RateTheRef

Ferencvaros v Barcelona
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov BLR
Assistant referees: Dmitri Zhuk BLR; Oleg Maslyanko BLR
Fourth official: Viktor Shimusik BLR
Video Assistant Referee: Vitali Meshkov RUS
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sergei Ivanov RUS
UEFA Referee Observer: Lutz-Michael Fröhlich (GER)
UEFA Delegate: Peter Oskam (NED)

Decent performance from this ref tonight. Suitably authoritative but was happy to just let the game flow around him. Used common sense a couple of time for minor fouls, no qualms about getting the cards out on the rare times they were deserved. He was aided by 2 very competent ARs. Penalty against Fradi was an excellent spot considering his position, the speed at which he gave it suggested it was his call and not someone whispering in his ear. Nothing wrong with his position but he was directly behind the players as is often the way heading into the penalty area.  Frimpong completely floored a Barca player, absolutely zero contact with the ball at all. As stonewalled as they come. Whist managing to remain very much in the background he had a very calming presence and was in complete control of the game from start to finish.  Would love to see him in a more competitive game at some point - 1st half in particular I think the only time Fradi touched the ball was to pick it out of the net or to restart the game having done so! The gulf between the leagues was really clear tonight but Fradi had a good go in the 2nd half. Pleased they just kept going for it and didn't adopt silly constant foul tactics, I can respect that effort from them.

Team ref can go home with their heads held high after that performance. Literally my only complaint was the sugar plum fairy look - the macron kits are honestly the worst ones I have ever seen!