UEFA Confirm Europa Ref – Bad News for Celtic Trio

Domestic action takes a back seat until after Thursday night. Right now, it’s all about the Europa League!

The bhoys travel to Denmark hoping to steal a march on Copenhagen in their last 32 doubleheader. The bhoys who head out onto the field on Thursday will be the first Celtic team to play a competitive game under VAR.

This means the circus we’ve all seen in the Champions League and Premier League is coming to us. VAR might be there to assist the referee but as always, the man in the middle will have the final say. There will be a screen trackside for the game and the referee will be able to go over and have a look at replays before making a final decision.

So who will be the man in charge on Thursday night?

It’s Russian referee Sergei Karasev who will be flanked by an all Russian ensemble.

Sergei has taken charge of four European games this term; three in the Champions League and one in the Europa. The referee isn’t shy about getting his yellow card out as he’s averaged 5 yellow cards a game in Europe. The whistler has also given out 50 yellows in 13 games domestically. However, he’s only sent two players off this season in all competitions with both receiving second yellows, while has yet to give a straight red. (Stats by TransferMarkt)

cwww.teesfortims.comCeltic should be wary of the fact the referee hands out yellows fairly easily. It could cost some of our players a place in the squad for the second leg with a few first-team stars walking a suspension tight rope. Odsonne Edouard, Christopher Jullien and Ryan Christie are all one yellow away from a suspension.

Referee Sergei Karasev (RUS)