Europa League Referee Announced: Fenerbahçe Fans Protest VAR Official Benjamin Brand’s Return
German referee Sascha Stegemann has been appointed for Fenerbahçe's UEFA Europa League match against Slavia Prague.
Fenerbahçe, will face a critical away match against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League
The match, scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM, will be officiated by Sascha Stegemann from the German Football Association.
Stegemann will be assisted by Marco Achmüller and Cristof Günsch, with Florian Badstübner serving as the fourth official.
FAN REACTION TO VAR REFEREE APPOINTMENT
Benjamin Brand has been appointed as the VAR referee for Fenerbahçe’s away match against Slavia Prague in the 5th week of the UEFA Europa League. This decision has sparked criticism from Fenerbahçe fans, as Brand also served as the VAR referee in last season’s match where Fenerbahçe drew 2-2 against Sivasspor after conceding a penalty in stoppage time.
In that match, Brand intervened in the 90+4th minute for a penalty review, which led to Sivasspor scoring a penalty and securing a 2-2 draw, dealing a significant blow to Fenerbahçe’s championship hopes.
Following the match, referee analysts stated that the VAR intervention in the incident was incorrect. Fans, believing Brand made a wrong decision in that match, expressed strong reactions on social media against UEFA’s appointment of him for the Slavia Prague encounter.
