UEFA has removed referee Gil Manzano from Euro 2024 following reports from Spanish outlet Carrusel Deportivo. Manzano, who officiated the group stage match between France and Austria, where he issued a caution to Kylian Mbappe for reentering the pitch without instruction, will no longer be involved in the tournament after just one game.
Initial reports suggested Manzano’s departure was due to an urgent need in Spain’s arbitration commission. However, Relevo reported that UEFA dismissed him based on his performance at Euro 2024.
Manzano, known for his experience in high-profile matches such as El Clasico, has been involved in controversies before. Last season, he gained attention for sending off Jude Bellingham during a heated La Liga fixture between Valencia and Real Madrid. His decision to disallow a goal by Bellingham sparked protests, leading to criticism and a brief absence from refereeing duties in La Liga.
Manzano’s dismissal means he will not officiate any matches in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. In his place, Poland’s Szymon Marciniak and Premier League referee Michael Oliver have been appointed for the last 16 ties. Marciniak will oversee Saturday’s match between Italy and Switzerland, while Oliver has been assigned to the game between Germany and Denmark.
