UEFA to drop Real-Juve ref

By Football Italia staff

It’s reported UEFA have taken referee Manuel Grafe off big games after his poor performance in Real Madrid-Juventus.

The official caused controversy on Wednesday night during Juve’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at the Bernabeu.

He showed Giorgio Chiellini a straight red card for his shoulder-to-shoulder with Cristiano Ronaldo, either considering it to be an elbow in the face or ending a clear scoring opportunity.

According to Tuttosport, the UEFA refereeing commission gave Grafe a very poor score when evaluating his performance.

“It means Grafe is not considered suitable to officiate games of importance, such as Real-Juve,” ex-international referee Graziano Cesari told Tuttosport.

“There is no protocol for a suspension, but it’s pretty certain we won’t see him in the Champions League knockout rounds. Even in the group phase, the games he is assigned to will be of a minor level.”

This season alone the 40-year-old has officiated 11 games in all competition, flashing six yellow cards, five red and awarding five penalties.

Last term in 31 games he sent off 15 players and gave 144 bookings.

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