Irfan Peljto, Czechia - France

To summarize the match and the general image of refereeing, Irfan Peljto performed well in this match played in a literally hot atmosphere (35 degrees celsius at kick-off!). The first half was dominated by quite some fast football by both teams, second half was much much calmer, due to the two French goals scored in the beginning of that second half.

=> Let's start off with the most crucial decision of this match which was the penalty awarded for handball in 40': fully correct decision! It's one of the classic "pay attention to your hands in the penalty area" in a wall-situation. Peljto was even advising players in the wall to be careful with their hand and their arm, however CZE#4 disobeyed by holding his arm out. Penalty and YC were correctly awarded by the referee.

=> Disciplinary action was also good by the referee. CZE#9 committed a late foul in 10', where Peljto opted for a verbal warning, which I thought was sold rather well. Cards were opened at the aforementioned penalty incident, two further YC for CZE#9 (43', persistent infringement?) and CZE#6 (90'). However, IMO one caution was missed at the very end of the game for CZE#19, who should have been booked for a reckless stamp. In this situation, fourth official should have helped, as the situation happened directly in front of him.

=> Peljto proved to be a referee who is very present on the pitch, which is also due to his excellent athletic capacities, as already pointed out by pita falta before, allowing him to be close enough to judge over situations and to potentially intervene (as in 12', where he sprinted to the situation in order to avoid any form of escalation). He also did good work in terms of prevention at set pieces (e.g. 40' before the penalty, or 64').

=> Good application as well of the new LotG with e.g. ball not leaving the penalty area at a goal kick, or punishing undeliberate handballs in the build-up of an attack (72').

=> Assistant referees also both with solid work in this match. Minor issue for AR1, who IMO raised the flag too early in one offside situation in the first half (wait-and-see technique not properly applied here, flag was raised without the French player taking the ball, ball was later even kept by Czech player).

Peljto as well as his assistants performed well in their first appearance at this U19 Euro in a game that was not too demanding for the officials. A second game should follow as well for the Bosnian, whom I'd like to see in a more challenging atmosphere.

LAW 5 - THE REFEREE BLOG REPORTER:
Stake