Explainers

PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver has been chosen as one of England’s representatives at Euro 2020.A familiar face to English football fans, Oliver is one of 18 officials appointed by the Uefa Referees’ Committee and will take part in his first major international tournament.
Michael Oliver was in charge of Sheffield United’s controversial game against Aston Villa when the Blades clearly had a goal not given that was over the lineCredit: AFP
It will cap off a long but productive season for the 36-year-old, who officiated in every matchday of the top flight season and took charge of May’s FA Cup final as Leicester beat Chelsea.
Who is Michael Oliver?
Born in Ashington, Northumberland, Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.
By 2007 he became the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.
Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.
Michael Oliver awarded a controversial penalty to Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018 and sent off Gianluigi BuffonCredit: REUTERS
Michael Oliver took charge of Blackburn’s game with Birmingham in 2010 when he was just 25 years oldCredit: PA:Empics Sport
In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.
He was selected for Champions League duty in 2016 where he took charge of three group stage games.
Oliver was caught up in controversy in April 2018 when he refereed to Champions League quarter final second leg between Real Madrid and Juventus.
In injury time and with the aggregate score level at 3-3, Oliver awarded Real Madrid a controversial penalty and, in the melee, sent off Juventus Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

In the aftermath, police investigated threatening messages sent to Oliver’s wife after her phone number was leaked on social media.
Buffon was rapped for his explosive post-match interview.
The Italian legend clearly let himself down when he said: “The team gave their all, but a human being cannot destroy dreams like that at the end of an extraordinary comeback on a dubious situation.
“The referee has a trashcan where his heart should be.
“On top of that, if you don’t have the character to walk on a pitch like this in a stadium like this, you can sit in the stands with your wife, your kids, drinking your Sprite and eating crisps.”
What games is he taking charges of at Euro 2020?
This has not yet been confirmed but he is expected to officiate in the group stages of the tournament.
Is Michael Oliver allowed to take charge of England games at Euro 2020?
No.
Referees are not allowed to officiate matches involving the team from their association, the same as applies in Champions League and Europa League matches. More

ROMANIAN referee Ovidiu Hategan just the medicine for any controversies at this summer’s European Championships – given he is a qualified doctor.The 40-year-old took charge of European ties involving Liverpool, Manchester United and Rangers over the past year.
Ovidiu Hategan shows Wales’ Connor Roberts a red card during the Dragons’ 2022 World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic
Hategan also refereed the first leg of the Champions League quarter final between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in April, controversially ruling out a Jude Bellingham goal for the Germans.
He has also been investigated over failing to implement claims of racism and was the referee during one of last season’s most controversial matches.
Who is Ovidiu Hategan?
Born in Arad, Hategan initially graduated in medicine and later worked as a GP in his homeland.
After switching to refereeing, Hategan was given his big break in 2006 where he whistled in Romania’s Liga 1.
By 2008 he became a Fifa listed referee and four years later, made his bow in the Champions League group stage.
Why was Hategan investigated by Uefa?
In 2013, Hategan became embroiled in controversy when the then Uefa President Michel Platini called for an investigation after Hategan failed to apply the protocol for dealing with alleged racial chanting aimed at Yaya Toure during CSKA Moscow’s game with Manchester City.
Hategan was later cleared of any blame.
Hategan broke down in tears after Holland’s draw with Germany – it was later revealed he found out at half time his mother had died
During a Nations League game between Netherlands and Germany in 2018, Hategan was informed at half-time that his mother had passed away.
After being given the option to be replaced, he chose to continue and officiate the second half.
Visibly upset, Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk consoled Hategan at the end of the game.
In 2018 Hategan was also dropped from the Fifa World Cup referees list after admitting a mistake, wrongly awarding Switzerland a penalty kick in their win over Northern Ireland, which denied Michael O’Neil’s side a shot at the finals.
Hategan was also embroiled in controversy last year when he sent off Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo.
Cameroonian Webo claimed his fourth official Sebastian Coltescu called him “the black one” on the bench during a Champions League game between Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris Saint-Germain.
Coltescu was later suspended for the rest of the season after BOTH sets of players walked off the pitch before the game was finished a day later.
Istanbul Basaksehir assistant Pierre Webo accused Hategan’s fourth official of calling him ‘the black one’ before the official was suspendedCredit: EPA

What games is he taking charges of at Euro 2020?
This has not yet been confirmed but he is expected to officiate in the group stages of the tournament. More