In a bizarre turn of events ahead of the Champions League preliminary round match between Glasgow Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv, two Polish VAR referees found themselves in hot water after being arrested for public intoxication and attempting to steal a road sign in Lublin, Poland. Bartosz Frankowski, the main referee, and his assistant, Tomasz Musial, were apprehended in the early hours of the morning, with blood alcohol levels exceeding 1.5 grams per liter, significantly above the legal driving limit in France of 0.5 grams per liter.
Following their arrest, both referees were placed in a sobering cell and have since been replaced for the upcoming match by fellow Polish officials Tomasz Kwiatkowski and Pawel Malec. The Polish Football Federation has announced a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability in the sport. If the allegations are confirmed, the Federation's College of Judges is expected to recommend the termination of the referees' contracts, which, according to reports, has already occurred.
In their public apologies, both Frankowski and Musial expressed deep regret for their actions, acknowledging the irresponsibility and unprofessionalism displayed. Musial stated, "I feel very sorry and – purely human – stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behavior will cast a shadow over many years of hard work." Frankowski echoed these sentiments, emphasizing his cooperation with the police during the incident and the subsequent fine imposed on him.
This unusual incident raises questions about the integrity and professionalism expected from officials in high-stakes matches like the Champions League, highlighting the importance of maintaining decorum and responsibility in the sport.
- The UEFA website has updated its list of referees for the match, confirming the replacements. This incident has not only affected the referees' careers but also poses a significant embarrassment for the Polish Football Federation, which is now under scrutiny for its oversight of officiating standards.
- The repercussions of such behavior can be far-reaching, impacting the reputation of the referees and the integrity of the matches they officiate. As sports organizations strive to maintain high standards, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of professionalism in all aspects of the game.
