UEFA Competitions 2023-2024 Referee Discussions [Rs]

I had a discussion with a mate about EURO expectations and specifically how referees will be managed during the tournament, based on final chances, form and reputation. I thought it was an interesting discussion and will share my analysis here. Feel free to correct my thoughts. Sure, in the end everything falls or stands with performance level and which National Teams will be in the final four.

Orsato: Same treatment as Kuipers at EURO 2020; not exposed to risky games and generally teams with fair reputation. My idea is: MD2 + MD3, followed by a QF. The least risky games are probably in Group E (Belgium), Group C with Denmark or Group D with NL/Austria.

Turpin: On paper, Turpin should be the 1st alternative if Orsato fails or when Italy reaches the final four. Turpin is the perfect choice for the opening match, a representative ref to set the tone and a reliable VAR (Brisard). After the opening match, I can see the French in a decisive MD3, followed by a QF.

Marciniak: the Polish is normally not a final option after he refereed a World Cup final. My assumption is that we will see Marciniak in group stage in games that are tight/challenging, but a bit more shielded / lower profile after the noise (in Real x Bayern) recently. I can see Marciniak being used in most challenging KO-match. For example, a game that involves Portugal.

Letexier: The other French in his first major tournament. I think he’ll appear early. MD1 + MD2, followed by an R16. And then take a break ahead of the Olympics.

Vinčić: potentially the 3rd alternative for the final if Orsato and Turpin (for whatever reason) are not possible. Therefore, I somehow expect that the Slovenian will be managed carefully; to appear in games that are tight/decisive without too much exposure. Two games in GS, followed by a R16/QF. And possibly a match in final four.

Makkelie: normally not a final candidate after Kuipers had it in 2021. He had a decent and ‘quiet’ season, therefore I predict that Makkelie will be exposed to games in groupstage with a higher media profile. For example, Spain vs Italy (MD2) or Croatia vs Italy (MD3). Similar to how Mateu Lahoz was used during the previous EURO. A referee can win, but also lose big time (sent home after GS). There's not much in between.

Kovács: He refereed just 1 match at EURO 2020 (death rubber) and was sidelined in Qatar. Therefore, I predict we'll see him early in MD1, followed by a 2nd GS game. And if things go well: a game in the KO.

Gil Manzano: This season he has dealt with (negative) media attention as well. I expect that he will be managed cautiously at the EURO and avoid big games. No Italy and Ukraine, that's for sure. R16 is possible when his GS-performances are satisfying.

English refs: Their ceiling is normally a R16 and QF, respectively. To earn a spot in the final four, they need to perform above expectations, England out and probably many other referees (with better seasons) to fail.

German refs: Zwayer had a better season, Siebert has more tournament experience. The latter can easily surprise IMO. I think still an interesting and open race between the Germans who will be the best. As home referees, both should be able to reach a knock-out game if they have satisfying performances in GS.

What are your thoughts?

 

New kits. Oliver, Kovács and Turpin ‘used’ to showcase it. The French prominently in the middle

https://www.uefa.com/news-media/new...DNqfSoqqXJl6wVDKXs4OXUDXixfO5-RIiHxUh1Ipc-5kt

 

Zero comments about the UEL final. Must have been a boring final.

Without joking, I just saw some highlights. What are your opinions about the 35-minute dissent YC to Wirtz? I have mixed feelings. On one hand Kovacs sets a nice standard that dissents are not tolerated. On the other hand: Imagine the Leverkusen-player suffered a bad injury, after that hard tackle, and had to be replaced. Kovacs would look very poor!

Vincic issued YC’s for dissents early in the season after he missed a very blatant foul himself. That was even worse.

I really like YC’s for dissents though, especially when issued early in the game to draw a clear line. But timing (!!) is everything. Choose the right moment to make that statement.

 

The 2024 Greek Football Cup final had Frappart in the middle ending in 3 red cards today. I haven't seen the match yet but 2/3 were 2CT.

 

The only one I'm sure was off and would be disallowed was the one chance off the post. The other two looked on.

 

I was about to get worried if he wasn't going to give a card to Vinicious there. Ridiculous challenge.

 

Taylor wouldn't have given two cards for dissent in this half.

 

Two yellows for dissent for BVB is an interesting change after trying to avoid that yellow for Camavinga.

 

But it's the modern game no? The bar for SPA from a laws stand point and instruction has just been lowered and everyone seems to be okay with it.

 

I think you're been unrealistic to an extent. You want that automatic SPA card and also the dissent punished or if you're gonna manage the SPA, also manage the dissent.

Every elite UEFA referee is not giving that card to Camivinga and most aren't giving a card for dissent let alone two in this game. I'd rather have what Vincic did than what Taylor or Oliver would do.

 

Have always been decidedly unconvinced by this official, Andraz Kovacic. In pre-VAR times I'm quite sure that he'd have been by now removed by Vincic for one of Skomina's former linesmen.

 

Some people really thought shaky Vincic has been “better” than Makkelie this season. I’m baffled.

Truth is, UEFA has sent Vincic to so-so games the entire season, always away from the spotlight. He hasn’t been tested at all.

 

A really unimpressive performance from Vincic so far....Vini Jr. gets carded despite not actually making contact with the Dortmund keeper, and then a Schlotterbeck gets a YC for dissent when protesting a call that was in fact incorrect, in that the Dortmund defender made no contact with Vini Jr., who embellished the entire incident.

 

To be honest, Vincic foul detection has always been mediocre and he doesn’t have the personality for a big final.

Skomina - Mateu Lahoz - Turpin - Marciniak - Vincic: Pick the odd one out.