EURO 2004 Officiating

[MassachusettsRef]

Informative article on referee preparations for EURO 2004: http://www.euro2004.com/News/Kind=1/newsId=173666.html

Judging by the intstructions that are being relayed, I think you can expect to see a deluge of yellow and red cards in more than a few matches.

[kevbrunton]

I can't remember which tournament I am thinking about, but do you think it'll be like one tournament in the past where there were several red cards and a ton of yellows given in the first round of games and then the referees were told to scale it back some?

[Alberto]

I can't remember which tournament I am thinking about, but do you think it'll be like one tournament in the past where there were several red cards and a ton of yellows given in the first round of games and then the referees were told to scale it back some?

That happened in both France 98 and Japan/Korea 02.

In France 98, the issue was tackling from behind.

In Japan/Korea it was shirt grabbing and simulation.

[Alberto]

Here is a very informative article regarding the match officials. You will note that FIFA followed the edict issued following WC 02 that the officiating crews would be from the same countries. Europe with the quality of officials affords this and there is no question that this is an excellent group of officials. It is in my opinion stronger than the officials for WC 02 and should yield excellent results in terms of the quality and consistency of the officiating.

Very well done UEFA!

http://www.euro2004.com/tournament/matchofficials/index.html

[Ref Flunkie]

You gotta love how FIFA has a theme foul of the tournament. "World cup 98 brought to you by Pepsi and tackling from behind!!"