The Champions League game between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers has been marred by controversy as two Polish referees, Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial, were removed from their positions following reports of improper behavior. The Polish FA (PZPN) announced on Tuesday that an investigation was underway after the referees were allegedly involved in an incident in Lublin, Poland.
Bartosz Frankowski, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at Euro 2024, was set to serve as the VAR for the third qualifying round first-leg game, with Tomasz Musial acting as his assistant. However, UEFA decided to replace them with Tomasz Kwiatkowski and Pawel Malec for the match. The reasoning behind their removal was not disclosed by UEFA, but the Polish FA stated that it was due to reports of improper behavior.
According to Polish media reports, the two referees were witnessed carrying a road sign down a street in Lublin, leading to concerns about their conduct. Subsequently, the police intervened and conducted alcohol level checks, following which the referees were taken to a sobering-up room in the early hours of the morning. The exact nature of their behavior that prompted the investigation has not been clarified.
In response to the incident, the PZPN released a statement indicating that the College of Referees would be conducting a thorough analysis of the situation. The statement expressed the association’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the officiating staff involved in the Champions League qualifying match. No further details were provided regarding the outcomes of the investigation or potential sanctions for the referees involved.
The removal of Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial from their officiating roles has undoubtedly raised questions about the integrity of the refereeing crew appointed for the game. The last-minute change in referees could potentially disrupt the flow of the match and impact the decision-making process during crucial game moments. It remains to be seen how the replacement referees, Tomasz Kwiatkowski and Pawel Malec, will handle the high-stakes encounter.
The incident involving the Polish referees has cast a shadow over the upcoming Champions League game between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers. The implications of their alleged improper behavior are significant, as it calls into question the professionalism and ethical standards expected from match officials at the highest level of European football. The outcome of the investigation by the Polish FA will ultimately determine the repercussions for the referees involved and the future of their officiating careers.