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      What are the lyrics to Portugal’s national anthem ‘A Portuguesa’?

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      PORTUGAL’S national anthem is a marching song which was adopted by the country’s new Republic in 1911.And you can guarantee that it will be proudly belted out before every match they play in Euro 2024.Portugal players singing their national anthem prior to kicking off their Euro 2024 group stage match against TurkeyCredit: GettyWhat are the lyrics to Portugal’s national anthem “A Portuguesa”?Verse 1Heróisdo mar, nobre povo,Naçao valente, imortal,Levantai hoje de novoOs esplendor de PortugalEntre as brumas da memória.Ó Pátria sente-se a vozDos teus egrégios avósQue há-de guiar-te à vitória.Chorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!Verse 2Desfralda a invicta bandeiraÀ luz viva do teu céuBrade à Europa à terra inteiraPortugal não pereceu!Beija o solo teu jucundoO oceano a rujir d’amor;E o teu braço vencedorDeu mundos novos ao mundo!Chorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!READ MORE ON EURO 2024Verse 3Saudai o sol que despontaSobre um ridente porvir;Seja o eco d’uma afrontaO sinal de ressurgir.Ráios d’essa aurora forteSão como beijos de mãeQue nos guardam, nos sustêm,Contra as injúrias da sorteChorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Costa, Pepe and Ruben Dias proudly singing their anthemCredit: GettyWhat are the lyrics to Portugal’s national anthem in English?Verse 1Heroes of the sea, noble race,Valiant and immortal nation,Rise up once againThe splendor of Portugal.Out of the mists of memory,Oh Homeland, we hear the voicesOf your great forefathersThat shall lead you on to victory!Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!Most read in FootballVerse 2Unfurl the unconquerable flagIn the bright light of your sky!Cry out all Europe and the worldThat Portugal has not perished.Your happy land is kissedBy the Ocean that murmurs with love.And your conquering armHas given new worlds to the world!Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!Verse 3Salute the Sun that risesOn a smiling future:Let the echo of an insult beThe signal for our revival.The rays of that powerful dawnAre like a mother’s kissesThat protect us and support usAgainst the insults of fate.Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!Who composed the Portuguese national anthem?In 1890, the British gave the Portuguese an ultimatum about its African colonies, igniting the Portuguese nationalist movement.When the news broke that Portugal’s monarch and government had agreed to Britain’s terms, composer Alfredo Keil furiously put pen to paper.A patriotic protest march was the result, and this is where the music for ‘A Portuguese’ came from.Who is the lyricist to the Portuguese national anthem?The lyrics of ‘A Portugese’ were written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was a Portuguese poet, writer and naval officer.Henrique was friends with the composer Alfredo Keil, who wrote the anthem’s music.How to watch Euro 2024Both ITV and BBC will be showing matches, with the decision on who is hosting what games already decided for the group stages — you can see a list of the confirmed TV picks of remaining games for each broadcaster below:
      All the games will also be available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX respectively.

      22-Jun Georgia v Czech Republic 2pm BBC
      22-Jun Turkey v Portugal 5pm ITV
      22-Jun Belgium v Romania 8pm ITV
      23-Jun Switzerland v Germany 8pm BBC
      23-Jun Scotland v Hungary 8pm BBC
      24-Jun Albania v Spain 8pm BBC
      24-Jun Croatia v Italy 8pm BBC
      25-Jun Netherland v Austria 5pm BBC
      25-Jun France v Poland 5pm BBC
      25-Jun England v Slovenia 8pm ITV
      25-Jun Denmark v Serbia 8pm ITV
      26-Jun Slovakia v Romania 5pm BBC
      26-Jun Ukraine v Belgium 5pm BBC
      26-Jun Georgia v Portugal 8pm ITV
      26-Jun Czech Republic v Turkey 8pm ITV

      TV for the knockout rounds of the tournament will be announced in due course. More

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      How many children does Cristiano Ronaldo share with Georgina Rodriguez and what are their names? Meet CR7’s kids

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s partner Georgina Rodriguez is cheering him on at Euro 2024 — here we get to know CR7’s children. Georgina Rodriguez is the mother of two of Cristiano Ronaldo’s childrenCredit: ReutersHow many children does Cristiano Ronaldo have?In 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez said the birth of their baby gave them “the strength to live this moment.”Cristiano and Georgina announced they were expecting twins in October in 2021.But the Manchester United ace revealed that their baby boy sadly passed away as celebrities paid tributes online.On May 7, 2021, the couple revealed they named the baby girl Bella.read more on ronaldoTo date, Ronaldo has five children, with three of the children born to two surrogate mothers.His first son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, was born on June 17, 2010, in the United States.Cristiano Jr’s family nickname is Cristianinho, which means “little Cristiano”.Following in his father’s footsteps, Ronaldo Jr has started playing football at youth level and is already impressing with his goal return.most read in sportOn April, 14, 2022, he was captured executing his dad’s trademark “Siuuu” celebration while playing for Manchester United’s Under-12s.The young ace was also reportedly playing alongside Wayne Rooney’s eldest son Kai at times as well.In June 2017, it was revealed that Ronaldo had fathered twins via a surrogate mother in the United States.The Portugal captain remained with the national team during the Confederations Cup campaign at the same time, only announcing the birth of the pair after Portugal’s penalty shootout loss to Chile.They are named Eva and Matteo.Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner Georgina Rodriguez’s secret training regime ready for the World Cup revealedA month later, Ronaldo confirmed in an interview that he and Georgina Rodriguez were expecting their first baby together.When asked by Spanish news outlet El Mundo whether the player was “happy” to have another child on the way, he replied: “Yes, very much.”Georgina gave birth to baby daughter Alana Martina on November 12, 2017.Ronaldo posted a picture on Instagram, writing: “Alana Martina is just born! Both Geo and Alana are doing great! We are all very happy!'”On April 18, 2022 Georgina gave birth to twins, but the couple announced that sadly one of the two babies died shortly after she gave birth. Cristiano Ronaldo was pictured on a mid-season trip to Dubai with four of his childrenCredit: Instagram @CristianoThey said in a statement: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.”It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.”Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.”Baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”Who is Cristiano Jr’s mother?The identity of Cristiano Junior’s mother is unknown, but Ronaldo Senior has full custody of his son with reports suggesting that his mother was paid £10million.Ronaldo told chat show host Jonathan Ross: “People speculate I was with this girl or another, or there was a surrogate mother. I have never told anyone and never will.”When Cristiano [Junior] is going to grow up, I am always going to say the truth to him because he deserves it, because he is my son, but I am not going to say because people want me to say.” Georgina Rodriguez watching Turkey vs Portugal in Euro 2024 on June 22, 2024Credit: ReutersWho is Georgina Rodriguez?Georgina is the mother of Ronaldo’s fourth child Alana and his youngest daughter Bella.She was born on January 27, 1994, in Jaca, Spain to a Spanish mum and Argentine dad.Georgina learned dance before changing careers to modelling after studying English in London.The 30-year-old was first spotted on a string of dates with then-Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo towards the end of 2016.Georgina has claimed that her first meeting with the football star was “love at first sight.””Our first meeting was at Gucci, where I worked as a sales assistant,” she recalled in an interview with The Sun .”Days later, we saw each other again at another brand’s event.”It was then that we could talk in a relaxed atmosphere, outside my work environment. It was love at first sight for both.” More

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      Who is Roberto Baggio’s wife Andreina Fabbi?

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      ROBERTO Baggio first rose to fame for his impressive football skills.However, for much of his career he has had his wife Andreina Fabbi by his side.The pair have three children togetherCredit: AFPWho is Roberto Baggio’s wife Andreina Fabbi?Andreina Fabbi is married to former footballer Roberto Baggio.Despite being married to a famous face, not much is known about Andreina.It seems that she likes to remain out of the spotlight and instead let her husband shine with the fame his job comes with.What does Andreina Fabbi do?Andreina has been by her husband’s side since the 1980s.Read more on sportIt’s unknown if she has a job away from supporting Roberto’s football career.She has also raised the couple’s children.When did Roberto Baggio and Andreina Fabbi get married?Roberto and Andreina first got together in 1987 but they haven’t revealed how they first crossed paths.They went on to tie the knot on July 2, 1989 meaning as of 2024 they have been married for 35 years.Most read in SportThe couple got married in a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony.Andreina met Roberto when he was at the height of his football career.The player spent the entirety of his career in Italy and was nicknamed the divine ponytail.Do Roberto Baggio and Andreina Fabbi have any children?Yes, Roberto and Andreina have three children together.Their first baby, a daughter named Valentina, was born on December 2, 1990.They then had their first son Mattia who was born on May 12, 1994 before their second son Leonardo arrived on March 3, 2005.What is Roberto Baggio famous for?Roberto played for Italy’s three most successful clubs throughout his career – Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles over this time.In 1993 he helped Juventus win the Uefa cup as he scored two goals in the first leg of the final against Borussia Dortmund.The same year he was named Fifa World player of the year and received the Ballon d’or.He was the first Italian player to score at three different World Cups in 1998, after scoring in 1990 and 1994.In 1994, Italy reached the FIFA World cup final in the USA, where they would play Brazil.However, the game went to penalties and Roberto missed his shot which meant Brazil lifted the trophy.He took a long run up to take the penalty but his shot went right over the crossbar.Away from football, Baggio has been praised for his charity work as he became a UN ambassador in 2002 and helped to raise money for areas affected by earthquakes and illnesses.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen he retired from football, Baggio became president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation in 2010.But, he left in 2013 as he said that the federation had ignored his ideas about focusing on youth talent. More

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      Who is Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson and how long has she been dating the England and Arsenal star?

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      BUKAYO SAKA is one of England’s very best players and will be a key man in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 plans this summer.The Arsenal star appears to have some further support off the pitch too, dating long-term partner Tolami Benson who will be cheering him on in Germany.Tolami Benson on her InstagramCredit: InstagramTolami Benson in the stands to watch Saka at Euro 2024Who is Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson?Tolami Benson is 23-years of age, making her one year older than Bukayo Saka.Benson, who has 47,000 Instagram followers, is regularly spotted on social media relaxing on holiday, sometimes with the Arsenal ace by her side.She is also quite the Gunners fan, posting pictures of herself in the shirt as well as following the club on Instagram.Tolami Benson wears an Arsenal jersey on her InstagramCredit: InstagramHow long have they been dating?The pair are thought to have started dating in late 2020 but have kept their relationship secret until recently.They do not share pictures of them together, and don’t even follow each other on social media.Most read in Euro 2024Dating rumours started when Benson posted a picture with someone in a mask back in 2021.Tolami Benson on Instagram, with who fans believe is Bukayo SakaCredit: InstagramTheir romance was later uncovered by fans in February 2022, when the pair shared individual photos of themselves on a yacht in Dubai.However, neither are yet to actually confirm their relationship.Most recently Tomali has shared snaps of herself at the Emirates Stadium alongside the partners of Arsenal stars Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Ben White. More

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      Ultimate Euro 2024 rich list reveals England’s top earners & how Ronaldo’s salary is EIGHT times higher than Mbappe’s

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      EURO 2024 will see some of the world’s finest talents clash on the pitch – but who comes out top dog away from it?With staggering salaries and lucrative endorsement deals worth millions, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe could retire now and never have to work again.Cristiano Ronaldo tops the rich list of players taking part in the Euros this yearCredit: @cristianoRonaldo on holiday with his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez and their childrenCredit: Instagram/@cristianoRonaldo is the richest footballer playing in the Euros this yearCredit: Instagram / @cristianoEven the likes of England superstar Jude Bellingham, who is just 20 years old, is already worth a not-so-small fortune thanks to commercial tie-ups, including an eye-catching deal with Kim Kardashian’s Skims.Ahead of the first game of the tournament kicking off tonight, here we reveal the ultimate Euro 2024 rich list.Cristiano Ronaldo £471mPortugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, will play his sixth European Championship when his team faces Czech Republic on Tuesday. It is believed this could be his last Euro games. In 2020, he became the first active team sport athlete to surpass $1billion in career earnings – and two years later, he signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.READ MORE ON SPORTAccording to Forbes, he is paid around £164million by the club for his on-field duties.Ronaldo has raked over £47million in endorsement deals with brands such as Nike, Unilever, and Herbalife.The star also has an incredible property portfolio.Among the impressive homes owned by Ronaldo and his fiancée Georgina Rodriguez are a £5.5million house in Lisbon, a £1.5million flat, and a £2.5million mansion overlooking the River Cavado.Most read in Euro 2024Kylian Mbappe – £141mAfter making his debut for the French national team in 2017, Kylian Mbappe has risen to become one of the most exciting players in the world. With a £141million net worth, he is the second richest player in the tournament this year. At just 25, he has lifted some of the biggest trophies, including the World Cup in 2018.England fans’ must watch guide to Gelsenkirchen ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs SerbiaAt just 25, Kylian Mbappe is one of the richest athletes in the worldCredit: GettyThe star often posts snaps of his lifestyle on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @k.mbappeHis salary is pegged at a whopping £21million-a-year – which equates to £404,000-a-week.However, that marks a drastic pay CUT compared to the previous two-year deal he was on at PSG, which netted him a staggering £5.1million per week.And it works out at about an eighth of Ronaldo’s!Mbappe has also signed lucrative deals with Hublot, Louis Vuitton, Oakley, and Hennessey. According to Forbes, his endorsement deals fetch him £15.7million alone.Earlier this month, it was reported that he had purchased a £15million mega mansion in Spain after finalising his move to Real Madrid. Harry Kane – £72mEngland’s Harry Kane is the third richest player in the tournament this yearCredit: GettyHe has an impressive £13million property portfolioHarry Kane, England’s top goal scorer of all time, saw his net worth shoot up by £24million to £72million in just a year.That figure will continue to rise since. In 2023, he signed a lucrative deal to move to Bayern Munich that pays £21.5million per year.His £100million transfer was said to have come with a £30million signing fee.Kane’s skills have also netted him an endorsement deal with Amazon and a partnership with Sketchers that is said to be worth £2million.He has also invested in properties with a portfolio that stands at an eye-watering £13million. Despite this, it’s been reported that Harry lives in a £1million-per-year rented mansion with wife Katie and their three kids.Antoine Griezmann – £71mAntoine Griezmann has a peak base salary of £21millionCredit: AFPHe lives in a modern home with his wife and kids worth £5millionCredit: INSTAGRAM/EriKA ChoperenaFrance’s Antoine Griezman, 33, has a reported net worth of £71million.His £21million peak base salary made him one of the ten highest-paid football players in recent years. Away from the pitch, he earns over £4.7million in endorsement deals with brands such as Puma, Gillette, and Head and Shoulders.Fans have seen glimpses of the Atletico Madrid player’s elegant modern home, which is said to have cost over £5million. Robert Lewandowski – £67mRobert Lewandowski is one of the best strikers of all timeCredit: Instagram @_rl9He owns a deluxe £7million apartment in Warsaw with his wifeCredit: INSTAGRAM @_RL9 @annalewandowskaPoland’s Robert Lewandowski’s impressive skills on the pitch saw him crowned the best player by FIFA and UEFA in 2020. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his salary in 2020 was £23.5million, which made him one of the highest-paid football players in the world.The Barcelona player has often been named one of the best strikers of all time and has many sponsorship deals to his name. In 2016, it was reported that he spent £7million on a deluxe apartment in Warsaw, his home city. Kevin De Bruyne – £56mKevin De Bruyne’s career has netted him a £56million fortuneCredit: GettyHe owns properties in Cheshire and BelgiumCredit: INSTAGRAMKevin De Bruyne has been one of Belgium’s most trusted aces for many years. The Manchester City player’s stunning career has earned him a £56million net worth. Regarded as one of the greatest of his generation, the 33-year-old’s base salary is £15.7million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.His huge popularity has been a hit with brands – he has partnered with Nike, McDonald’s, and Emirates. Like many on this list, he enjoys the finer things in life. He owns properties in Cheshire and a villa in Belgium, his home country, equipped with a jacuzzi, swimming pool, and a basketball court.Romelu Lukaku – £50mRomelu Lukaku is one of Chelsea’s most expensive signings of all timeCredit: GettyBelgium striker Romelu Lukaku is believed to be worth a staggering £50million.With an impressive resume that includes stints with Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, it is no surprise that he is one of the most in-demand players in the world. In 2021, his return to Chelsea made him the seventh-most-expensive player in a club-record transfer worth £97.5million. After one season, he was sent out on loan to Roma and forced to take a pay cut. According to Football Transfers, he now earns an annual salary of £6.3million. Luka Modric – £58.9mCroatia’s Luka Modric recently splashed £10m on a mansionCredit: GettyThe footballer with wife Vanja Bosnic, who secured a monumental deal that took him to Real Madrid in 2012Credit: Instagram @lukamodric10Croatian captain Luka Modric is best known for his long tenure as a midfielder for Real Madrid.Regarded as one of the greatest players in the world, he has amassed a fortune of £58.9million.While his annual salary with the La Liga team has not been made public, it has been estimated to be around £7.8million.Last year, it was reported that he had forked out £10.1million on a new home in Madrid.It has a huge parlour, nine bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a gym. He lives there with his wife, Vanja, and their three kids.Thomas Muller – £45millionHarry Kane’s Bayern teammate reportedly earns £345,000 a weekCredit: ReutersThe Geman icon with wife Lisa, who he married in 2009Credit: Instagram @esmuellertGerman icon Thomas Muller, 34, has made around £45million throughout his career.Very few can match his trophy hauls, which include the Bundesliga, Champions League, and the World Cup.He is said to be making £18million a year and £345,000 a week.This makes him one of the highest-paid footballers at Bayern Munich, where he has been since 2008.He lives in Munich in a villa with his wife, Lisa, which was burgled while he played football in 2022.Jude Bellingham – £40mAt just 20, Jude Bellingham has made £40million in his careerCredit: GettyHe’s recently been unveiled as the new face for Kim Kardashian’s fashion brand SKIMSCredit: SKIMSEngland and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is worth £40million, thanks partly to his £103million deal transfer to Real Madrid last year. This equates to a yearly salary of £11.6million a year and weekly wages of £200,000.The 20-year-old has a growing endorsement portfolio, which includes partnerships with Louis Vuitton and Lucozade. More recently, he became the face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS.READ MORE SUN STORIESAdidas has also designed a logo in his image. That partnership is said to fetch him £2.6million.Jude became the youngest first-team player for Birmingham City when he was 16 and has continued to break records since. They include becoming the youngest English goalscorer in the Champions League back in 2021. More

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      Who is Daniel Siebert? Meet the German referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      REFEREE Daniel Siebert is set to take part in one of the most important football events of the year.Read on to find out more about the German national’s 26 years refereeing at top flight matches ahead of the tournament.Daniel Siebert will be officiating at Euro 2024Credit: ReutersWho is Daniel Siebert?Daniel Siebert is a German football referee affiliated with FC Nordost Berlin from the Berlin Football AssociationBorn on May 4, 1984, he officiates international matches as a FIFA referee and holds a UEFA elite category ranking.The part-time school teacher started his journey into officiating in 1998 and in 2007 he was appointed a Bundesliga referee by the DFB.Siebert then spent three years in the German second tier before making the step up to Germany’s top flight.Read more on Euro 2024The 40-year-old is ranked as a UEFA first category referee, a term given to a group of referees classified as among UEFA’s best.Siebert has brandished 147 yellow cards and just two red cards in 33 matches covering more than 10 different competitions.The German refereed Arsenal’s Europa League last-16 second leg victory against Olympiacos in March 2021.Has Daniel Siebert officiated at major tournaments before?In October 2014, Siebert was selected as a FIFA referee, the youngest of the ten German representatives at the time.Most read in FootballHe first appeared on the international stage as a referee on May 29, 2015, during the 2015 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifier between Portugal and Turkey. His inaugural senior international game was the friendly between Luxembourg and Moldova on June 9, 2015.’Every team in Europe is scared of England’ – SunSport’s all-star panel previews Euro 2024During the 2020 European Championship, Siebert was the referee for three games.These included the Group D match between Scotland and the Czech Republic, the Group E encounter between Sweden and Slovakia, and the Round of 16 clash between Wales and Denmark.In the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, he officiated four matches, including the final between Tunisia and Algeria.There was some controversy during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when Siebert was accused of making contact with Tunisian midfielder Ellyes Skhiri on his desperate run to stop an impending Socceroos goal.Siebert speaks with head coach Jalel Kadri and Hannibal Mejbri of TunisiaCredit: Getty ImagesMany fans believed he deserved a yellow card, while those in favour of the goal say Skhiri had no real chance of chasing down Australian Riley McGree.Siebert is one of 19 referees taking part in the Euros, hence attending a two-day workshop in Frankfurt ahead of the tournament.”Now that I’m here, I can fully realise that I am part of the referee team for the EURO in Germany,” he said. “I am thankful and happy to be selected for this tournament. It feels great.”What else has Daniel Siebert done before?Speaking to German news outlet Morgen Post in 2014, Siebert stated that becoming a referee was a “dream come true”.At the time of his appointment, Siebert was a part-time substitute teacher at the Hohenschönhausen Sports School based in Berlin.He is said to still teach today.Has Daniel Siebert used VAR before?Uruguay players remonstrated with the referee after the matchCredit: ReutersSiebert used VAR during the match between Ghana and Uruguay during a World Cup qualifier in December 2022.Uruguay was momentarily hopeful for a penalty award when VAR recommended that the referee review Daniel Amartey’s tackle on Darwin Nunez at the monitor.This incident marked only the second instance in the tournament where a referee decided not to overturn their original call. The first occurred when a penalty claim for Denmark against Tunisia was dismissed.Siebert will be moderating a number of games at the EurosThe decision-maker then carefully examined the play from multiple perspectives before determining that he had not made a clear and obvious error.Although Amartey did touch the ball, he seemed to also make contact with the forward and the referee’s decision to stick with his initial call was bold.READ MORE SUN STORIESUruguayan striker Edinson Cavani called for the referee to be “put in jail” after the national team crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage.Following this, Siebert did not receive further assignments and soon returned to Germany.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Who is Sandro Scharer? Meet the Swiss referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      SANDRO Scharer is set to officiate at a number of Euro 2024 games.While he may be one of the least-known officials at the event, the Swiss star is hoping to impress in Germany. Schärer during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Lokomotiv MoskvaCredit: GettyWho is Sandro Scharer?Sandro Schärer is a Swiss football referee born on June 6, 1988.After completing high school, he studied sports and geography at the University of Basel.Before becoming a referee, Sandro initially worked as a substitute teacher at various high schools and as a ski instructor. He then trained as a referee in 2005 and began refereeing games in the Challenge League six years later at the age of 24. Read More on Euros 2024In 2013, he made his debut in the Super League in the game between FC Lausanne-Sport and FC Thun. Has Sandro Scharer officiated at major tournaments before?Sandro has officiated at major tournaments before. He has been involved in various UEFA competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. He has also refereed in international tournaments, including qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.Most read in SportSandro claims he is the type of referee that any player would hate to come up against.”I was a rebel on the pitch and had difficulty accepting referee decisions,” he recalled in an interview with FC Buttikon.Should VAR be scrapped?Has Sandro Scharer used VAR before?VAR was introduced to the Swiss Super League in the 2019/20 season.Therefore, Sandro is up to date with the often controversial video-assisted refereeing system.It will be used at the 2024 Euros in Germany but there could be a last-minute halt.The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the first major tournament to approve the device. It was credited with making the 2018 edition the cleanest World Cup since 1986 as there were no red cards issued in the opening 11 games and only four players were sent off throughout the entire tournament.For the Euros 2024, the high-tech feature will use 12 tracking cameras to determine if any part of the player’s body is in an offside position.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 3D animation will be displayed on the big screens in the stadium.The match ball will also include a chip which will help improve the technology’s accuracy.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Who is Halil Umut Meler? Meet the Turkish referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      TURKISH League referee Halil Umut Meler is officiating at the 2024 UEFA Euros.Here is everything you need to know about the football referee.Referee Halil Umut Meler was hit by Faruk Koca on Monday, December 11Credit: REUTERS/Alberto LingriaWho is Halil Umut Meler?Halil Umut Meler is a Turkish football referee.Meler was born on August 1, 1986 in Izmir, Turkey.Together with his wife, he has one child, born in 2023.He has been listed with FIFA since 2017 and in 2022 became a member of the UEFA Elite.READ MORE ON MELERWhat happened to Halil Umut Meler?In December 2023 referee Meler was punched by Faruk Koca.Meler was confronted by Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, shortly after Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday, December 11.Footage shows Koca swinging and hitting the unsuspecting official after invading the pitch at full-time.After being struck, Meler fell to the floor and was then, horrifically, kicked by another person while protecting his face.Most read in Euro 2024This person has remained unidentified.Meler was then helped to his feet by a group of players, coaching staff and security who had raced to the scene. He was taken away to the changing rooms to safety.A huge black eye was already visible as he made his way off the pitch after the incident.Various media outlets have reported that he went to hospital for treatment for his injuries.All Turkish matches in all leagues were indefinitely suspended as a result of the violence.Horror moment referee is floored by punch from CLUB PRESIDENT who gets arrested – as Turkey postpones all footballThe Turkish Football Federation said it condemned the “inhumane and despicable” attack on Meler.In a statement released a number of hours after the incident, the federation said: “We are following Halil Umut Meler’s health condition closely and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee.”This inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish Football. Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime.”The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today.”In coordination with our state, all criminal proceedings deserved have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.”The responsible club, the club president, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.”By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino released his own statement, saying: “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. “Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Çaykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.”Who is Faruk Koca?Koca is a Turkish politician , businessman and sports manager.He has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021 and was awarded the Fair Play manager of the month award in October 2022. Shortly after the incident, Turkish outlet Hurriyet reported that Koca would be detained for hitting Meler.The following day, December 12, Sky Sports reported that a Turkish court had ordered the arrest of Koca.Two other suspects were also reportedly remanded in custody over the violence.Turkey’s justice minister Yilmaz Tunc then revealed on social media that Koca and two others had been formally arrested for “injuring a public official” after giving statements to prosecutors.Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tunc added: “The investigation is continuing meticulously”.Has Halil Umut Meler officiated at major tournaments before?Meler has officiated major tournaments before, such as:In April 2024 he was selected to officiate at the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.What else has Halil Umut Meler done before?Meler officated 171 matches for the Turkish League from the 2015/16 season to the 2023/24 season.He refereed 49 matches for major tournaments in Europe.Has Halil Umut Meler used VAR before?Halil Umut Meler has used VAR before.VAR was introduced in the 2018/19 season in the Turkish League, where Meler is refereeing.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn April 2024 the Turkish Super Lig announced that they appoint foreign assistant referees for important matches until the end of the season after there were claims of bias.Officials are from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More