Tonight's Champions League clash between Celtic and Real Madrid requires a 'strong' referee, according to ex-officials.
Former whistlers Des Roache and Steve Conroy insist the man in the middle this evening will need to handle the 'full-on' approach the Hoops will likely employ. Switzerland's Sandro Scharer will take charge at Parkhead as the Scottish champions welcome Europe's top dogs. And the former refs reckon Ange Postecoglou's men will get in the faces of their opponents with their high tempo.
Roache and Conroy both agree the Swiss will need to be strong and allow both sides to play attacking football under the lights in Glasgow's east end. Carlo Ancelotti's will certainly be looking for goals as they hope for a rerun of last year's Champions League triumph. On the other hand, with Celtic's form of late the home side will put up a fair fight in front of a noisy home support. However, it's the referee's performance that’s make or break and the former officials are hoping for a strong performance from the man with the whistle.
Speaking on behalf of OLBG, Conroy said: "It's hugely important who the referee is. Celtic are high tempo, they're always in peoples faces. They are non-stop, it will take a referee who is strong and with conviction in themselves to understand that a full-on way of playing football isn't bad, but they're gonna be right in Madrid's face. The referee needs to be strong to recognise that."
Addressing the need for a strong man in the middle, fellow ex-official Des Roache added: "You need a strong referee in any Champions League game. Celtic are very high tempo but aren't known for being an overly physical team, and Madrid always try to play football the right way. The referee needs to allow both teams to play their attacking brand of football. I'm expecting it to be a great game, we're going to get a blood and thunder game."
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