Euro 2024 has seen the unexpected departure of referee Gil Manzano, who has been 'dismissed' by UEFA and will no longer officiate any matches in the tournament. The decision was reported by Spanish outlet Carrusel Deportivo.
Manzano, who had officiated the group stage match between France and Austria, where he booked Kylian Mbappe for reentering the pitch without instruction, is returning home after refereeing just one game.
Initial reports suggested that Manzano was urgently needed in Spain due to a vacancy on the arbitration commission. However, Relevo claimed that UEFA dismissed him for his performance at Euro 2024.
Known for his experience in high-profile matches, including several El Clasico games, Manzano has faced controversy in the past. Last season, he made headlines for sending off Jude Bellingham during a contentious La Liga fixture between Valencia and Real Madrid.
Gil Manzano disallowed a goal by Bellingham, blowing his whistle just before the England star scored, which led to Bellingham's protest and subsequent sending off. The decision drew significant criticism, resulting in an unofficial two-match ban where Manzano was left without refereeing duties for two La Liga game weeks.
Manzano's dismissal means he will not officiate any games in the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
In his absence, Poland's Szymon Marciniak and Premier League referee Michael Oliver are among the officials appointed for the last 16 ties. Marciniak will referee Saturday's match between Italy and Switzerland, while Oliver has been appointed to officiate the game between Germany and Denmark.
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