UEFA has suspended two prominent Polish referees from officiating in its matches until June 2025 after an absurd incident on the morning of a Champions League qualifier between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv.
Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were replaced as VAR officials before the third qualifying round match in Lublin, Poland on 6 August for allegedly stealing road sign.
According to local media reports, the duo had been drinking and were stopped by police with another man in the early hours having moved a road sign.
UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body said on Friday the Polish referees were banned for violating “basic rules of decent conduct” and for bringing the sport and Uefa into disrepute.
Police confirmed that the men had been caught on CCTV cameras carrying the sign and were detained.
The accused men were reportedly breathalysed and had alcohol in their systems . Fines were imposed upon them later.
Frankowski and Musial released statements of apology, and made a commitment to cooperate with the police without aggression.
“I feel very sorry and – in purely human terms – stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow over many years of hard work, Musial said.
“I am aware of the consequences that await me, but I hope that I will be able to rehabilitate myself and rebuild your trust.”
Frankowski, on the other hand, said, “Throughout my 22 years of refereeing I have tried to discharge my duties professionally and avoid any blemishes on my image.
“I made a terrible mistake that I deeply regret. I will accept the consequences with humility, but at the same time I would like to hope that I will be able to rebuild your trust someday.”
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Frankowski and Musial were intended to be the video assistant referee (VAR) and VAR assistant for the Champions League qualifier but were replaced by other officials from the Polish Football Association.
Both the referees were also suspended by the Polish FA in August.
As far as the Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv game is concerned, the match was drawn 1-1. Rangers suffered a 2-0 defeat at home the following week that meant Dynamo won on aggregate.
