2:Alberto Tegoni ITA
Fourth Official: Alejandro Hernández Hernández
Europe League Final
Eng VS German or Portugal team
François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Donatas Rumšas LTU
Conference League Final
Eng VS Spain or France Team
Referee: Espen Eskås NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Bashevkin NOR
Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Does a Conference League final really need such an experienced referee as the two Scandinavians who have already officiated FIFA tournament finals? I would have expected a rising star like Sven Jablonski, for example.
DeleteDAZN showed a replay and it went off his chest and onto his arm. https://www.streambug.io/cv/516e1e
ReplyDeleteSome angles from the BT Sport coverage:
Deletehttps://streamff.com/v/0015fb76
Never hit the arm. But let’s pretend it did, it’s a deflection from the stomach… Regardless, never handball.
DeleteI think the ball hit the arm because the ball's spin has changed twice.
DeleteOn top of this perception, this should be a handball, because it is a control of the ball , not related to whether it is coming from his own body or whether the player intend to do it.
My conclusion is the ruling from the ref team is correct.
The angle at 0:28 in the BT sport clip strongly suggests no handball, I think.
DeleteYes, I agree with Philipp. It seems like a very skilled chest control by Leimer and no handball (like Vilfort in the Euro'92 final). From the angles which would correspond to that which Eskas had, it does appear like a clear handball. As Owen Hargreaves said, the person with the best view was the 'lino', Bruno Jesus, and he didn't react until Mendes' offence.
DeleteWhat is not a handball offence in football/soccer?
DeleteA handball offence is not committed when a player:heads, kicks or plays the ball with another part of their body and it then hits their own hand/arm (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards)
falls and the ball hits their supporting arm, which is between their body and the ground (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the other team)
is hit on the hand/arm by the ball which has been played by a team-mate (unless the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal or the player scores immediately afterwards, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the other team)
A handball is punished with a direct free kick (or a penalty kick if the handball offence occurs in the player’s own penalty area).(Source IFAB).
Mark my words: pinheiro will never get this final
ReplyDeleteI don't think it could be clearer that he was the wrong choice for this semi final
ReplyDeleteMy prediction for the final is Scharer.
ReplyDeleteThe reasons are
- He is the best among 4 referees appointed semis of this season.
- He experienced Nations League Final, which justifies this appointment in terms of experience.
- He is the world cup referee (even if the personnel for 4th official)
- More than 10 years no Swiss on the finals in UEFA club competitions.
The only con for him is
- The referee team cannot be organized with his own country men.
Let’s see what will happen!
Please, for someone who didn’t watch the game, can someone summarise Pinheiro’s performance?
ReplyDeleteAs for the referee who will officiate the final, my first thought obviously goes to Danny Makkelie, who, as some of you have also written, would be the ideal candidate because of his previous experience, his many years of service, his total neutrality with regard to the teams involved, and the fact that he is coming off a positive season, although with those three OFRs right at the end of it. However, the number of OFRs he has had is actually very low compared to others who were given the final in the past. The only potential issue could simply be that these OFRs happened in the last two matches, but honestly, if one looks at his overall performances, there should not really be any concerns.
ReplyDeleteWe will see what happens, of course there is PSG involved, but another reflection of mine is why the Dutch referee was not appointed again with that team in a more, let's say, relaxed circumstance, which could have helped rehabilitate the relationship, especially considering that the team then won the Champions League as well. So, I don't know which problems there could have been.
That said, I am really struggling to identify the referee for the final if not the Dutchman.
Felix Zwayer has to be mentioned, but then the committee would completely contradict themself after having kept him out of the entire knockout stage. Clearly, after his group-stage performances, they can't suddenly change direction whenever it suits them, that would honestly look ridiculous, with all due respect to Zwayer.
Siebert, in my opinion, already reached his peak with that first-leg semifinal, and I think I could perceive it very clearly from his body language.
The Swiss referee Schärer could also be considered, but he has had far too few matches and has been absent too often because of injuries. They can't take on that kind of responsibility; it would be unfair toward the others.
That leaves Maurizio Mariani and João Pinheiro.
In my opinion, Mariani is not at the level required to officiate that match, and he is also coming from the controversial PSG-Liverpool game. More generally speaking, he is not the kind of referee who can simply be thrown into a match of that magnitude.
We are not talking about someone like François Letexier, who had amazed everyone already, quite the contrary, actually.
Of course, surprises are always possible, but if they were to appoint him, it would only be because of a total emergency and lack of alternatives, and that would be unfair.
At this point, considering how he has been used, after last night the more logical option would actually be the Portuguese referee, although that would be an incredible trajectory.
So in the end I leave these two names: the Dutchman and the Portuguese referee: the Dutchman with my personal hope that they appoint him, and the Portuguese referee as the other (only?) possible alternative in my view.
It would be a very rare case of a referee being assigned to the final right after handling the second leg of a semifinal.
Very difficult management for committee, at a certain point they must reflect on themselves and at least trying to stop a bit the power by clubs to veto some referees.
I still cannot believe, and honestly find it unbelievable, that Joao Pinheiro is even being considered. The most important match of the CL season so far, and then immediately the final? With experience in the Elite category only since December 2024? I truly hope with all my strength that we will not have to witness that scenario, because it would be a huge blow to the credibility of REFCom and one of the most unfair decisions in the history of the committee.
Delete+1 @professionalism there is no way Pinheiro gets the final, if he does ahead of someone like Makkelie then Rossetti can just leave immediately after this announcement.
DeleteIs that possible that Vincic will get the 2nd final? I would like it to be Makkelie, but if there is a problem with him and PSG...
DeleteJoão Pinheiro is already facing criticism from some German outlets because he is Portuguese while several PSG players are also Portuguese. Even the yellow card to Nuno Mendes is being viewed through a nationality lens by some people. With that type of outside pressure and narrative already building, it becomes very difficult to imagine Rosetti taking the risk of appointing him to the final, regardless of his actual performances.
ReplyDeleteThe thing not being talked about is that once Pinheiro misses the apparent handling by Leimer, it isn't protocol to later call it, because play has already continued. That is, a missed call can't be called later, even if correct and told by an assistant, becuse it opens up this very situation of something happening (foul or goal) that doesn't count. That is why it is stated, ''After Play Restarts: Once play has restarted, the referee cannot change a decision, even if they realize it was wrong, except for in cases of "mistaken identity" or to issue a red card for a violent conduct/biting/spitting incident.'' Also, one could see that Pinheiro was out of his depth by the way he treated the interaction between Kane and Neves towards the end: Kane pulled him down, it wasn't called, and then Kane was barrelled over from behind but still no call, apparently to make up for the first missed call.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you're right here. The game was not continued. It ran all the time.
DeletePlay never restarted, he can do whatever he wants.
DeleteIt will be either Mariani or Hernandez for the CL final IMO
ReplyDeleteI think the best choice is now Makkelie or Schärer.
DeleteDeflection is not kick (have a control of the ball)... so Laimer made à handball. Trainers and players doesn’t the rules and discuss... Kompany isn’t a referee.
DeleteIt LITERALLY DIDN’T even touch his arm and deflection from own body is a UEFA criteria regardless what part of body..
Delete*know
ReplyDeleteZwayer UCL, Mariani EL, Scharer or Lambrechts Conférence League
ReplyDeleteMakkelie/Zwayer - Mariani/Schaerer-
DeleteSiebert/Nyberg
Hdz Hdz Supercup ???
ReplyDeleteI think some people are being harsh on Makkelie. He had 2 OFRs in one game in an otherwise excellent (!) season. I was amazed by him in Bodo Juventus, Gala vs Juve, the Italy NIR play-off under high pressure
ReplyDeleteKovacs also had two VAR overturns last season in the 1/4 final
I think Makkelie OFRs are forgivable, Handballs are tricky, he wasn't in the right position to see it. Shit happens, that's why we have VAR. And the 2nd VAR call, anyone who has ever refereed a game can imagine that they were deceived and it looked a step on foot. Only a difference of a few inches. Really unlucky imo .
Is is true Mariani was pulled from the semi final BAY-PSG? Could there be another explanation, e.g. that Rosetti wanted to save the Italian for the Europa League final instead of Letexier?
ReplyDeleteAs for the Champions League final, the choice basically comes down to:
- A veteran referee with a long track record in challenging matches, who had two unfortunate OFRs in a semi final at the worst possible moment, but he was having an excellent season. I think in Makkelie’s case you could still sell the appointment as a “career reward”, however PSG could be a bigger issue.
- Newcomer Pinheiro, Elite since January 2025 with a decent season but still very inexperienced. Moreover, if they appoint the Portuguese, the RefCom will create the precedent that PSG can basically “cherry pick” their referees.
- A referee who missed part of the season through injuries and is dealing with an AR issue (Schärer). I think Velasco Carballo will vote for him ;-)
- Germany’s #2 referee (Siebert) coming off a very good season but who is not going to the World Cup, and some critics in Spain regarding a missed penalty for Atletico, or Germany’s #1 referee without any Champions League exposure in the knock-out this season.
Either way, it doesn’t look good, and the media will always find something to write about no matter who gets picked. With Makkelie it will be about the recent match, with Pinheiro it will be about his lack of experience. The risk is that media pressure and clubs start shaping the appointment policy and Rosetti & Co end up playing it safe by giving finals more and more often to a “young clean untouched profile”. Based on that, they will probably go with Pinheiro but whether that sets a good precedent is a different question…
There is only one solution: Super Dutch, the king of all referees. Some say our King made mistakes, but they don't know anything about officiating. There were no mistakes. And if there were, they were merely unfortunate accidents or errors by the VAR. His Highness is never wrong. Even during his training as a child, he didn't make a single tiny mistake. All praise to the Lord.
Delete