German referee Daniel Siebert will be in charge for this Thursday’s Europa League clash between Celtic and CFR Cluj.
Neil Lennon’s men go into the Parkhead match knowing that a win is likely to take them to the top of the group. They’re trying to back up an impressive draw in Rennes on matchday one and quadruple their points tally in the process.
That Brittany draw was marred by some questionable refereeing decisions. Spaniard Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez denied Ryan Christie what looked like a stonewall penalty kick before sending off substitute Vakoun Issouf Bayo when it looked like he had done little wrong.
Celtic vs Cluj referee will have to be on his game
And the cards may be a sign of things to come this Thursday, given the fact that Siebert is in charge. The 35-year-old looks to dish out bookings and has given out at least four in each of his last seven European matches. The German has also sent off a couple of players in that time so the Celtic and Cluj players will have to be on their best behaviour in what could be a feisty affair.
The two Champions League qualifying ties always had a bit of needle in them and that’s sure to be ramped up on Thursday given Celtic’s likely thirst for revenge.
Siebert, meanwhile, shouldn’t be too overawed by the prospect of a packed Celtic Park. He officiated in the East End of Glasgow in the summer of 2015, taking charge of our 2-0 success against Icelandic side Stjarnan.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
