Man United fans & Paul Scholes might not be happy with UEFA referee decision for Europa League final v Spurs

Despite having a historically bad season, Manchester United do have a chance to salvage, silverware and Champions League qualification, by winning the Europa League final against Tottenham next week.

The Red Devils beat Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals and will be hoping to repeat their level of performance next week, as they won the last-four tie 7-1 on aggregate.

The final provides Ruben Amorim’s side a shot at Champions League football next season, which would give them a cash boost and more pulling power when recruiting players in the summer transfer window.

UEFA confirm referee for Europa League final

United fans may not be happy with the referee appointment ahead of the game against Tottenham, due to previous history with the official in question.

UEFA have appointed German referee Felix Zwayer to take charge of the match, making it his 11th European match so far this season. Zwayer has shown 148 yellow cards in 31 matches this season. He has also produced six red cards in that time.

He was last seen during Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last week, when they fell 2-1 in the second leg. He gave six yellow cards during the game and also gave a penalty against the Gunners.

United fans may recognise the referee, but not from this season. His last game involving the Red Devils was against Sevilla in 2023, when the two teams drew 2-2 at Old Trafford in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Zwayer decided to show Bruno Fernandes a yellow card when the ball hit his hand at very close range. It meant that the United captain missed the second leg of the tie, when United went on to lose 3-0 in Spain.

Afterwards, former United midfielder Paul Scholes criticised Zwayer for the decision. He said: “Ridiculous, I thought the referee was poor all night. Any sign of a foul he couldn’t wait to get his yellow card out – just give the free-kick? It’s not intentional, he’s stood a yard away from him.”

United fans will hope that Zwayer won’t make a similar decision against Spurs, as they search for their first piece of silverware in the Amorim era.

Other officials for the game

Zwayer’s assistants for the final will be Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz. Kempter has been the first assistant in 10 games this year, including games in the Saudi Pro League, Champions League, Bundesliga, and Nations League.

Dietz has also officiated in 10 games this season, the majority of which have been with Kempter. The pair were last seen during a Saudi Pro League match between Al Shabab and Al Ahli.

Maurizio Mariani will be the fourth official, he was last seen as the referee during Tottenham’s semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt, when Ange Postecoglou’s side won 2-0. He showed three yellow cards during that game.

The VAR will be Bastian Dankert, who has refereed 17 games this season, showing 53 yellow cards and two red cards. He was last seen during a Bundesliga game between Werder Bremen and RB Leipzig which ended in a 0-0 draw.

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