Turkish referee set to take charge of 2nd Celtic match for RB Leipzig clash

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Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler will take charge of Tuesday evening’s Champions League match between Celtic and RB Leipzig [UEFA].

The 36-year-old will be joined on the touchline by fellow countryman Mustafa Eyisoy and Cevdet Komurcuoglu as his assistants and Arda Kardesler as his fourth official.

Italian officiating duo Massimiliano Irrati and Paolo Valeri will also join the refereeing team on VAR duties.

The experienced whistler has taken charge of many huge games in the past, including derby match-ups between Besiktas and Fenerbahce back in Turkey. So, it is fair to say he is used to a loud atmosphere.

Alongside his domestic experience, the referee has also become a regular in UEFA club and international competitions.

Last campaign, Meler was the man in the middle of three UEFA Champions League games, such as Bayern Munich vs Dynamo Kyiv and Manchester City’s last-sixteen clash against Sporting CP.

Some Celtic supporters may even recognise the referee’s name or face from a previous meeting. Meler took charge of the Hoops 4-2 victory away from home against Jablonec last August. 

During the Bhoys’ victory in the Czech Republic, he handed out just three yellow cards, with Celtic’s only caution of the game going to left-back Greg Taylor.

So far, in the 2022/23 season, Meler is yet to officiate a Champions League game. So, Tuesday’s match against RB Leipzig will mark his first of the campaign.

Of course, as always in the Champions League, the Video Assistant Referee system will be in place at Celtic Park.

Last Wednesday, the Hoops saw VAR come to their aid, with RB Leipzig having two goals chopped off due to tight offside calls.

However, going into this week’s match, Ange Postecoglou will be hoping his side can win the game their way rather than relying on refereeing calls.

It should prove to be another exciting night inside Paradise, and hopefully, we aren’t left ruing any poor decisions made by the officials on the night.

In other news, Celtic defender discusses ‘dream’ scenario that could take place against RB Leipzig.