The Belgian is one of the referees that Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, mentioned at the end of the first leg on his list of referees that, in his view, have benefited Barcelona in recent seasons of the Champions League. UEFA has made the nominations from this season in the hands of Pierluigi Collina. Mourinho will not be very happy by choosing one of his main repudiated.
In particular, De Bleeckere officiated last year's second leg of the semifinal between Barcelona and Inter Milan, coached by Mourinho at that time. The referee send-off Thiago Motta in the first half, but the Italian team withstood the pressure of its opponent and could be classified for the final, despite the defeat that Italian team suffered (1-0).
The match looks very rough for Belgian referee after what happened in the first leg, when the Pepe's send-off bristled Real Madrid and especially its coach, who was also send-off and could be punished by UEFA with several games after his strong criticism at press conference.
De Bleeckere (45) will retire next season. Some people interpreted his nomination as a reward. Others, like a punishment from UEFA to Mourinho for his allegations. He refereed Real Madrid for five times (one win). Barça six (won four). This public relations for company of stairs (he speaks four languages) is the third generation in a family of referees and international since 1998. A referee who has already committed several mistakes against Madrid, very significant in Liverpool.
 |
| Frank De Bleeckere |
