Champions League final referee: Daniel Siebert’s record against Arsenal and PSG
The German referee Daniel Siebert has experience officiating both Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain.
With the Champions League final looming, everyone will be hoping that the talking points at half and full time of the big game will be purely football ones and not centred on the officiating. The man in the middle of the big occasion is Daniel Siebert from Berlin.
The German referee is no stranger to the big stage and has been regularly involved in this season’s Champions League. He also has major tournament experience, including at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
Arsenal fans may remember Siebert from their semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid. Many pundits, including David Beckham, believed the Spanish side were very hard done by not to be awarded a penalty in that match.
A good luck omen for both sides
Indeed, both Arsenal and PSG have reason to view Siebert as something of a good luck charm. Neither team has lost a game in which the 42-year-old has been the referee. On Saturday, however, that will have to change, one way or the other.
Arsenal have a perfect record with Siebert in charge, winning all four games, including this season against Sporting CP and Atleti. They also only picked up three yellow cards in those matches and no red cards, although they never saw a penalty in their favour either.
Daniel Siebert’s record against Arsenal
Mixed memories for PSG
PSG, meanwhile, have won three of their four games when Siebert has been the referee. Their most recent experience, however, came this season when he oversaw their draw in Bilbao against Athletic Club back in December.
Much like Arsenal, the French champions have never been awarded a red card or a penalty kick by Siebert. When it comes to yellow cards, however, their tally is much higher with six.
Given that Arsenal have had two recent and important wins with Siebert in charge, while PSG have only that disappointing draw in the Basque Country to look back on this season, the German referee may be a kindlier sight for Arsenal eyes on Saturday.
Daniel Siebert’s record against PSG
Something has to give
One way or another, one of PSG and Arsenal will have to suffer their first defeat in a game officiated by Siebert on Saturday, even if it is by means of a penalty shootout.
Time will tell also if he is to award a first red card or penalty for either side. Whatever happens, we can only hope that all this remains as a curious sidenote and that the refereeing doesn’t become a focal point of discussion after the game.
